December 12th, 2017
Today's value-engineered home features the extensive use of engineered wood products in resource-efficient, high-performance building systems for floors, walls, and roofs. Engineered wood products improve on the structual advantages that have made wood such a successful and strong building material for decades. Improper construction, however, can allow moisture to enter the building envelope and lead to problems with mold, mildew, and decay. While outside sources such as rain and melting snow pose the most significant moisture threats, inside sources such as steam from showers and laundry rooms also need to be considered in building design. The best treatment for moisture build-up is to prevent it from happening by employing good construction practices and maintaining propoer ventilation. The BuildA Better Home program fromAPA – the Engineered WoodAssociation is designed to provide builders and homeowners with construction guidelines they need to protect their homes against damaging moisture infiltration. Key elements in the building envelope are the roof, walls, and foundation. This Better Building Guide addresses design details for roofs.