SEDL / STP / STP1385-EB / STP12481S

Estimating the Durability of Roofing Systems

Cash, CG
Principal and Vice PresidentConsulting Engineers and Building Pathologists, Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc., Arlington, MA

Pages: 11    Published: Jan 2000

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Abstract

A method for the estimation of the durability of both steep and low sloped roofing systems is presented. The “thermal load” concept is defined. Each estimate is based on the thermal load at the exposure site, the presence of significant design, workmanship, and materials defects, and the generic roofing system proposed or selected. Examples show how to calculate the mean durability, and the durability adjusted for systemic defects for any of seventeen low- and steep-sloped roofing systems.

Thermal loads for many geographic locations and the thermal sensitivity factors for many roofing systems are provided.