Meeting or Exceeding Building Codes
Building codes evolve over time and with experience. Fire requirements address both exterior and interior exposure. Especially since a number of severe hurricanes hit the U.S. every decade, wind requirements have become more stringent. Increased thermal resistance in order to meet ASHRAE 90.1 or LEED certification requirements (or both), along with providing more highly reflective roof systems, are also part of the energy equation.
Local building codes depend upon which version of the building or plumbing code is followed. All of these parameters are the responsibility of the roof designer, but in re-roofing or re-covering there may not be a licensed professional on the team.
Serving as a Platform for Rooftop Equipment
Virtually every low-slope roof system has equipment on the roof, from HVAC to other mechanical units that require periodic servicing. Recommendations include:
- Control roof access. Implement daily sign in sheets for any rooftop activity by anyone. Remember, the key to roof performance is the key that locks the roof hatch.
- Install rooftop walkways recommended by the roof manufacturer for protection.
- Address areas that don’t shed water properly. If you notice ponding, consider tapered insulation at the time of re-cover or adding more roof drains.
Resources
Virtually all materials manufacturers offer technical assistance when asked. Literature in the roofing file should be specific to the membrane actually in place, as well as copies of the roof warranties. What, no file? No better time to start one than right now!
Richard (Dick) L. Fricklas was technical director emeritus of the Roofing Industry Educational Institute prior to his retirement. He is co-author of The Manual of Low Slope Roofing Systems and continues to participate in seminars for the University of Wisconsin and RCI Inc., the Institute of Roofing, Waterproofing, and Building Envelope Professionals. His honors include the William C. Cullen Award and Walter C. Voss Award from ASTM, the J. A. Piper Award from NRCA, the William C. Correll award from RCI, and the James Q. McCawley Award from the MRCA. Dick holds honorary memberships in both ASTM and RCI Inc.
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