The Wind Investigator: How To Approximate Wind Velocities At Roof Level May 15, 2005 In the wake of major hurricanes such as Katrina that recently devastated much of the Gulf Coast area near New Orleans, roofing professionals are often asked to investigate the cause of roof wind damages. A key to many damage investigations is approximating the maximum gust wind velocity experienced at roof level. Although wind velocity data […] Read More
Waterproofing Under Green (Garden) Roofs – Part 2 of 2 May 15, 2005 This is part two of a two-part series on waterproofing membranes under green (garden) roofs. The first part, published last month, traced the history of waterproofing membranes under plazas and earth-covered, below-grade spaces, and discussed the various types of waterproofing systems currently marketed and their advantages and disadvantages for use under green roof systems. This part covers the attributes of candidate membranes and offers a list of minimum physical properties proposed to satisfy the specific needs for those membranes exposed to continuous moist environments, aggressive chemicals, root invasion, and abusive maintenance. Additionally, it discusses failures and offers case studies to illustrate them. Read More
Moisture Control Requirements in Codes May 15, 2005 INTRODUCTION National model codes attempt to prescribe moisture control in various ways and fail miserably, sometimes unwittingly prescribing failure! One solution does not fit all! Potential national solutions that are less prescriptive and more performance-based are reviewed in this article. Moisture control in a building depends on three variables: 1) local weather and subsoil conditions, […] Read More
Planning Ahead for Stained Glass May 15, 2005 The appeal of art glass for adding beauty and mystery to communal and commercial space has been recognized for more than a thousand years. In medieval times, the installation of stained glass often took place years after the construction of the building. The same holds true today. In many cases, a client who wishes for […] Read More
Waterproofing Under Green (Garden) Roofs – Part 1 of 2 May 15, 2005 ABSTRACT Green vegetative roofs have become increasingly popular, encouraged by government and private groups who have focused on their ecological benefits. But in stressing these benefits, many proponents have ignored or dismissed the importance of the underlying waterproofing membrane upon which the success or failure of the green roof assembly depends. This article discusses the […] Read More
Improved Weather Resistance of Modified Bitumen Products Using Reflective Acrylic Elastomeric Roof coatings May 15, 2005 INTRODUCTION Low-slope roofing involves a variety of materials typically not used in steep-slope applications and certainly different from concrete roof tiles. A large percentage of low-slope roofing substrates involves asphaltic-type materials. Asphalt, a residue of the crude oil distillation process, is an ancient material that has been available for centuries. Asphalt is the predominant material […] Read More
