A Copper Alliance Member
Roofing Systems:
Special Considerations
One of the most important issues in the use of copper is the relative movement of components. Movement can occur as a result of internal stresses due to temperature changes, or from external sources such as wind, ice, or movement in the substrate. Since copper is most often used as a water barrier, installations must account for the anticipated movement as well as prevent the infiltration of water.
This section presents key information on practical limits and Special Conditions. For additional information on thermal stresses see Fundamentals - Structural Considerations.
Providing an effective path for water to flow in a controlled direction is one of the most important principles in design and construction. Table 4.2.A shows the recommended minimum slopes for various copper roofing systems using the details shown throughout this Handbook. Lower slopes are possible under certain conditions, using modified details. Table 4.2.B shows the minimum recommended slopes using these special details. The modified details are discussed below. Only flat seam roofing is constructed to be completely watertight, and therefore can sustain standing water. Table 4.2.C outlines the recommendations regarding flat seam construction.
Mansard roofs are usually steep, but they often have changes in their slope. They are based on either standing or batten seam roofing. The minimum recommendations, are therefore, the same as the "base" standing or batten seam roof. The following discussion is for Special Conditions. See Table 4.2.B.
A. Standing Seams Before the two pans are locked, a good quality rubber or synthetic based sealant should be applied to the top of the flange of the lower pan. Transverse seams should be based on the "low pitch" version of Detail C.
B. Batten Seams A good quality rubber or synthetic based sealant should be applied to the top flange of each pan prior to installation of the batten cap.
C. Batten Cap Where batten caps join, a 3" lapped seam is required.
D. Transverse Seam for Batten Roof A continuous rubber or synthetic-based sealant must be applied in the lock formed by the soldered locking strip immediately before placing the upper pan on the roof. After engaging the ends of the pans, seams should be dressed down to a thickness of not less than 1/8", and a continuous bead of sealant should be visible the entire width of the pan. The lap of the upstanding legs of the pans should also be set in sealant.
The optional cleat shown can be used to hold the roofing pans during installation. This is particularly helpful on a steep roof.
| Conditions | Standing Seam | Batten Seam | Chevron | Horiz. Seam | Mansard |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Where ice, snow, and heavy rain do not occur | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | See Batten or Standing Seam |
| Ice and snow conditions | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | See Batten or Standing Seam |
| Heavy rain conditions | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | See Batten or Standing Seam |
| Slopes are in inches per foot. | |||||
| Conditions | Standing Seam | Batten Seam | Chevron | Horiz. Seam | Mansard |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Where ice, snow, and heavy rain do not occur | 1 | 2 | 2 | N/R | See Batten or Standing Seam |
| Ice and snow conditions | 3 | 3 | 3 | N/R | See Batten or Standing Seam |
| Heavy rain conditions | 3 | 3 | 3 | N/R | See Batten or Standing Seam |
| Slopes are in inches per foot. N/R = Not Recommended |
|||||
| Slope | Remarks |
|---|---|
| 0-3 | Seams fully soldered |
| 3-6 | Seams may be fully sealed |
| >6 | Neither sealant nor solder is required in seams |
| Slopes are in inches per foot. | |
Design Handbook
Available in 2 formats:
Download AutoCAD Files
AutoCAD Detail Files
[ZIP - 4.5MB] is a complete set of CAD files for the designs shown in Architectural Details.
The AutoCAD files for individual details can be downloaded from individual topic pages by clicking the CAD File button next to an individual detail.
Order Design Handbook
(publication #A4050).
