A new technical brief from SPRI, the trade association representing the manufacturers of single-ply roofing systems and related component materials, addresses construction-generated moisture and its impact on commercial roofing systems.
Construction-generated moisture comes from activities including pouring concrete, burning propane heaters, painting, plastering, and drywall finishing. These activities can contribute to excessive levels of relative humidity inside the structure when proper remediation measures are not taken. Accumulation of condensation within the roofing assembly and within the structure can result when the temperature is at or below the dew point.
To control moisture, designers must identify the sources of moisture and develop a remediation plan during the design process. To reduce the probability of condensation, buildings under construction must be adequately ventilated, particularly during concrete hydration and other high moisture-related construction activities.
SPRI recommendations include avoiding the use of wet materials or materials with excessive moisture, installing vapor retarders in the roof assembly, avoiding penetrating vapor barriers, installing at least two layers of insulation, and always sealing deck-to-wall joints and gaps around roof penetrations.
Related Stories
| Dec 18, 2014
Boston testing mobile building permit tracking app
The app called Permit Finder could free city employees from having to respond to the 30 to 40 permit status-related calls they receive each week.
| Dec 18, 2014
Deal on 2015 budget slashes most federal construction spending
The $1.1 trillion funding bill for fiscal year 2015 approved by Congress makes deep cuts in some construction programs, but the General Services Administration suffered just a short haircut by comparison.
| Dec 11, 2014
Mayor backs reform of Pittsburgh inspection, permitting practices
The proposal, among other things, would impose a rental registration program and fee targeted at keeping better track of problem landlords.
| Dec 11, 2014
Los Angeles mayor proposes earthquake retrofit program
The ambitious program would focus on some apartment buildings built before 1978 and concrete buildings constructed before 1976.
| Dec 11, 2014
Outdated building code hampering recruitment of high-tech businesses in New York State
New York State’s building code is outdated and is hampering the recruitment of high-tech employers, according to a coalition of construction, fire safety, and insurance industry groups.
| Dec 11, 2014
Defense Authorization Act rejects BRAC for 2017
The House of Representatives has passed the $584.2 billion Defense Authorization Act.
| Dec 4, 2014
New airports raising green standards to new heights
Recent airport designs are bigger and much more efficient, based on a look at recent projects in Mexico City, London, and China.
| Dec 4, 2014
Rock Hill, S.C., puts moratorium on multifamily construction
City officials say the flurry of apartment construction over the past year has strained resources, including public services and infrastructure.
| Dec 4, 2014
Ontario contractors renew push for prompt payment legislation
A new coalition of Ontario contractors, construction associations, suppliers and trade unions will push for a revival of prompt payment legislation late this year.
| Dec 4, 2014
Roofing material manufacturers extend research project on sustainable roofing
A coalition of trade groups is sponsoring continued analysis of a reroofing project at the Onondaga County Correctional Facility in Jamesville, New York.
