Breaking with the codeBrian Erickson, P.E., Liberty Lewis, P.E.
Because of our current litigious environment, many roofing
professionals are careful to follow building code requirements
exactly lest they face legal challenges. However, there may be
instances when strictly adhering to the prescriptive code without
engineering analysis and evaluation does more harm than good.
For example, the 2006 International Building Code's®
(IBC's) roof ventilation requirements do not distinguish between
low- and steep-slope roof assemblies. In fact, the language
suggests the ventilation requirements are for steep-slope
assemblies only. However, some roof system designers and code
officials have interpreted the code literally and designed or
required roof ventilation systems for low-slope assemblies, which
can be more deleterious than beneficial.
2006 prescriptive requirement
Roofing professionals who look to IBC 2006 for ventilation
requirements for low-slope roof assemblies will find Chapter 15,
Roof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures, Section 1503 Weather
Protection, 1503.5 Roof Ventilation, which reads: "1503.5 Roof
ventilation. Intake and exhaust vents shall be provided in
accordance with Section 1203.2 and the manufacturer's...
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