Case Study
Customer:
Project Completed: na
Type of Roof: Torch-on
Materials: n/a
Location: Coquitlam, BC
Project Completed: na
Type of Roof: Torch-on
Materials: n/a
Location: Coquitlam, BC
Issue of concern: Water ingress into two separate washrooms.
A drop ceiling has been installed in both rooms. The original drywall ceiling has been removed and the joist space composition is exposed. Fibreglass batt insulation is in use above a clear polyethylene vapor barrier. There is varied dark staining and puddles of water in random areas visible through the clear poly (pictured on next page). Exhaust fans appear to be adequately ducted. Exterior soffit venting is incorporated into the building’s design. The roof is a single ply TPO membrane applied directly overtop of plywood sheeting. Cross strapping is evident.
Conclusion:The probable cause of water ingress is the effect of condensation. There is evidence of joist space blockage as photos below detail. Other inspected joist spaces have adequate vent requirements. This problem is random and can only be detailed by soffit vent removal and remote visualization.
SUGGESTED RESOLUTION
Outdoor Work Solution:
The profile of the glass insulation must be lowered to allow for airflow between the top of the batt insulation and the bottom of the cross strapping and plywood sheeting. This will require membrane and deck removal.
Indoor Work Solution:
The fiberglass insulation must be removed and replaced with a high efficiency rigid board insulation (Max 4” thick) supported by cross joist straps. R-Value should be maintained to that of the existing insulation. Vapor barrier must then be reinstalled and sealed.
As the problem is random and undetectable it is suggested that all currently-drywall-removed and exposed ceiling space areas receive this modification to maximize the probability of zero condensation issues in the future.
Prepared on January 30th 2007 by, Greg Krushel, T.Q.
Inter-Provincial Trade Qualification # J-23-24221 (July 1991)
RELATED
A drop ceiling has been installed in both rooms. The original drywall ceiling has been removed and the joist space composition is exposed. Fibreglass batt insulation is in use above a clear polyethylene vapor barrier. There is varied dark staining and puddles of water in random areas visible through the clear poly (pictured on next page). Exhaust fans appear to be adequately ducted. Exterior soffit venting is incorporated into the building’s design. The roof is a single ply TPO membrane applied directly overtop of plywood sheeting. Cross strapping is evident.
Conclusion:The probable cause of water ingress is the effect of condensation. There is evidence of joist space blockage as photos below detail. Other inspected joist spaces have adequate vent requirements. This problem is random and can only be detailed by soffit vent removal and remote visualization.
SUGGESTED RESOLUTION
Outdoor Work Solution:
The profile of the glass insulation must be lowered to allow for airflow between the top of the batt insulation and the bottom of the cross strapping and plywood sheeting. This will require membrane and deck removal.
Indoor Work Solution:
The fiberglass insulation must be removed and replaced with a high efficiency rigid board insulation (Max 4” thick) supported by cross joist straps. R-Value should be maintained to that of the existing insulation. Vapor barrier must then be reinstalled and sealed.
As the problem is random and undetectable it is suggested that all currently-drywall-removed and exposed ceiling space areas receive this modification to maximize the probability of zero condensation issues in the future.
Prepared on January 30th 2007 by, Greg Krushel, T.Q.
Inter-Provincial Trade Qualification # J-23-24221 (July 1991)
RELATED
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