Explore the lowdown on low slope roofs and exposed fasteners
In almost all cases, there are alternative methods available instead of installing exposed fasteners in the horizontal roof plane, such as at the roof vent pipe boot in the low slope roof shown in the picture below.
Uncovered fasteners in the horizontal plane of a roof are generally prohibited by the roof manufacturer. The Building Code requires that contractors follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions and a licensed contractor is required to follow the building code, for new construction. (Historic homes have some grey areas but but this is another important reason that we recommend working with a contractor is a contractor who is willing with their communicate with their client on their company’s commitment to quality and methods of workmanship.)
Buildings have micromovements due to natural conditional resistance in building elements. In a daily basis there can be wide fluctuations in temperature. Seasonally, there are even greater swings in environmental conditions. Changes in temperature, moisture, and differential deterioration can lead to seperation and delamination of building materials, especially at disparate elements.
Any fasteners required in a horizontal plane should be covered with a permanently installed membrane or flashing.