15 11 06 letter to building commissionerNovember 6, 2015
Northampton Building Department
Puchalski Municipal Building
212 Main Street
Northampton, MA 01060
Re: Smith College Facilities Roof Replacement, 126 West Street
Dear Louis Hasbrook,
For the Smith College Facilities building roof replacement project, the college is
seeking relief from the IECC energy requirements for roof insulation (R-25CI
minimum) in Roof Area 5 (see plan and photos below). This area is surrounded by
building on all four sides, with windows along the west wall. The current roofing
termination bar, below existing window sills, varies between 12" and 8" for most of
the run. However, at the south end, the termination point decreases down to 4". The
existing roof structure is sloped.
Current levels of insulation allow heat to escape and melt snow during the winter.
While the structure has been assessed and found adequate for snow loads, the
college is concerned snow will accumulate in the area and due to its location (within
a well) will not melt.
We propose, in order to prevent snow accumulation against the windows and keep
the wall flashings as high as possible to provide 2 1/2" of rigid insulation and 1/2" of
protection board in this area. (R-16.9 (R-14.4 polyiso + R-2.5 protection board)
Sincerely,
Tim S. Eagles, AIA
teagles@edm-ae.com