My Notes: AIA Roofing Technology Course “From B to T” Presented by Edis T. Oliver PE
1. Low slope structural concrete roofs require a vapor barrier. Asphalt can act as an adhesive and vapor barrier.2. Roofers should be certified, trained via roofing course (require certificate certification, and match up certificates to workers).
3. Single insulation layer failure due to insulation shrinking, screws creating thermal bridging, and screws resting just below skin.
4. TPO roof not cheaper than modified bituminous roof, if you do the exact same assembly (multiply, not single ply).
5. No asphalt kettles on single layer roof assembly, one of the few pros.
6. Roofing over an old roof last 2/3 as long as installing a new roof.
7. Avoid mechanically fastened single ply roof, use fully adhered
8. Avoid single layer roof insulation.
9. Avoid over-dependancy on manufacturer warranty.
10. A good assembly is key, and most skins are very similar.
11. MB roof better for a lot of foot traffic, i.e. accessing mechanical equipment.
12. Use traffic pads, and pipe hangers to protect roofs.
12. Roofs that are accessible get maintained. Roofs that aren’t easily accessible don’t get maintained.
*Presentation was geared mainly towards flat/low sloped commercial roofs, but lots of good roofing insight period.
Doug Cameron is a Healthy, High-Performance Builder & Remodeler with EcoSafe Spaces in Austin, TX.