Purpose Of A Roof Curb

Exhaust fan roof curbs may be little more than a simple metal box but the function they serve is a very important part of your commercial kitchen upblast fan system.

Purpose of a roof curb.

The roof curb is designed to support the weight of the unit and to offer a means for contractors to connect the supply return air duct work. An added bonus of a seismic calculated rated curb is the protection against high wind damage. The primary function of the curb is to keep weather out while supporting flashing the equipment on it. Roof curbs are in many cases installed on the roof and temporarily covered over for waterproofing purposes much earlier than the construction schedule requires delivery of the expensive and fragile roof top equipment.

Another primary function of a roof curb is weatherproofing and protecting the interior of your exhaust system from the elements. Seismic rating requirements are not just limited to buildings in a seismic zone many government buildings and buildings designated as defense shelters also require seismically rated curbs. Roof curbs allow the installation of the primary roof and the flashings around this roof curb prior to the delivery of the actual roof equipment and the setting of this equipment. Prefabricated roof curbs have been in use since the roof has been utilized for something other than keeping weather out.

Additional benefits of a seismically calculated curb. When a building is constructed prior to the installation of the hvac rooftop unit rtu the roof is cut and a metal structure called a roof curb is installed. The curb is secured into place and roofing material is extended all the way up the sides of the curb.