Forensic Analysis of Roof Deterioration Due to Condensation

Corrosion of the structural steel roof deck large warehouses resulted in several invasive forensic investigations to determine cause and mechanism corrosion. The warehouse investigation presented this paper is one many similar located near Gulf Mexico along Southern Atlantic Seaboard experiencing corroded decks when constructed using fiberboard insulation made from sugarcane fiber called bagasse. Consensus exists among individuals studying phenomenon that became saturated with water, which dissolved formic acetic acid fiberboard. it came contact acidic solution. There was little consensus regarding by water intruded into assembly. Invasive low-slope roofs buildings various types (including bagasse fiberboard) observation physical commonalities between instances led following conclusion: Water assemblies did not result leaks through a compromised membrane but rather humid air infiltrating assembly condensing on underside membrane.