FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Attaching furring strips without piercing membrane!

celkanawati | Posted in Construction Techniques on April 15, 2023 07:52am

Hello,

I have a house with a rooftop where we intend to build a rooftop deck. The roof’s parapets go up almost 5′. It is a “duplex” house, sandwiched between other duplexes, in Montreal. The roof’s membrane stretches up the parapets and covers it. Then there is flashing that caps the parapets.

The architect’s plan was to have the parapet’s, on the inside of the rooftop terrace, cladded with cedar boards. To do so, we have to install furring strips against the parapets. 

The architect specifies that the furring strips must be installed without piercing the membrane of the parapets. 

I have asked our GC, the roofing company and even called the membrane company (Soprema) and everyone seems to be puzzled by the architect’s requirement. 

Is there something I am missing here?

Thank you for your help.,

Charif

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. bing0328 | Apr 15, 2023 09:34am | #1

    Have a stainless steel bracket made. U shape with a long side of the U maybe half the distance from top of parapet to bottom. Screw cedar furring strips to bracket. Mount the brackets 16" oc over top of parapet. Nail or screw cedar 1x6 horizonally to furring.

  2. User avater
    ct_yankee | Apr 15, 2023 06:19pm | #2

    Since it is the architect's requirement, I would ask the architect how this is to be accomplished. If he/she does not know how, then perhaps the requirement needs to be rethought.

    1. celkanawati | Apr 15, 2023 06:52pm | #3

      When I asked the architect he turned it back at me and
      said ask your contractor who in turn said it is not feasible.

      Kinda stuck in between the two.

      I posted the architect's drawing. The cedar is installed vertically.
      So we need two furring strips, the first one is vertical
      and the second one is horizontal.

      1. User avater
        ct_yankee | Apr 15, 2023 09:34pm | #4

        Been there. Architect shows something impossible to build - when asked how, the response is something like "Build it as I want it - it's not my problem as to how to get there." "Even worse is the ambiguous detail that, when questioned elicits a response of 'I'm not sure yet but I'll know it when I see it.'"
        Is the parapet's vertical membrane adhered to the substrate? Perhaps there's an adhesive that will bond between the membrane and the furring strips. Some of the liquid flashing material may develop a reasonable bond. I cannot read or speak French so I can only judge the picture and not the words on the detail.

      2. Matt_Millham | Apr 15, 2023 09:37pm | #5

        Architects draw unbuildable things all the time. The fact that your architect can’t provide a detail to explain how to achieve their vision tells you everything you need to know about their understanding of how buildings are put together. They aren’t a problem solver; they’re a problem maker. If the membrane isn’t in place yet, there are plenty of standoff options that can be integrated into the membrane. If the membrane is already installed, an option might be to find an adhesive that’s compatible with the membrane. Build the cedar cladding/furring assembly on a bench and then adhere the assembly to the membrane.

        Edit: hah - yankee beat me to it

  3. User avater
    unclemike42 | Apr 16, 2023 08:34am | #6

    From the drawing you added to the original post, it would seem possible to assemble the cedar wall and hang from fasteners that penetrate the two layers of exterior plywood at the top. Longish screws can be sealed on the top after hanging, and would be covered by the cap.

    Seems like it would be a better idea to equip the bottom furring strip with whatever is specified under the decking 2x4 supports to maintain the vertical orientation against and away from the parapet wall.

    (Don't suppose you have a version of this drawing in english, do you?)

  4. sdking | Apr 17, 2023 03:18pm | #7

    Unless my French is deceiving me, the label reads "...without piercing the roof membrane for the first 24" above the finished deck. From the parapet dimension of 3'-6" total that would give you about 1'-6" at the top of the vertical furring to put your fasteners - then construction adhesive the remainder or just leave it if they are tight enough in place.

    I would confirm with them if that is the intent.

    1. User avater
      mikeljon | Apr 17, 2023 05:00pm | #8

      That's how I read this: Attach the vertical, but not the first 24" from the "floor" level.

  5. lancegwsmith | Apr 17, 2023 05:32pm | #9

    Depending on the spec for the membrane, these things are pierced all the time. Some are “self healing,” and designed to have fasteners go thru them. Also think about how mechanically attached membranes are literally thru fastened to be installed. Make this architect give you an answer (and I’m an architect myself.) I wouldn’t recommend adhesives. Too much chemical compatibility risk.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Making the Move to Multifamily

A high-performance single-family home builder shares tips from his early experience with two apartment buildings.

Featured Video

SawStop's Portable Tablesaw is Bigger and Better Than Before

The 10-in. Jobsite Saw PRO has a wider table, a new dust-control port, and a more versatile fence, along with the same reliable safety mechanism included in all SawStop tablesaws.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 692: Introduction to Trade Work, Embodied Carbon, and Envelope Improvements
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Embodied Greenhouse Gas Emissions and the Building Codes
  • Old Boots Learn New Tricks
  • Install Denim Insulation Like a Pro

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data