SPRI Develops Ten ANSI-Approved standards May 15, 2011 Roof consultants are in a unique–and often challenging– position on the building team. Not only must they be familiar with every low- and steep-sloped roofing system known to man, they also need to address code requirements; sources of moisture not related to the roof; and a plethora of cladding, masonry, and sealant issues. Add to […] Read More
Drift Joints Provide an Avenue for Water Intrusion Into Wall Cavities May 15, 2011 Any “break” in the continuity of a weatherexposed, three-coat cement plaster exterior wall system increases the opportunity for uncontrolled moisture to penetrate the exterior plane and enter through the cladding. “Uncontrolled rainwater penetration and moisture ingress remain two of the most common threats to the structural integrity and performance of the building enclosure.”1 Commonly referred […] Read More
The Certified Solar Roofing Professional (CSRP) Credential: Realizing The Promise Of Roof-Mounted Photovoltaics May 15, 2011 There is little question that roofmounted photovoltaics (PV) have ushered in a new era in the roofing industry, and with this change comes a promise of new careers; business opportunities for contractors, consultants, and manufacturers; and opportunities for energy cost savings to building owners. Realizing these promises for all stakeholders demands new levels of knowledge […] Read More
Bonded Pull Tests: Not Just for Roof Membranes Anymore A Review of ASTM E2359 May 15, 2011 Those of us who have been involved in building envelope consulting for any period of time have either performed, observed, or read about the bonded pull test for roof membranes. These tried-and-true tests are some of the best ways to perform a roof test in the field to measure the uplift and negative pressure capacity […] Read More
Masonry-Meddling In Its Mysteries Of Moisture Migration May 15, 2011 There has been a dramatic increase in complaints regarding water intrusion through masonry walls in recent years, according to several building envelope consultants. Has something changed to generate the deluge of problems? This treatise is intended to stimulate the thought processes relative to masonry construction’s problems in general terms and not to address all possible […] Read More
Efflorescence–The White Whiskers of Winter May 15, 2011 Scientists say that approximately 75% of the earth’s surface is covered with water. With that water-to-dry-land ratio, it’s obvious that the water “gets around”; and when it does, it usually means mischief. For this discussion, that mischief is efflorescence. One of the first signs of a moisture problem in cementitious materials is efflorescence. Depending on […] Read More
Vapor Permeability Provides No Performance Benefit for Roofing Underlayments in Ventilated Attics May 15, 2011 ABSTRACT Many manufacturers have introduced synthetic underlayments in the roofing market to serve as secondary water shedding barriers under roof shingles. Tradi – tional organic asphalt felt has served this purpose for years, but durability has diminished over time, and the product is inferior to recently available synthetic products made with layers of composite polyolefin. […] Read More
Lessons Learned From Curtain Wall Failure Investigations May 15, 2011 16 • I N T E R FA C E MA R C H 2011 Editor’s Note: This article is reprinted from the Proceedings of the RCI 2010 Building Envelope Technology Symposium in San Antonio, TX, November 8-9, 2010. INTRODUCTION Curtain walls are a form of exterior cladding that do not support floor or roof […] Read More
Understanding Tile Roof Performance Design and Performance May 15, 2011 Tile roofs may be made of clay, concrete, or manufactured ma – terial: strong, versatile, durable materials. For over a century, these roofs have been used successfully. They are now available in many architectural dimensions, adding an aesthetic appeal, be it American Colonial, Spanish Hacienda, or French Provincial. However, as with any moisturemanaged product, the […] Read More
What Do You Mean There Is No Base Flashing Height? How To Detail You Way Out Of (Almost) Anything May 15, 2011 Read More
