Saddle Up! Integrating Control Layers at Parapet to Rise Walls Conditions

Water and air leakage, deterioration, and biological growth often occur at parapet terminations where adjacent rise walls lack proper integration of air and moisture control layers. These issues typically stem from missing or inadequate detailing, sequencing, trade coordination, and installation—compounded by limited industry standards and general lack of awareness. While most designs rely on two-dimensional details, complex roof-to-wall interfaces require multi-step, three-dimensional detailing. Proper construction sequencing, trade coordination, and mock-ups—including saddle flashing—are essential. This presentation will review design principles for integrating control layers at complex conditions and demonstrate how freehand sketches, paper folding, 3D modeling, collaboration with trades and manufacturers, and mock-ups help develop effective saddle flashing details.

Learning Objectives:

1.  Understand the importance of critical detailing of control layers at complex conditions to avoid air and water-related problems
2.  Learn effective ways to develop and design successful details at complex conditions that are constructable and durable
3.  Recognize the importance of considering construction sequencing and trade coordination when developing complex details
4.  Understand the importance of mock-ups for evaluating detailing, sequencing and performance testing to ensure water-resistant and airtight designs

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Michael Nagle, NCARB, Firmwide Quality Leader | Building Enclosures, Cannon Design

In his role as a firmwide quality leader of building enclosures, Michael Nagle leads CannonDesign’s building enclosure group, leads standard development, performs quality reviews, and develops in-house training for fellow colleagues in the area of building science fundamentals and building enclosure design. Before joining CannonDesign (a global A/E design firm) in January 2022, Michael served the industry as a building enclosure consultant while investigating many projects involving water and air leakage, condensation, and distress conditions in a variety of building enclosure systems at a leading consulting firm for nearly 20 years.

Jacob Morrison, Associate AIA, ANFA, Designer III, Cannon Design

Jake Morrison is committed to integrating technology to find creative solutions for each project’s unique challenges. At CannonDesign, he uses metrics derived from iterative modeling and simulation to inform and refine the design process to meet the different needs each client, project, and site requirement. In the last 5 years, Jake has been involved in many large scale projects serving as a building enclosure technical designer.