Low Slope Roof Design

Low slope metal roofs provide years of low cost low maintenance performance.

Low slope roof design.

Chapter 15 in the 2015 2018 international building code ibc contains installation guidelines that permit a design slope of 1 4 in 12 for certain types of roof covers. The three main components of a low slope roof are the structural deck the thermal insulation and the membrane. Residential low slope roofing can generally be divided up into two broad categories. This article defines low slope roofing and describes low slope roofing materials choices installations inspection defects roofing repairs and product sources.

Definition of low slope roofing. We discuss the following. If the upper edge of a low slope shed roof intersects a vertical wall the most logical approach in my opinion is to detail the roof as an unvented roof. Multiple layers of weatherproof membranes protect a building its residents and the property it houses.

Building offsets are common and create intersecting planes that contribute to drainage issues for low slope applications. Design solutions for building code permitted low slope applications that cause ponding water. Generally roofing types and roofing products are typically divided up into two primary categories steep slope roofing and low slope roofing. Coffman p e secb and thomas g.

Roof slope is a very important aspect and it is considered the primary factor in roof design. Specifically the code text typically reads. What are low slope metal roofs. Recommended materials to use on low slope roofs.

Low slope roofing inspection design leak detection repair procedures. Iko roof fast base ma is a fiberglass reinforced nailable base with a special film surface designed to be used as one of iko s roof fast low slope roofing components. In combination with iko roof fast cap sheets it provides waterproofing properties and durability for low slope roofs. Design professionals frequently specify the minimum code permitted slope with little if any consideration of the resultant valley slope created by the intersecting planes figure 1 ponding water is commonly observed at valley intersections for low slope roof and deck.

There are a few design elements that will help building owners get the most from their roofing system. A low slope asphalt roofing system is cost effective durable and reliable. Another approach is to build a cupola or ventilated doghouse in the middle of the low slope roof an approach championed by joe lstiburek. Other vital parts of a low slope roof include the flashing and air retarders although these.

The following information is a general overview of basic and accessory low slope roof components their major design factors functions and common failures. Larger flat roofed applications low slope such as residential condominium complexes row homes and town houses and smaller applications such as residential porch and garage transitions from the main home where the slope of the roof changes dramatically.