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The presentation will discuss both existing and new technologies that are available to determine the suitability of existing and new decks prior to the installation of a waterproofing system for either a green roof or plaza deck. One of the most important factors, which governs the future performance of the waterproofing system is its substrate. Deterioration, improper surface preparation, and excessive moisture can have devastating effects on a new waterproofing system. Both existing and new roof decks will be discussed with particular attention to moisture content in concrete and the use of moisture blockers or ventilation. Deterioration of other types of decks will also be discussed. Sources of moisture from either the deck, other construction activities, and/or the final use of the structure will also be evaluated. The session material is geared mainly towards commercial contractors with a small emphasis on material for residential contractors.

Learning Objectives:

1. Evaluate the suitability of concrete decks prior to waterproofing

2. Test for moisture content of concrete roof decks prior to waterproofing

3. Evaluate the suitability of different waterproofing systems for different deck conditions

4. Determine alternate approaches to drying concrete roof decks

Speaker(s): Christopher Giffin, Principal, WJE; Richard Koziol, Principal, WJE; Douglas Stieve, Principal, WJE

Target Audience: Manufacturer-Supplier, Architect/Designer/Consultant, Superintendent-Foreman, Commercial Contractor

Christopher Giffin, Principal, WJE, has investigated problems relating to roofing, waterproofing, and masonry assemblies in numerous office buildings, schools, residences, airports, convention centers, hotels, and stadiums. Mr. Giffin has developed numerous repair documents and provided construction administration services during the repair. He has performed pre-purchase surveys, design peer reviews, numerous storm damage assessments, and nondestructive roof moisture surveys. He has extensive experience in the evaluation, documentation, and design of repairs, often using three-dimensional modeling applications. He was awarded the University of Illinois at Chicago's Faculty Citation Award for Excellence in Structures. Mr. Giffin has given presentations at AIA and RCI national conventions regarding roofing related issues as well as various technical presentations on roofing and plaza systems to various owners, contractors, and other professional groups.

Richard Koziol, Principal, WJE, has since completed over a thousand investigations involving the evaluation of water infiltration problems in new and existing building envelopes. His experience includes a variety of roofs, plazas, foundations, masonry walls, EIFS, concrete, and window systems. He has developed designs and managed construction document preparation for repair of buildings experiencing deterioration, condensation, and/or water infiltration problems. His construction administration experience includes work on sensitive repair projects in occupied buildings that utilize a fast-track schedule. Field and laboratory testing experience includes durability and thermal movement studies for metal roofing systems, wind uplift testing of adhered roof systems and moisture surveys. He has provided expert testimony in over thirty cases involving a variety of roofing, wall and foundation waterproofing failures. He has served as consultant to architects, contractors, and owners in peer reviews of roofing and waterproofing systems. He has also investigated roof systems for wind and hail damage. Mr. Koziol has authored several articles and papers on roofing systems, and made numerous technical presentations on roofing and plaza system technology to various groups.

Douglas Stieve, Principal, WJE, specializes in the diagnosis and repair design for building envelope failures in contemporary and historic buildings. Since joining WJE in 1991, Mr. Stieve has provided professional services for over six hundred buildings throughout the northeast United States. He has experience with many types of materials including brick, concrete masonry, natural stone, roofing and waterproofing, and Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS). He has also managed the design and construction period services for several multi-million dollar repair and rehabilitation projects, as well as provided consulting services to architects, contractors, and owners for new buildings. Projects that Mr. Stieve has been involved with have won awards from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission, and the Boston Preservation Alliance. Mr. Stieve has also authored several articles, technical papers, and has lectured on the subjects of masonry, roofing, and building envelope failures.