Building Enclosure Systems

Perimeter roof edge: The first line of defense in a wind event [AIA course]

Sept. 20, 2013
A perimeter roof edge is a termination and transition between the roof and the other building components. It is a roof system’s first line of defense in a wind event; aside from the roof membrane itself, it is the most critical component of the roofing system. It is a component that warrants more scrutiny when designing a roof system.
 
This course describes the ANSI/SPRI ES-1 Standard and the method for determining the correct specifications for perimeter roof edges. It's worth 1.0 AIA LU/HSW.
 
After reading this article, you should be able to:
  • name the three organizations that were involved in developing standards for the perimeter roof edge prior to the adoption of the ANSI/SPRI ES-1 standard by the International Building Code.
  • list the three test procedures that are performed as part of the ANSI/SPRI ES-1 requirement.
  • delineate the five key elements of the roof that affect the performance of the roof edge treatment, as considered in the ANSI/SPRI ES-1 calculation.
  • calculate the adjusted velocity pressures for the coping top, coping face, and coping back of a perimeter roof edge under the ANSI/SPRI ES-1 standard.
 

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