We look forward to seeing you at AIA26

Navigating the world of PVC roof membranes can be complex due to two different ASTM specifications (ASTM D 4434 and ASTM D 6754) and variations in membrane composition, particularly those including the KEE plasticizer. When you factor in differences in chemical resistance performance, accelerated aging testing, and overall durability expectations, choosing the right membrane can feel like a real challenge. This presentation is designed to cut through the confusion. It will provide clear definitions and performance insights for PVC, PVC KEE, and KEE membranes. Attendees will leave with precise, actionable specification language to ensure the roofing membrane installed on their project delivers the intended, long-term performance.

When a building is a symbol of culture and history, protecting it from the elements and extending its lifetime is a big responsibility. This presentation delves into three distinct historic project case studies, each underscoring the critical collaboration required between the roof system manufacturer and the design team for a successful outcome. Each project utilized a unique roof assembly solution tailored to its specific needs. We will examine the decision-making process, including how durability and aesthetics were evaluated for the chosen roof assembly. Attendees will gain insight into the rationale behind each system selection and learn about the specific installation methods employed. Ultimately, this session will equip attendees with practical guidance for both preserving existing, original roof assemblies and seamlessly integrating new, resilient solutions that honor the historic aesthetics of their projects.

Data center outages don't just affect an organization's bottom line; they impact all the businesses relying on that center for support. When designing mission-critical infrastructure, the paramount focus must be on resilience: minimizing downtime and outages through the use of redundant and durable building enclosure systems. This presentation will detail the design of durable and sustainable building enclosure assemblies, specifically focusing on robust roof systems that can withstand high winds and hail damage while also having lower embodied carbon. This will include different membrane solutions such as PVC and TPO, hybrid assemblies, and membrane attachment options. We will also cover key considerations for wall assemblies, including the critical roof-to-wall transition and how to manage penetrations through both the roof and wall assemblies. Finally, attendees will receive a list of essential questions to ask manufacturer partners to help ensure owners have information they need, such as ESGs and, to have confidence in the final solutions.

Healthcare facilities are often complex buildings that require holistic solutions to meet the performance needs demanded by critical facilities. Designing durable, redundant, and resilient building enclosures is essential to meet their performance demands and protect against severe weather. This session focuses on the critical role the roof plays in mitigating design risk. Through the use of case studies, we will explore various roof assemblies to demonstrate success. Single-ply, hybrid, asphaltic and liquid applied solutions will be analyzed to show how each may contribute to resilience and sustainability strategies. Furthermore, the presentation will cover how to integrate green roofs and amenity spaces into designs for occupied roof decks. Throughout the discussion, we will address considerations for airtightness, energy efficiency, and quality control as key strategies for overall risk mitigation.

Data center outages don't just affect an organization's bottom line; they impact all the businesses relying on that center for support. When designing mission-critical infrastructure, the paramount focus must be on resilience: minimizing downtime and outages through the use of redundant and durable building enclosure systems. This presentation will detail the design of durable and sustainable building enclosure assemblies, specifically focusing on robust roof systems that can withstand high winds and hail damage while also having lower embodied carbon. This will include different membrane solutions such as PVC and TPO, hybrid assemblies, and membrane attachment options. We will also cover key considerations for wall assemblies, including the critical roof-to-wall transition and how to manage penetrations through both the roof and wall assemblies. Finally, attendees will receive a list of essential questions to ask manufacturer partners to help ensure owners have information they need, such as ESGs and, to have confidence in the final solutions.

It’s just a roof - right? Roofing plays an extremely important role in protecting the building from the elements, but low-slope roofing typically doesn’t get as much attention during design as the other building components. With a wide variety of different roof system types and components used on different building classifications, low-slope roofing can often be especially confusing for designers. This presentation will discuss many of the basics associated with low-slope roof design such as building design parameters, typical roof system components and attachment methods, code requirements, and wind design.

Multi-family projects involve a unique blend of residential and commercial construction requirements. This presentation will address the specific challenges that designers of these structures face with the building enclosure. The session will begin with a discussion on achieving control layer continuity for a successful and code-compliant design, encompassing the roof, walls, and below-grade systems. This includes strategies for effectively managing water throughout the project, including across the building enclosure, parking structure, and balconies. Special attention will be given to the material and system properties required to ensure long-term durability and regulatory compliance. Furthermore, attendees will learn how to design tricky, airtight transitions between systems, such as connecting steep and low-slope roof assemblies and the critical roof-to-wall interface.

Solar energy is now cost competitive and rooftop energy generation is becoming more mainstream. As owners shift towards a net-zero approach to portfolio management, rooftop real estate is primed for solar panels. This presentation is geared towards owners considering the benefits of solar arrays and the designers guiding owners through this process. Understanding the long-term trends that make rooftop solar a compelling choice is the first step. Considerations to maximize output will be discussed, and approaches to various solar installations will be evaluated to assist with the design process. This will include how rooftop solar can support the path to net zero. Finally, roofing considerations to assist in the long-term performance of the roof assembly will be discussed.