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Seeking Innovation in Roofing Systems

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June 7, 2017

Oak Ridge National Lab has partnered with GAF to host a technology challenge on roofing systems. The challenge is part of the online crowdsourcing site, JUMP, and aims to identify innovation solutions for ensuring energy-efficient and durable low-slope roofing systems employing concrete decks.

The National Roofing Contractors Association’s 2014-2015 Market Survey indicates that concrete decks represent about 14 percent of the new and retrofit low-slope construction market. In recent years, the roofing industry has become increasingly aware of the problems caused by moisture in concrete roof decks that migrates into the roofing system. Aside from leakage to the interior, moisture in roofing systems can have numerous negative consequences, including reduced thermal resistance of insulation and loss of strength of the insulation, cover board, adhesive, or fasteners.

The challenge is to develop new materials or installation methods that can be employed with a concrete deck so that the likelihood of having moisture-related problems is significantly reduced. Such an innovation can eliminate the energy penalties associated with high material moisture contents. The winner would receive $10K in cash sponsored by GAF and up to $20K in-kind support from ORNL technical scientists.

Register for a webinar to learn more about the challenge on June 29 from 2-3pm EST to learn more. Ideas will be accepted through Sunday, August 27, 2017.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory