Credits: 1 AIA LU/HSW; 0.1 ICC CEU; 1 IIBEC CEH; 0.1 IACET CEU
Over time, changes in building codes have begun to challenge designers to meet life safety, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency requirements on wood-framed, mid-rise multi-family projects. When NFPA 13 sprinkler requirements are driving the design of the roof assembly, the risk of condensation often increases: While vented roof assemblies are elective in steep slope applications, the thermodynamics of a vented low-slope roof assembly make condensation more likely. To combat this, many designers opt to provide a non-vented assembly with rigid insulation above the roof deck. This approach will generally trigger NFPA 13 sprinkler requirements which many developers and general contractors attempt to side-step by filling the roof cavity with a non-combustible insulation. The additional insulation within the framing requires careful consideration of vapor control strategies. It is critical for enclosure consultants to understand the code requirements that pertain to Type V construction and be able to identify the risks associated with the various compliance paths. In this presentation we will examine the various paths to code compliance while still applying building science principles to limit condensation risk. Detailed roof system examples will be provided, demonstrating how these measures can enable durable AND code compliant roofing assemblies.
Learning objectives:
- Cover code changes and how they impact durability in roofing assemblies.
- Employ a vapor control strategy that meets the code requirements for life safety, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency.
- Describe the impact of value engineering decisions related to sprinklers on roof performance.
- Recognize how hygrothermal modeling can inform the amount, type, and placement of insulation in a roof assembly.