William A. Davis, RA, AIA, NCARB, QEWI

Expert QuestionS & AnswerS

In your work on roofing systems, what is the issue you see most often that building owners don’t realize is developing until it becomes expensive?

With today’s energy code requirements (R-33 ci), roof replacements have become more complicated and costly. Using standard polyisocyanurate isolation (6 @ roughly R-6 per inch) to meet energy code creates height challenges with railings, door thresholds, etc. There have been advancements with insulation. i.e. more R value per inch, roughly R-30 to R-60, however it is cost prohibitive.

Moisture intrusion can be caused by design flaws, installation errors, or material failures. What is your approach to pinpointing the root cause when water is getting in and the source isn’t obvious?

Probing and testing are critical to accurately identifying the underlying issue. While clients may initially hesitate due to the upfront costs, which can vary depending on the complexity of the problem, the long-term savings achieved through proper diagnosis and targeted repairs can be substantial.

What is one piece of advice you find yourself giving clients over and over again?

Early intervention and proactive maintenance are essential to controlling costs and avoiding unnecessary delays. Deferring required maintenance often results in more extensive deterioration and significantly greater expenditures over the long term. Required inspections should be performed in a timely manner to avoid DOB fines, penalties, and potential compliance issues.

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