Europe
Roofing
the
Smart
Way
on
a
Commercial
Building
If there’s a leak from one of the many roof penetrations, like skylights and vent pipes, I want to know about it before it’s too late! John Willoughby
John Willoughby of Medallion Developments had known about the pro clima Weather Resistive Barriers (WRB) for a number of years and has always been impressed with their performance specs and high quality.
How was this project implemented?
Jhon decided to go ahead with SOLITEX MENTO®1000 connect Roof Weather Resistive Barrier for construction of apartments above high stud commercial units in Takanini.
As he is planning to keep the building in his property portfolio, John was interested in using products and systems that offered superior durability, low maintenance and protection of his investment long term.
Using the BRANZ Appraised method (counter battens and purlins above the roof underlay) made sense to John as it promotes ventilation and drying off of any moisture that occurs under the roofing, whether it be from condensation or a roof leak.
The laps are sealed with the connect technology, 2 self-adhesive strips built into the underlay, ensuring no moisture wicks up to wet the substrate underneath.
The roof has venting at the parapet wall side to provide good air movement within the roof cavity, just like on a top vented wall cladding. John has used the double fascia detail – water running off the roof drains into the gutter, while any larger volumes of water leaking through the roof would run down the underlay and out the gap between the two fascia boards.
Raising the overall roof level with the counter battens also ensures that it passes across the top of the concrete IT walls, so having no cap flashings within the roof means less maintenance and more aesthetic appeal…another design feature John was very happy with.
- Developer - Medallion Developments
What is Weathertightness?
Weathertightness is the ability of a building to protect itself and us from the weather.
Our buildings should be designed and constructed to shelter us from the adverse effects of wind, water, and the sun. Weathertight construction contributes to the health and comfort of people inside the building while also ensuring the building will last the test of time.
Weathertightness Systems
The SOLITEX wind-sealing system makes building structures particularly energy-efficient and provides effective protection against damage to structures. These high-performance functional membranes are extremely open to diffusion, provide maximum watertightness against driving rain, and actively transport moisture to the outside.
Ideally, they should be combined with humidity-variable airtightness systems on the interior side of the insulation.
