Advanced Topics and Current Issues in Low-slope Roofing

Learning objectives for this new course include expanding on your ability to troubleshoot water- and wind-related failures, gaining a greater understanding of moisture mechanics and issues related to concrete roof decks, and recognizing some legal considerations and sustainability issues in the roofing industry.

Contractors, Owners’ Representatives, Architects, Forensic Engineers, Materials Specifiers, Product Manufacturers

Welcome and Student Introductions

Wind Design

• Fundamental concepts
• ASCE 7-10, ASCE 7-16 and ASCE 7-22 design wind load determination
• ASCE 7-22’s tornado loads
• Roof Wind Designer (www.roofwinddesigner)
• FM 1-28 and FM’s RoofNav calculator
• Wind resistance testing
• FM Approvals’ and UL Solutions’ classification

Moisture Control and Vapor- and Air-barrier Usage

• Moisture mechanics of materials
• Examples of designs gone wrong
• Designing to prevent moisture accumulation
• Hygrothermal simulations (WUFI software)

Sustainability in Roofing

• Definition
• Environmental, social, governance (ESG) statements
• Pre- and post-consumer recycled content in roofing products
• Product category rules
• Environmental product declarations
• Construction waste recycling and disposal

UL and FM

• Background of code-approved testing and certification agencies
• UL Solutions
• UL test methods
• UL’s Product iQ
• FM Global-insured buildings
• FM Global Loss Prevention Data Sheets
• FM Approvals’ testing
• FM Approvals’ RoofNav
• Manufacturers’ private-label arrangements

Edge Metal Testing (ES-1 and GT-1)

• Code requirements
• ANSI/SPRI/FM 4435/ES-1
• ANSI/SPRI 4435
• FM 4435
• NRCA’s edge metal testing and certifications
• Certification directory listings

Roof Design for Non-conventional Rooftop Uses

• Vegetative roof systems
• Rooftop paver and paver/pedestal systems
• Rooftop assembly occupancies
• Helipads
• Rooftop PV

Legal Considerations in Roofing

• Liability in roofing
• Indemnification clauses
• Statute of limitations and statute of repose in various states
• Manufacturer-contractor applicator agreements
• Warranties and warranty limitations
• Potential liability after the warranty period
• Design liability

Lessons Learned

• Roof deck issues
  • Moisture in structural concrete roof decks
  • Moisture-related deterioration of plywood and OSB roof decks
• Insulation issues
  • Moisture content and equilibrium moisture content
  • Recycled cellulose facer sheets
  • Facer delamination
  • dimensional stability
  • Polystyrene in PVC membrane roof systems
  • XPS and standing water
  • R-value loss
  • Phenolic insulation
  • Insulation board joint stagger
• Fastener and adhesive issues
  • Low-rise foam
  • Water-based adhesives
  • Solvent-based adhesives
• Membrane issues
  • EPDM shrinkage/laps
  • PVC plasticizers
  • TPO stabilizers
  • Polymer-modified bitumen blending
  • Cold welds
• Construction detail issues
  • Roof drain opening cut-out in single-ply membranes
• Design issues

• “I feel I have become a stronger roofing professional after taking three Interdisciplinary Professional Program the University has to offer that pertain to the industry I work in:  Roofing.”  (David, Las Vegas NV)
• “Terrific course!  Curious to know if there’s more on failure analysis.  I’m a GC and an insurance adjuster.  The question pertains more to the adjuster side.  Looking forward to attending more!”  (Walt, Adjuster, CCCM, Savage MN)
• “Course was great!  A lot of information to squeeze into 2 days.  Enjoyed the presentation of the data and information and talking though the “why’s” while catering to all levels of attendees.”  (Sean, Project Manager, F.J.A. Christiansen Roofing Co. Inc., Caledonia WI)
• “Very informative on Current Issues.  The deep dive in the wind design was very helpful.  I enjoyed the Q and A feedback during the sessions.”  (Tyler, Consultant, Hixson Consultants Inc., Alabaster AL)

Matthew Dupuis

Matt Dupuis is a licensed Professional Engineer with more than 15 years of experience. His area of specialization lies within moisture movement, temperature modeling, solar reflectivity, research and failure analysis. He has worked in the United States and internationally. His experience includes waterproofing and steep roof assemblies, as well as developing and teaching BIM courses at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Civil Engineering Department. He has contributed to numerous publications and articles, in addition to presenting topics on roof temperatures and hygrothermal modeling at various roofing symposia, as well as the International Roofing Expo, MRCA, SPRI, and RCI.

Mark Graham

Mark Graham is an experienced project engineer with expertise in the investigation, design, and repair of roof and waterproofing systems. With National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), he is responsible for developing and maintaining his association’s technical documents including the NRCA Roofing and Waterproofing Manual. Graham is also a contributing editor to Professional Roofing Magazine, as well as an active member of ASTM’s Roofing and Waterproofing, Thermal Insulation, Fire Standards, and Performance of Buildings Committees. Other memberships include ASHRAE, International Code Council and NFPA.

Helene Pierce

Helene has spent over 40 years in the roofing industry and has been very active in many of the industry’s organizations.  She received the ASTM Award of Merit and title of Fellow from ASTM Committee D08 on Roofing, Waterproofing and Bituminous Materials, the James Q. McCawley award from the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association, and the title of Fellow of the Institute from the Roof Consultants Institute.  In 2019, Helene received the J.A. Piper award from the National Roofing Contractors Association, the industry’s highest recognition for service to the NRCA and the industry. She served on the Board of Directors for ASTM from 1999-2002 and then on ASTM’s Executive Board as Chairman of the Finance and Audit Committee in 2003.

Among the many groups in which she has been active are the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA); ASTM International; the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI); the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA); the Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association (PIMA); the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC); IIBEC Foundation Board of Directors; Single Ply Roofing Institute; Roofing Industry Educational Institute (RIEI); and the Cool Roofs Rating Council (CRRC).  Helene has also authored and presented numerous papers for the roofing industry and is a frequent contributor to industry publications. 

Leanne Prybylski

Leanne focuses her practice as an Associate with Hendrick Philluips Salzman & Siegel PC in Atlanta GA in construction law and litigation. She represents contractors in a variety of construction-related matters, including disputes involving delays, nonpayment, mechanic’s liens, defective work, and other breach of contract and tort claims. In addition to handling construction-related disputes, her work includes preparing, reviewing and negotiating construction contracts on behalf of contractors and providing advice regarding claims avoidance.

Prior to graduating from law school, Leanne gained extensive practical experience in the construction industry working for a local commercial construction company as a Contract Administrator and Human Resources Manager. She earned her undergraduate degree in Business Administration, summa cum laude, from Kennesaw State University and law degree from Georgia State University College of Law, cum laude. While in law school, Ms. Prybylski interned for Justice P. Harris Hines at the Supreme Court of Georgia.

David Tilsen

David J. Tilsen is the President of Tilsen Roofing Company, Inc., which provides contracting services on commercial, industrial, and institutional low-slope and residential steep slope roofs, while specializing in built-up, single ply, modified bitumen, metal, asphalt and wood shingle roofing and offers roof maintenance and roof management programs. Tilsen is a past vice president of the NRCA and a past president of the Wisconsin Roofing Contractors Association and the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association. He currently serves on the NRCA Technical Operations Committee.