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

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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Dividing the outside environment from the interior, the building enclosure is one of the most important parts of the structure. The enclosure not only defines the building’s aesthetic, but also protects occupants from the elements and facilitates a comfortable, controlled climate. With dozens of components comprising the exterior assemblies, from foundation to cladding to roof, figuring out which concerns to address first can be daunting.

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