Do you guys specify premanufactured roof curbs or does the mechanical unit manufacturers supply the roof curbs? What do you do about skylight curbs?
We specify premanufactured curbs to be provided by the GC; roof-in by the roofer. Have manufacturer/supplier who provides, as their SOP, a coordinated roof plan showing all locations, sizes, details, etc. of all required curb units, incuding skylights. Trying to reduce responsibility to one firm.
SOP?
Standard Operating Procedure
Military term I learned during the Battle of Bull Run.
— -.- .- -.-- (Morse Code)
My experience is that the mechanical consultant specifies the roof curb and the mechanical subcontractor provides it, and it is usually made by the manufacturer of the equipment. I try to make sure that the mech. eng. specifies the type (with or without cant) that I want for the project. I’ve always figured that if the mechanical equipment manufacturer supplies the curbs, they’re more likely to fit and function as necessary.
C’mon, David, I don’t Morse, but the definition is for real. That is how the firm works for every project they do.
We identify the different roof curb applications on each project. Then we assign all the curbs an opening number right on the drawings.
Because we design industrial municipal facilities, we take pains to identify every penetration over 4 inches diameter. Yes, it’s extreme.
Then we review each application with the appropriate engineer. We note the substrate (metal roof; membrane roof; etc). And we note the structural system (concrete over metal deck; cold-formed metal girts on structural steel; etc.)
Then we decide whether the curbs are custom; manufactured; a combination, etc.
I’m usually surprised how many electrical penetrations there are - especially photovoltaics applications; lightning protection; gorundingand bonding; etc.
Doug,
That’s a great idea! Now if I can only get the office to buy into it.
I believe that by specifying a company that design/builds curbs would would save the contractor a lot of money and coordination headaches.
If the contractor decides not to buy premanufactured curbs, we are still going to insist that the contractor submit shop drawings and engineering calcs.
Do you also specify which sub provides the fasteners and which sub is responsible for clean up of debris?
Why not simply specify premanufactured metal curbs if that is what is desired? They would be suitable for skylights and piping supports, for example.
For products with integral curbs, simply specify that the products shall have such curbs. Roof hatches and packaged air conditioning units commonly have integral curbs.
Specifying subcontract scopes and trade jurisdictions is doing the Contractor’s and the Construction Manager’s jobs. It takes money out of the Architect/Engineer’s pocket and puts it in someone else’s. Let them earn the fee (profit) they make, which is greater than the entire fee of the architect/engineer.
David,
here are some of the companies we specify. Also,we specify that all insulated roof curbs shall be structural and shall include calculations signed and sealed by a registered Structural Engineer.
Approved Manufacturers:
- The Pate Co.
- Custom Curb, Inc.
- Roof Products, Inc.
Brett, we have just moved to Roof Products exclusively, in view of the fact that Pate is out of business [bankrupt, I believe] and Custom Curb has been absorbed by and is part of Roof Products. The President of Roof Products formerly was part of [or owned] Custom Curb.
Thanks Ralph, I’ll pull my head out of the sand now and update my spec. ;o/
Hello All.
Just received an e-mail in regards to The Pate Company being out of business.
WE ARE ALIVE AND WELL (after 42 years in business)!
We recently relocated to brand new facility in Lombard, IL, which has tripled our manufacturing capacity.
We also have a new catalog and CD available for immediate review.
Please contact me at craigv@patecurbs.com
or call 800.243.3018.
Mr. Veselits, I certainly stand corrected, but the information I passed along come to us from more than one source. So I am not sure what was going on, but appreciate your new information.
Brett,
Custom Curb is the company that is out of business.