RIBA Approved CPD Training

As buildings become more energy efficient, low U-value roof build-ups, improved insulation and greater airtightness are becoming standard features of modern construction. These measures can change the way moisture behaves within a building, making effective moisture management an increasingly important consideration at the design stage.

Vertix Systems’ RIBA Approved CPD Using Roof Build-ups to Manage Moisture in Low U-Value Buildings considers the different elements that enable successful moisture level management, namely good design, correct detailing, and proper ventilation, all working together.

The CPD seminar training considers how different cold and warm roof build-ups can be designed to manage moisture levels effectively, with particular emphasis on vapour control layers, ventilation, thermal bridging, and the principles set out in BS5250:2021 and Approved Document C and Part F.

Reducing heat loss through improved insulation and airtightness is an important part of creating energy-efficient buildings. However, as buildings become more airtight, there is less natural air infiltration and internally generated moisture can accumulate if adequate ventilation isn’t provided.

Moisture can enter a building from a number of sources, including rain and precipitation, ground moisture, construction moisture and water vapour generated by occupants through activities such as cooking, washing and drying clothes. If moisture levels aren’t effectively controlled or allowed to escape, it can lead to condensation within the building fabric.

The consequences can extend far beyond cosmetic damage, leading to mould growth, deterioration of timber, corrosion of metal components and damage to other elements of the building fabric. Damp environments can also negatively impact occupant health and wellbeing.

For architects and designers, technical training can help with understanding how moisture moves through a roof build-up; therefore, it is an important part of designing durable, healthy and energy-efficient buildings.

This RIBA Approved CPD will train attendees to understand the relationship between energy efficiency, roof construction and moisture risk. It looks beyond individual materials and considers how the complete roof construction works as a system.

Key learning points will include:

• Why moisture management is important in low U-value buildings
• The main sources of moisture affecting buildings
• How condensation can form within roof build-ups
• The requirements of Approved Document C
• The broader moisture management approach introduced by BS 5250:2021 Management of Moisture in Buildings

• The difference between warm and cold roof constructions
• How insulation positioning can influence condensation risk
• The role of vapour control layers (VCLs)
• The importance of maintaining VCL continuity and airtightness
• Ventilation requirements for cold roof constructions

• How warm roof build-ups can minimise condensation risk
• The relationship between roof build-ups and Approved Document F: Ventilation
• The role of mechanical ventilation and heat recovery systems (MVHR)
• How thermal bridges should be considered when developing low U-value roof constructions
• The importance of integrating design, detailing and ventilation to manage moisture effectively

Successful moisture control depends on good design, correct detailing and appropriate ventilation working together, rather than relying on a single material or construction layer.