I recently began writing blog posts for several manufacturers. This specific post was written for Sashco, a sealants manufacturer (Big Stretch and Lexel are two of their product lines). They also produce a line of log home stain and finishing systems. I recently visited their facility near Denver, Colorado and was blown away by their values and company culture. Learn more about Sashco at www.sashco.com.
There are four control layers to every home, water, air, vapor and thermal, but none are more important than water. If we can’t keep water out of our building assemblies, none of the other control layers matter. Water management starts on the roof.
Design has a lot to do with how a roof will shed water. Simple roof designs with steeper pitches and large overhangs are much more effective at protecting the rest of the structure than minimally pitched (flat) roofs with no overhangs. Down, out and away rules the day. Dormers and skylights will add natural light to the home but will also add a layer of complexity to how we approach water management. Chimneys, plumbing vents and electrical masts, exhaust fans and roof ventilation products may need some sort of hole through the roof. All these require well thought out flashing and sealing strategies.
