| NRC-IRC wants help in mechanically attached roofing research |
 Photo courtesy Sudhakar Molleti With myriad benefits to membrane roofing assemblies, a new research group is forming to quantify the possible toll of air intrusion. This air intrusion test apparatus will be part of the work. The National Research Council-Institute for Research in Construction (NRC-IRC) is seeking help in quantifying air movement into mechanically attached membrane roofing assemblies to determine the effect on overall energy performance. Wind can cause flexible membranes to flutter or balloon, drawing conditioned interior air into the roof assembly. This air intrusion can lead to condensation damage and energy waste. Until the summer, NRC-IRC is looking for manufacturers (specifically of roofing, insulation, and air barrier products), regulatory authorities, industry associations, and design/construction professionals to participate in research to determine the extent of potential problems. In addition to devising techniques for countering wind penetration, one of the goals is to develop a tool to analyse air intrusion characteristics for various details, junctions, and penetrations. The research, expected to last two years, also intends to set air intrusion limits for use in codes and standards. For more information, contact Dr. Sudhakar Molleti via e-mail
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