BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

CAD image for roof pipe penetration water and air sealing details

CAD File

Sheathing is removed from a flat roof to retrofit with air sealing, insulation, and water control layers

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Provide flashing and sealing integrated with the air and water control layers for vents and other roof penetrations

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Cost Analysis of Roof-Only Air Sealing and Insulation Strategies on 1-1/2 Story Homes in Cold Climates, Minneapolis, MN

Reference

This case study describes costs associated with the External Thermal and Moisture Management System developed by the NorthernSTAR Building America Partnership for retrofitting roofs with rigid foam over the roof deck, especially on one and a half-story homes.

The base of the plywood parapet is air sealed with spray foam and fibrous insulation is installed in the rafter cavities in this flat roof retrofit

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Roofing paper protects the top of the new plywood parapet while the base of the parapet is air sealed with spray foam and fibrous insulation is installed in the rafter cavities in this flat roof retrofit

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Roof Eaves Sealed with Self-Adhering Membrane in Cold Climates

Guide

Guide describing how to apply self-adhered asphaltic membranes at eaves in cold climates to help guard against ice dams.

Right – This low-slope flat roof assembly has continuity of both the air and water barriers

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Right – This low-slope roof and parapet assembly has continuity of both the air and water barriers

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Blocking installed on a flat roof for a PV system rack is sealed around the edges with sealant then will be covered with self-adhering roof membrane to prevent water leakage

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Right - Here, air control is established by taping the seams of the plywood panel sheathing. The roof sheathing is also trimmed flush with the wall sheathing to allow a simple and airtight connection between the roof and wall assemblies

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Technology Solutions Case Study: Predicting Envelope Leakage in Attached Dwellings

Case Study

Case study describing the measurement of envelope leakage in multifamily buildings.

Building Enclosure: Roof Overview

Video

Video describing good installation practices and features of a properly installed roof and gutter system.

DOE ZERH HIA 2017 Case Study: Thrive Home Builders, Courtyard Rows, Lone Tree, CO

Case Study

Case study describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2017 Housing Innovation Award winner that scored HERS 41 without PV and 8 with PV.

Construct Roofs and Attics for Ice Dam Prevention

Guide

Guide describing how ice dams form and how roofs can be constructed to prevent them.

Water Managed Roof – Re-roofing and Adding Insulation over a Flat Roof

Guide

Guide describing an approach to re-roofing an existing flat roof to improve thermal, water, and air control performance.

Polyisocyanurate rigid foam insulation is installed in multiple layers with staggered, taped seams over the flat roof

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Low-Slope ("Flat") Roofs

Guide

A guide describing how to install low-sloped ("flat") roofs with insulation above the roof deck that resist wind pressures during high-wind events.

Moisture Control for Residential Buildings

Reference

Report providing extensive guidance on controlling moisture in building envelopes through proper selection and installation on air, water, thermal, and vapor barriers.

Venting Vapor, BSI-088

Reference

Guide providing information on controlling attic ductwork sweating.

Water Managed Roof – Re-roofing and Adding Insulation Over a Sloped Roof

Guide

Guide describing how to re-roof an existing home with a sloped roof and add insulation above the roof deck.

Building America Case Study Technology Solutions for Existing Homes: Concord Four Square Retrofit

Case Study

Case study describing a four-square Concord home retrofitted by Building Science Corporation in Massachusetts.

Existing Skylights Repaired or Replaced and Fully Flashed

Guide

Guide describing how to repair or replace skylights in existing homes.

Disaster-Resistant Roof Venting

Guide

Guide describing the installation of roof vents that are resistant to damage from high winds and entry of wind-borne rain, wildfire embers, or pests.

Asphalt Shingle Roofs

Guide

Guide discussing disaster resistance related to asphalt shingle roofing when installing roofing on new construction or when repairing or replacing roofing on existing homes.

Flashing of Roof-Wall Intersections in Existing Homes

Guide

Guide describing how to install and properly integrate flashing at the intersection of the wall and roof on an existing home.

Flashing of Penetrations in Existing Roofs

Guide

Guide describing how to provide a continuous water control layer across the roof assembly by sealing all penetrations for pipes, vents, etc. in existing roofs.

Clay or Concrete Tile Roofs

Guide

Guide discussing disaster resistance related to clay or concrete tile roofing when installing roofing on new construction or when repairing or replacing roofing on existing homes.

Metal Roofs

Guide

Guide discussing how to install metals roofs to resist damage from high winds, hurricanes, ice, and wildfires.

Managing Snow Loads on Roofs and Decks

Guide

Guide describing how to construct homes and decks to manage heavy snow loads in winter weather.