Condensation Problems with Wood-Framed Low-Sloped Roof Assemblies

Condensation damage to low-sloped roofs over wood framing is increasingly common across all climate zones—not just in colder regions. The risk rises when air-permeable insulation is used in fully insulated spaces with pressurized ductwork or with designs that exclude sprinklers. The resulting damage can be severe, ranging from biological growth to widespread decay of roof decks and supporting framing members to—in extreme cases—roof structure failure. Both the design and retrofit of these systems can be complex, and a lack of multidisciplinary understanding across the construction industry frequently leads to inappropriate recommendations.

In this webinar, architect Chris Giffin, architectural engineer Liz Pugh, and fire protection expert Paul Roland explore the causes, consequences, and complexities of these issues. This webinar highlights real-world examples of condensation-related damage and offers guidance on how to avoid ineffective design and retrofit strategies.

By the end of the webinar, you will be able to:

• Describe the common of condensation problems in low-sloped wood-framed roof assemblies insulated with air-permeable insulation
• Explain why these systems operate differently than other conventional roofing configurations
• Discuss various building, energy, and fire codes that impact the design and repair of unvented low-sloped insulated framed roof systems
• Describe ways to reduce the risk of condensation problems in these types of roof assemblies

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View this webinar in our interactive audience console to earn 1 AIA learning unit, access related resources, submit questions to the presenters, and download a certificate of completion.