T e c h n i c a l E l e m e n t s

Curb appeal
by Joan P. Crowe, AIA

f you use The NRCA Roofing Manual: Mem-

I brane Roof Systems—2007, you should note
that NRCA has reformatted its construc-
tion details pertaining to curb design. The
manual’s previous edition, The NRCA Roofing
andWaterproofing Manual, Fifth Edition, provided
details for the following curb conditions:
• Rooftop air-handling unit with a pre-
fabricated metal curb (Details BUR-
12, MB-12, TP-12 and TS-12)
• Rooftop air-handling unit with a job
site-constructed wood curb (Details
BUR-13, MB-13, TP-13 and TS-13)
• Skylight, scuttle and smoke vent
(Details BUR-14, MB-14, TP-14
and TS-14)
In the 2007 edition, NRCA addresses
these details by curb type rather than
penetration type. The curb construction
details now are referred to as:
• Insulated prefabricated metal curb
(Details BUR-13, BUR-13A, MB-13,
MB-13A, EPDM-13 and SP-13)
• Prefabricated metal curb (Details
BUR-14, BUR-14A, MB-14, MB-14A,
EPDM-14 and SP-14)
• Wood curb (Details BUR-15, BUR-
15A, MB-15, MB-15A, EPDM-15 and
SP-15)
Although the curb construction details’
organization has changed, the detailing Detail MB-14A from The NRCA Roofing Manual: Membrane Roof Systems—2007
and notes relating to curb design remain
largely the same. Using MB-14A, “Prefab- However, there are two new notes in method—sometimes referred to as the
the footnote sections of the curb construc- torch-and-flop method—of application.”
ricated Metal Curb,” as an example, the
tion details that address safety concerns. In all the curb details, NRCA has
following design issues haven’t changed:
In the built-up and modified bitumen added, “NRCA recommends that design-
• Minimum recommended flashing
torch-applied details, NRCA has added: ers consider permanent internal or
height is 8 inches
“NRCA does not recommend direct external fall-protection devices at all
• Removable sheet-metal counterflash-
skylights.”
ing is optional torching of torch-applied membrane
• Sealing material is recommended flashing sheets over combustible sub- Joan P. Crowe, AIA, is an NRCA director of
between the curb and frame strates. NRCA suggests the back-torching technical services.

Professional Roofing July 2007 21