AboutPaul S. Brown, AIA Expertise How to work with an Architect. What to expect for design fees. What services are normally
included; what are not included? How do I find an Architect in my area? Why do I need an
Architect? How to be clear about your space needs. Why time must be managed properly.
Experience 24 years involvement in the practice of Architecture, including some teaching experience. Most of my work has been within the employment of various firms, but I have also done some small-scale projects on my own.
Particular interests include Environmental Design, "Green" Design, and Appropriate Technologies. LEED (TM) Accredited Professional.
I have some specific experience with Historic Preservation, Medical Facilities, Commercial Interiors, and Public School projects.
Education: Bachelor of Environmental Design Degree (Architecture), 1978, Miami University in Ohio. I am registered to practice professionally in the states of Massachusetts and Maine.
How is it possible that you can create a waterproof roof with porous tiles? Under what conditions does such a roof 'work' and under what kind of conditions would it fail to be waterproof?
Yours sincerely, Bart Roskam, The Netherlands
Answer Hi Bart:
Many roofs are covered with materials which are not entirely waterproof. Clay tiles certainly absorb water. Historic 'thatched' roofs made with reeds are certainly not 'waterproof'. I'm not sure exactly what sort of tile you are considering, but the principal that makes these systems perform well is the principal of 'shedding' water due to layering. Each element is overlapped by the next unit above. Example wood roof shingles: Each shingle has less than half of it's length exposed to the sky; the other half is covered by the next shingle higher on the roof. Thus, no spot on the roof has less than two shingles above, and probably also a water resistant paper as the last barrier, between the interior of the building and the exterior. The water sheds off of the roof before it has time to soak all the way through the roof system. In the thatch roof, the overlapping elements are in the hundreds.
I hope this helps,
Thanks,
PB
