Bridging the Gap Between Roof and Wall
- eva_hatzaki
- May 30
- 3 min read
Demo Day 2024: Presented by Skyline Restoration, ICRI Metro NY and National Women in Roofing – NYC Council
On October 16, 2024, Skyline Restoration welcomed architects, engineers, and building enclosure professionals to its headquarters in Long Island City for Demo Day—a dynamic, hands-on event focused on one of the most technically challenging aspects of building construction: the roof-to-wall transition.
Organized in partnership with ICRI Metro New York and the National Women in Roofing – NYC Council, the event combined live product demonstrations, accredited presentations, and networking opportunities to foster knowledge sharing and professional growth.
Titled “Where the Roof Meets the Wall: Industry Mishaps and Best Practices,” Demo Day brought together over a dozen manufacturers and hundreds of industry professionals to explore the complexities and common pitfalls at the intersection of roofs and vertical walls. Often the source of water intrusion, thermal bridging, and performance degradation, these transition zones are a frequent cause of long-term issues in building enclosures. Yet they remain under-emphasized in both design documentation and field practice—something Demo Day sought to change.
The event featured interactive demonstrations from leading industry manufacturers, including Siplast, Soprema, Kingspan, Tremco, Sika, GCP, Kemper, Prosoco, and others. Each vendor presented their latest technologies, systems, and materials—from advanced flashing components to waterproofing membranes and insulation products. Attendees were encouraged to ask questions, inspect installations up close, and engage with experts about best practices, installation challenges, and detailing requirements. The outdoor setup provided an ideal environment for tactile learning and cross-disciplinary exchange, where real-world application took center stage.
AIA-accredited presentations
In addition to the demo stations, participants attended two AIA-accredited presentations held in the state-of-the-art Andromeda auditorium.
The first session was led by Anya LaRoche and Michael Narcis of Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc. Their presentation focused on strategies to ensure proper continuity between roofing systems and adjacent enclosure components. Drawing on case studies, they highlighted design oversights that often lead to failure—and outlined practical approaches to prevent them through better integration and quality control.
The second session, presented by architects Mike Lopez, R.A., Rimkus, and Corey Glaser, Senior Associate, WJE, tackled the risks associated with improper roof-to-wall flashing. Their presentation delved into the legal and structural consequences of inadequate detailing and offered guidance on how to design and construct more resilient building envelopes. With an emphasis on accountability and performance, the speakers emphasized the importance of clear communication between designers, contractors, and manufacturers to minimize liability and deliver high-performing buildings.
Networking forum
Beyond the technical knowledge exchanged, Demo Day also served as a networking forum for professionals across disciplines. Attendees connected over shared challenges and solutions, building relationships that extended beyond the event itself. The diverse representation—from roofing contractors and consultants to building owners and product developers—reflected a shared commitment to elevating standards across the industry.
By bringing together theory, practice, and collaboration under one roof, Demo Day 2024 delivered a compelling reminder: building better starts with getting the details right. In the case of roof-to-wall transitions, it’s not just about materials or specs—it’s about the dialogue between every team member involved in delivering a durable, watertight, and resilient building envelope.🀰
»Bridging the Gap Between Roof and Wall«
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