2025 BES Session: Structural Design for Steep-Slope Roofing Systems (Niezelski, Brown)

Course Overview
This session was originally presented at the 2025 IIBEC Building Enclosure Symposium in St. Louis, Missouri.  This course includes the following components:

• recording of the live session
• a summative assessment consisting of 10 multiple-choice questions
• two surveys required to claim continuing education credit

Description

In sloped roof construction, understanding and defining the load path between the roofing system and the roof structure for the in-plane component of gravity loads can be complicated. Vented roofs, metal roofs, and roofs with snow retention devices are examples of roofing systems for which a well-thought-out structural load path is instrumental in delivering gravity forces into the base building structure. Despite the importance of completing this load path, design teams, and contractors often overlook its design. By not seriously considering and evaluating the load path during the design phase, we also miss the opportunity to properly detail the structural penetrations through the building enclosure. Consequently, failing to address the in-plane gravity load path during the design phase can result in unintended discontinuities in the building enclosure, thermal bridging, reduction in thermal performance, and an increased risk of condensation at these crucial structural connections.

This presentation explains when and why the structural design of steep-slope roofing systems is essential and provides design considerations, including an in-depth review of the coordination required between structural and enclosure designers.

Course Recommended Prerequisite(s)
An understanding of the following topics: roof thermal bridging, snow retention, steep-slope roof edge structural support, steep-slope roof ventilation, and steep-slope roof types, including metal, slate, clay tile, shingle, etc.

IIBEC Core Competencies: Roofing (R)

Knowledge Level: Advanced

Presenter/Author

Luke Niezelski, PE (MA)

Senior Project Manager

Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc.

Luke Niezelski is a Professional Engineer (PE) licensed in Massachusetts and has been with Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc. (SGH) in the building technology division since 2014. With a comprehensive background in the investigation, assessment, design, and field-testing of both historic and modern building enclosure systems, Niezelski plays an integral role in a variety of construction projects across the Boston area. His expertise spans construction administration, monitoring, inspection, and collaboration with architects, owners, and contractors to tackle complex building enclosure challenges.

Presenter/Author

Clayton Brown, PE (MA)

Senior Consulting Engineer

Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc.

Clayton Brown joined the structural engineering division of SGH in 2014. He is licensed as a Professional Engineer (PE) in Massachusetts and is experienced in structural investigation/assessment, design, repair, rehabilitation, and construction administration of historic and contemporary structures. Brown has been involved in a wide variety of construction projects, including those in which the structure of the building is also the enclosure, such as mass masonry. He is routinely collaborating with architects, owners, and contractors on complex building designs and repairs.

Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in the session content at the 2025 IIBEC Building Enclosure Symposium are those of the content author(s)/speaker(s) and do not necessarily reflect the policies or positions of the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC). IIBEC makes no warranty, whether express or implied, as to the completeness, accuracy or validity of the information provided.

Course Access
Courses are accessible in LearnUpon for one year from the date of purchase.

Credit Start Date 5/22/2025        
Credit Expiration Date  5/22/2028

Continuing Education Credit Statement
This course is approved for 1.0 IIBEC CEH
This course is approved for 1.0 AIA LU/HSW
AIA Course Number: BES25_12_OD
AIA Provider Number: G024

Continuing Education Credit Claim Information

To claim IIBEC CEHs, learners are required to:

• Achieve a passing score of 70% on the summative assessment (learners are provided unlimited attempts)
• Complete the course Evaluation & Attestation Survey

After completing the Evaluation & Attestation Survey, learners will be able to download a Certificate of Completion.  Learners are responsible for self-reporting IIBEC CEH credit by uploading their Certificate of Completion to their IIBEC Portal. For assistance in self-reporting CEHs, please reach out to: [email protected]

To claim AIA LU, learners are required to complete the above requirements, as well as:

• Complete the AIA Survey (AIA member number is required)

AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members.

AIA CES Provider statement

IIBEC is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider G024. All registered AIA CES Providers must comply with the AIA Standards for Continuing Education Programs.  Any questions or concerns about this provider or this learning program may be sent to AIA CES ([email protected] or (800) AIA 3837, Option 3).

This learning program is registered with AIA CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product. AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.