Course Title: Designing Low Slope Roofing for Climate Change
Date: August 20, 2025 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM (BYOL)
Presenters: Robert Hemphill, RBEC, RRC, RWC, REWC and Kimberly Fajardo, RRO
Salas O’ Brien Engineers
Abstract:
Architects, Consultants, and Engineers continue to use specifications and details that are not keeping up
with climate changes and additionally, do not meet current building codes. This presentation will focus
on detail and specification solutions that roofing design professionals should use to prepare for climate
changes. Case studies of roofing disasters that could have been avoided, if proper detailing was used,
will be explained and how roofing designers can avoid a disaster caused by climate change.
Learning Objectives:
1) Identify deficient specifications and details used for roofing projects.
2) Explain what building codes need to be updated for climate change.
3) Evaluate solutions to prepare for climate change.
4) Review examples of roof failures due to extreme weather events.
Biography:
Kimberly Fajardo and Robert Hemphill, Salas O’ Brien, have collaborated on numerous roofing projects
in Northern California. Their industry memberships include Asian American Architects and Engineers
(AAAE), American Institute of Architects (AIA), Construction Specification Institute (CSI), International
Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC), National Women in Roofing (NWiR) Roofing Industry
Committee on Weather Issues (RICOWI), Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA) and
Western Construction Consultants Association (WestCon).
