The 1 1/2 day BURSI course takes an in-depth look at all aspects of the low-slope roofing systems as they apply to roof design, specification and performance. It meets the AIA/CES criteria. AIA member architects will earn 11 HSW Learning Hours. The course covers these major topics:
Designing and Specifying the Roofing System
The steps in designing · Consideration of factors influencing roof performance: type of building and intended use, special considerations, external considerations, building codes, structural characteristics · Designing and specifying the roof deck, vapor retarder, insulation, membrane and flashing details.
Insulation
Its value and affect on building costs, power and fuel costs, human comfort · Understanding heat flow · Types of insulation with relative merits · Is there an ideal insulation? · Calculating how much to use · Importance of a base for the roof membrane · Importance of energy conservation.
Built-up Roof Membranes and Bitumens
Historical significance · The role of bitumens in built-up roofing · Types available and their characteristics · Selecting the right bitumen for the job · Types of felts and characteristics · Properties and performance of the roof membrane · Membrane construction · Top surfacing materials and selection considerations.
Thermoset/Thermoplastic Membranes
Material types, properties and characteristics · Systems, application and performance · Flashing designs · Fire and code requirements · Specification considerations.
Modified Bitumen Membranes
Types available and their characteristics · Membrane construction and performance · Fire and code requirements · Flashing designs · Specification considerations.
Flashing/Accessories
What they are and what they do · Materials used for flashing construction · Typical flashing and edge treatments · Expansion joints, roof penetrations, counterflashing, cant strips and caulking.
Job Control
The roof inspector, key to quality control · The value to the architect · The pre-construction conference · What to look for in the on-job inspection · The inspector's relationship with the roofing contractor · When is the inspector's job done? · Temperature and viscosity control · Potential trouble sources · Material handling and storage.
Application of the Roofing System
Techniques and fastening methods · Proper application and its effect on roof performance.
Issues also addressed as part of the major topics and that are included in the handout:
Structural Decks
The foundation for a successful roofing system · A look at common type of roof decks · Design considerations: deflection, stability, securement to the supporting structure, accommodation to thermal movement, compatibility with other components, fire rating, weight, drainage, choice of materials and fastening methods.
Vapor Retarders
Condensation and how to prevent it · Types of condensation · Are vapor retarders really necessary? · What constitutes a good vapor retarder · The importance of fire resistance · Type of retarders · Roof vents · Importance of careful application.
Fire and Code Requirements
Fire hazard, time-temperature and wind resistance testing · U/L and F/M requirements and listings.
Roof Guarantees
What are they? · Why pay for them? · What are the benefits? · What are the alternatives?
Maintenance
Benefits of periodic roof inspection · Training inspectors · Inspection procedures · What to look for · Moisture surveys · Common problems and how to solve them.
Reroofing
Determining whether to repair or replace a roof · Correcting drainage problems · Retrofitting and old roof system.
