When is a “Waterproofing Membrane” Not a Waterproofing Membrane May 15, 2008 16 • I N T E R FA C E J U N E 2008 Waterproofing is a term that membrane manufacturers use loosely to describe any product that can retard the passage of water. The membranes may be in sheet form or liquid-applied. They are used above ground on spandrels and façades; on water-containment […] Read More
Slate Roofs Why Learn the Hard Way May 15, 2008 All roofing contractors do it at some point in time, don’t they? They bite off more than they can chew by diving into a project while lacking the necessary experience. It’s called “learning the hard way.” Since my area of expertise is in slate roofing and I only provide consulting services for such projects, I […] Read More
Rooftop Gardens – What Can We Do About the New Fire and Wind Code Requirements May 15, 2008 THE GREEN REVOLUTION The green revolution is over. A new paradigm exists. We are very much beyond the revolutionary phase of dramatic change in roofing practice. One revolution began in 1980. The “army” had been building for several years, but in 1980 the use of nonasphaltic systems exceeded 2% of the market for the first […] Read More
Wind Uplift Solutions: Increasing the Durability of Roofing Systems May 15, 2008 Hurricane damage to lowslope roofs is often extensive. As a result, building codes and wind design guidelines are changing. New solutions to wind uplift problems are being introduced that allow building owners and specifiers to design and build highly durable, standard-compliant, cost-effective roofs, regardless of where their buildings are located. Standards in a State of […] Read More
Optimized Design of Combined Disciplines: Steep-Sloped Roofing and Exterior-Wall Cladding May 15, 2008 The University of Chicago, chartered July 1, 1890, is located in the heart of the historic Hyde Park neighborhood on the South Side. The inventory of buildings on the campus includes an eclectic mix of Gothic forms with ages varying from 70- to 100-plus years to new facilities constructed within the past four to six […] Read More
Plaza Waterproofing and Green Roofing Utilizing Liquid-Applied Reinforced Polymeric Membranes May 15, 2008 At first glance, plaza waterproofing and green roofing might not appear to have much in common. After all, most plazas are at grade level or, at most, a few stories above the ground, while green roofs (garden roofs, landscaped roofs, etc.) are way up on top of the building. Though these applications may appear opposite […] Read More
Twenty-First Century Tile Roofs May 15, 2008 Although tile roofs are one of the oldest and most enduring types of roof covering known to man, the methods of application continue to evolve due to both innovations from manufacturers and requirements for improved performance. At a very rudimentary level, clay or concrete roof tiles provide a hard surface that sheds water away from […] Read More
