WJE has investigated numerous failures in low-slope roof systems installed over insulated framing spaces. In many cases, these failures are severe, involving decay and structural failure of the roof sheathing and top chords of wood roof trusses, even in climate zones with relatively moderate winter temperatures. A recent increase in the number of requests to investigate failures of these systems indicates that the issues causing these failures are not well understood by the building community.
In this article, building scientist Manfred Kehrer, engineer Elizabeth Pugh, and architect Norbert Krogstad review the causes of failures in low-slope roof systems installed over insulated framing spaces and how this type of failure can be avoided. The authors' analysis focuses on multistory, multifamily residential buildings conforming to NFPA 13.
This article appeared in the November 2024 issue of IIBEC Interface and is posted with their permission. This article was also presented at the 2024 IIBEC International Conference and Trade Show.
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Manfred Kehrer, Senior AssociateWJE Northbrook MORE >People | Manfred Kehrer, Senior Associate -
Elizabeth R. Pugh, Senior AssociateWJE Northbrook MORE >People | Elizabeth R. Pugh, Senior Associate -
Norbert V. Krogstad, PrincipalWJE Northbrook MORE >People | Norbert V. Krogstad, Principal -
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