Unvented roof systems, where the insulation and air barrier are applied directly to the underside of the roof deck, are common in applications where designers are seeking cost-effective and energy-efficient roof assemblies. However, designers of compact roof assemblies must consider vapor permeance and arrangement of the roofing materials to produce acceptable hygrothermal performance and low risk of condensation in the conditioned attic space. To this end, the 2015 version of the International Building Code (IBC) includes new provisions relating to unvented attic and unvented enclosed rafter assemblies that dictate how designers specify vapor retarders and placement of insulation in compact roof assemblies for condensation control.
The major cause of foundation-related problems is water. Hence Waterproofing systems are very critical to keeping foundations dry. Like air control above grade, it is important to consider water control below grade as a system solution, and not just as a single component.
For projects with tight timeframes and stringent performance requirements, PMMA/PUMA technology coatings and membranes are appealing due to its ultra-fast cure time, even in extreme weather conditions, and long-term durability.
The use of continuous insulation (ci) for a warm wall design creates an opportunity to leverage newer energy code insulation requirements in a way that also improves the building’s moisture performance.
Thermoplastic roofing membranes, one of the fastest growing forms of low-slope roofing products, come in different material families, including thermoplastic olefin (TPO), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and PVC alloy. Some attributes shared by TPO and PVC membranes include long-term weathering resistance, cold temperature flexibility, resistance to tear, puncture, and chemicals, and heat-seaming capability.
