Aluminum Windowsill Anchorage and Supplemental Waterproof Flashing Design Practices March 11, 2020 Sill flashing designs are among the most challenging aspects of aluminum window system design and installation on both new installations and replacement projects. While the aluminum window system components and window performance criteria are often well illustrated and presented by the manufacturer, providing a waterproof transition of the windowsill to the supporting substrate can be […] Read More
Understanding ES-1: Proper Specification and Implementation March 11, 2020 32 • IIBEC InterfaceCEMarch 2020 ANSI/SPRI/FM 4435/ES-1 (ES-1) provides a basis for laboratory testing of roof perimeter metal edge flashings (except gutters). It is also referenced as a requirement in the International Building Code (IBC) for metal fascia (gravel stop) and copings used with built-up, polymer-modified-bitumen and single-ply membrane roof systems. Proper specification and implementation […] Read More
“Shake-Style” Asphalt Shingles – Design Defect Prone to Hail Damage February 01, 2020 When you are passionate about roofing and sustainability, as I am, it is difficult to watch roofs being replaced so frequently due to alleged damage from hail impacts. The research for this article began in 2013 when I first saw shake-style asphalt composition shingle roofs with hail damage. At this project, there were 47 multiunit […] Read More
Structural Concrete Decks, Vapor Retarders, and Moisture – Rethinking What We Know February 01, 2020 INTRODUCTION AND CURRENT PRACTICES Ever since we have been installing roofing systems on structural concrete decks, roofing professionals have known that an important factor in how well an installation will perform over time depends on the concrete deck being a suitable substrate for the roofing system. Generally, we use terms such as “clean,” “smooth,” “even,” […] Read More
Towards Codification of Energy Losses From fasteners on Commercial Roofing Assemblies February 01, 2020 INTRODUCTION Building energy codes and standards, such as ASHRAE 90.1, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings; the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC); and the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB), provide minimum requirements for the design of energy-efficient roofs. They also present approaches to determine the thermal transmittance (U-value) of the […] Read More
Modified Bitumen Can Both Look Good and Be ‘Cool’ January 01, 2020 The Cool Roof Rating Council, Title 24, reflectivity, emissivity, and cool roofs are all “hot topics” related to current roofing materials and/or systems— particularly in warmer climates and geographic areas implementing related ordinances. The color of roof surfaces and their solar reflectance characteristics have become important components in the material selection of roof coverings and […] Read More
“Low-Slope Roofs are Rotting: Case Study Resolution” By Dwight Benoy, Pamela Jergenson, and Gary C. Patrick January 01, 2020 “Low-Slope Roofs Are Rotting” was an article published in July 2016 in Interface journal about three buildings in a northern United States climate experiencing premature deterioration of their roofs due to moisture condensation within the roof assembly. The full paper can be found on IIBEC’s website here: http://rci-online. org/wp-content/uploads/2016-07-benoy- jergenson.pdf. The following article is a […] Read More
“Potholes” in a Mod-Bit Roof Membrane – Lichen Attack January 01, 2020 INTRODUCTION This article describes the interaction between a naturally occurring lichen and a modified-bituminous (mod-bit) roof membrane. I have not found this topic discussed by anyone in roofing literature. The growth of this lichen is very slow in relation to the expected life span of a mod-bit roof membrane. As a result, the roof will […] Read More
Polyiso Foam Insulation – A Refresher January 01, 2020 10 • IIBEC InterfaceCEJanuary 2020 ABSTRACT Thermal insulation is an important part of commercial roofing assemblies, with polyisocyanurate foam, or polyiso, being the most common form today. As energy costs have risen, understanding the exact insulation value of this material (i.e., its thermal resistance or R-value) has become more important. Knowledge of thermal resistance can […] Read More
Qualifications-Based Selection of the Design Professional: Providing Pbulic Owners With the Best Value Through a Fair, Open, and Transparent Selection Process December 10, 2019 Over the past several years, the procurement of professional design services for construction projects in the United States and Canada has expanded to incorporate various methods. This paper will examine qualifications-based selection (QBS) as a basis for awarding professional services contracts on publicly funded construction projects. THE DESIGNER’S ROLE IN THE DESIGN-BID-BUILD PROCESS The design-bid-build […] Read More
