Water Soluble Residue Found on Asphalt Roofing Products (“Tobacco-Juicing”)

The formation of a “tobacco-juice” residue, so named for its colour, has been widely attributed to the weathering of asphalt roofing (i.e. roof coatings, base and cap sheets and shingles – to name a few) or the exudation of asphalt fractions from the roofing material, regardless of their manufacturer. 

In fact, similar brown residues have been found on other non-asphaltic materials – indicating that the phenomenon can be environmental in nature and not wholly attributable to asphalt roofing. An investigation of this phenomenon concluded that environmental contamination or pollutant deposition was the major contributor to “tobacco-juicing.” 

Factors commonly present with “tobacco-juicing” are excessive air pollution accompanied by night-time dew conditions and prolonged lack of rain. Air pollutants can collect on roof surfaces with the formation of dew and subsequently run down onto lower roof surfaces, fascia and other finish surfaces. For steep slope applications, such as asphalt shingled roofs, “tobacco juicing” may drip off of the shingles and stain the siding. This accumulation of residue can continue until the surfaces are washed or significant rainfall occurs. The residue typically will not affect the performance of the roof and should not be considered a performance problem. 

For low slope applications, if any accumulation of this liquid residue occurs prior to coating, the proper bonding of coatings to the roof surface may be adversely affected. Preparation of the roof for coating should conform to the recommendations of the Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association (RCMA) and the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) to help ensure proper adhesion. Coating smooth surfaced roofing systems which are continuously subjected to “tobacco juicing” should be hosed off regularly, as “tobacco juicing” residue may cause the peeling of acrylic and aluminum coatings. 

Though it may not be possible to control environmental elements that cause the formation of the residue, the following recommendations can be utilized by the specifier, contractor or owner to minimize the aesthetic conditions associated with “tobacco-juicing.” 

• Require edge metal with a drip lip of parapet walls where the metal slopes outward, is rounded and has no existing lip on the outside edge to assure the residue-laden run-off will fall away from the building.
• Hose down the roof at regular intervals during long, dry periods of the first summer after installation. Note: this is not recommended where proper fall protection is not in place, or where steps have been taken to protect exterior surfaces that may come into contact with the wash-off – e.g. siding on a house without gutters.
• For low slope applications, the use of an aluminum coating or acrylic coating can minimize the aesthetic conditions. Coat all asphalt emulsions after they are thoroughly dried. Coat plastic cements and other solvent-based vehicle asphaltic products after they have cured for at least 30 days.
• Consult the specific material manufacturer for additional recommendations.

 

The effects associated with “tobacco-juicing” can be minimized if the necessary steps are taken by the specifier, contractor and owner. 

This article was prepared by the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association and is disseminated for informational purposes only. Nothing contained herein is intended to revoke or change the requirements or specifications of the individual roofing material manufacturers or local, state and federal building officials that have jurisdiction in your area. Nothing contained herein is intended to revoke or change the requirements or specifications of the individual roofing material manufacturers or local, state and federal building officials that have jurisdiction in your area. Any question, or injury, as to the requirements or specifications of a manufacturer, should be directed to the roofing manufacturer concerned. The user is responsible for assuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Nothing contained herein shall be interpreted as a warranty by ARMA, either express or implied, including, but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose or non-infringement. In no event shall ARMA be liable for any damages whatsoever, including special, indirect, consequential or incidental damages or damages for loss of profits, revenue, use of data, whether claimed in contract, tort or otherwise. Where exclusion of implied warranties is not allowed, ARMA’s liability shall be limited to the minimum scope and period permitted by law.