Predicting moisture problems in low-slope roofing

Conference · Sun Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1998

OSTI ID:291013

Desjarlais, A O ^[1]; Byars, N A ^[2]

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1. Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States)
2. Univ. of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC (United States). Dept. of Engineering Technology

Moisture intrusion is the major reason why low-slope roofing systems fail prematurely. With approximately 75% of all roofing activity being reroofing, the roofing professional is faced with deciding what to do with an existing wet roof on almost a daily basis. This paper describes finite-difference computer modeling that has been performed to address moisture control in low-slope roof systems. Based on a large database of finite difference modeling results, algorithms have been developed that allow the roofing practitioners to simply determine if a roofing system design requires a vapor retarder or if the system can be modified to enhance its tolerance for small leaks. This paper illustrates how modeling results were obtained, describes the process employed to develop the algorithms, and demonstrates how these algorithms can be used to design a moisture tolerant low-slope roof. The range of applicability and limitations of these algorithms is also detailed.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-96OR22464
• OSTI ID: 291013
• Report Number(s): ORNL/CP--99125; CONF-981201--; ON: DE99000220; BR: EC1206000
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
AIRTIGHTNESS
CORROSION
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
HUMIDITY
LEAKS
MOISTURE
ROOFS
THERMAL INSULATION
WATER