2026 Convention Session Course: Calling for Building Code Changes for Low-Slope Roof Drainage (Hemphill R.)

Calling for Building Code Changes for Low-Slope Roof Drainage
(Hemphill, R.)

Course Overview
This session was originally presented at the 2026 IIBEC Convention & Trade Show in Sacramento, CA. 

This course includes the following required components.

• recording of the live session

• summative assessment consisting of 10 multiple-choice questions

• course evaluation survey

Description
This session addresses crucial updates needed in roof drainage codes to manage severe rain events effectively, featuring case studies that underscore the urgency of these changes. Focusing on the following five key modifications, this session is developed with the roofing design professional, engineer, and architect in mind. First, advocating for a unified method for the   UPC, NPC, NSPC, or IPC codes in calculating roof drainage requirements, including intense short-duration rainfall typical of 100-year storms. Second, proposing to eliminate sump pits that often fail to meet the required drainage slopes. Third, defining “observable” overflows and the recommendation of positioning them above windows or exterior doors for enhanced visibility and safety, as well as the location of collector heads to avoid water ponding on roofs.  Fourth, reviewing the idea of doubling the size of overflow drains compared to main roof drains to ensure functionality during blockages. Fifth, reviewing the necessity of adding secondary overflow drains in reroofing projects on existing buildings, which are currently not mandated. Case studies will illustrate real-world scenarios where deficiencies in current standards have compromised safety, underscoring the necessity for the proposed code enhancements. This session equips learners with the information they need to advocate for essential enhancements to improve building resilience and public safety.

Spekaer/Author:
Robert Hemphill, RBEC, RRC, RWC, REWC, CDT
Building Enclosure Specialist
Salas O’Brien

Author:
Javeriya Hasan, PhD, MBSc, MSc, BEng, EIT Associate V
Associate, Civil & Structural & Building Science
30 Forensic Engineering

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

Course Recommended Prerequisite(s)

• Basic understanding of roofing systems and components, including primary and secondary drainage elements (e.g., roof drains, scuppers, overflows, sump pits). 
• Familiarity with national and regional plumbing codes such as the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), National Plumbing Code of Canada (NPC), National Standard Plumbing Code (NSPC), or International Plumbing Code (IPC), particularly as they relate to roof drainage design.  
• Knowledge of rainfall intensity data (e.g., 100-year storm events) and how it’s used in calculating roof drainage capacity. 
• Experience interpreting architectural or roofing plans, including roof slopes, drain placement, and overflow configurations. 
• General awareness of reroofing considerations and the limitations of retrofitting drainage systems in existing buildings.

IIBEC Core Competencies: Roofing

Knowledge Level: Intermediate

Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in the session content at the 2026 IIBEC Convention & Trade Show 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.

Credit Start Date 1/23/26
Credit Expiration Date 1/23/29

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: CONV26_08_OD
AIA Provider Number: G024

Continuing Education Credit Claim Information

To claim IIBEC CEHs and download a Certificate of Completion, learners are required to complete all components of the course, including a passing score of 70% or higher on the summative assessment.  Participants are provided unlimited attempts to complete the summative assessment with a passing score of 70% or higher.

• After completing the course requirements download a Certificate of Completion. 

• Participants 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: cehs@iibec.org

• If you are a member of AIA and would like IIBEC to report your participation in the course to AIA, there is a place in the course evaluation survey to input your AIA member number.

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 (cessupport@aia.org 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.