www.mrca.org  —  Midwest Roofer
22
TECHNICAL & RESEARCH
balancing the arts and sciences of roof design and 
installations.
Author
Michael Hensen is a professional engineer and a registered 
roof consultant with the International Institute of Building 
Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC). His technical duties for 
Rimkus include engineering and leadership of the building 
enclosure consulting practice.
Key Takeaways
Roof replacement has shifted from simple waterproofing 
to complex, building science–driven systems that 
integrate air, moisture, and thermal control. Modern 
roofing requires careful design, adherence to building 
codes, and effective coordination among trades to 
ensure optimal performance and durability. Early 
insulated systems revealed issues such as vapor drive 
and thermal bridging, highlighting the need for improved 
materials and installation practices. Today, designers 
must balance practical installation challenges with 
evolving demands for sustainability, energy efficiency, 
and the multifunctional use of roofs.
Disclaimer
This article is a reprint of previously published content 
and is provided for informational purposes only. The 
views, opinions, and information expressed are those 
of the original author(s) and do not necessarily reflect 
the views or positions of MRCA.
While reasonable efforts were made to ensure accuracy 
at the time of original publication, MRCA makes no 
representations or warranties, express or implied, 
regarding the accuracy, completeness, or current validity 
of the content. Information may have changed since 
the original publication date. Readers are encouraged 
to independently verify any critical information before 
relying on it.
This content is not intended to serve as professional, 
safety, or technical guidance. MRCA does not assume 
any liability for actions taken based on this information. 
Readers are solely responsible for ensuring that 
they use appropriate personal protective equipment 
(PPE), implement proper fall protection measures, and 
comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, 
regulations, and workplace safety standards.
Additionally, regional differences may affect the 
suitability, performance, and pricing of silicone coatings. 
MRCA does not endorse silicone coatings as a 
universally viable roofing solution, and their use should 
be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Continued from page 21
Bonded up-lift test to confirm roof application and 
performance to resist code-prescribed wind loading. 
Mechanical fastener securement of metal deck overlay 
board, primer application, and self-adhered vapor 
barrier installation at a municipal arena. 

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