News & Insights
Phil Dregger talks preventing decay below reflective roofs
Understanding how moisture moves through roof assemblies can help identify condensation risks early and prevent costly wood decay.
A three-year investigation of a 450-unit HOA found that highly reflective roofs were associated with severe wood deck decay caused by hidden condensation. At the 2026 Western Roofing Expo on September 28, Salas O’Brien VP, senior project manager Phil Dregger, PE, RRC, will share what the study revealed and how building professionals can identify similar risks before damage becomes costly.
During his CEU: AIA session, “Water Accumulation Below Reflective Roofing,” attendees will learn about overlooked moisture sources, ways to recognize signs of condensation before reroofing, and how temporary measures such as darkening a white roof can help slow decay while longer-term solutions are planned. Phil will explain where water vapor condenses in roof and wall assemblies and why controlling interior air movement is critical to limiting hidden water buildup.
Drawing on his three-year HOA investigation and more than 40 years of experience investigating problems in roof and building envelope systems, Phil brings specialized knowledge of wind damage, building codes, and condensation. His expertise will help attendees identify condensation risks earlier, make more informed reroofing decisions, and reduce the likelihood of similar failures in future roof systems.
About the Western Roofing Expo
Since 1974, the Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA) has provided the most comprehensive and up-to-date information and services to the industry, ensuring that roofers are equipped with the latest essentials to navigate today’s challenges. Known as the premier regional roofing and waterproofing event in the United States, the Western Roofing Expo features a two-day trade show, 36 educational seminars, two keynote luncheons. Learn more here.
About Salas O’Brien
Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering, science, and technical services firm focused on advancing the human experience through the built environment. Our team is engineered for impact®, helping clients solve complex engineering challenges with a focus on efficiency, resiliency, and sustainability, while advancing our team members through growth and opportunity. We are a top firm as ranked by Engineering News-Record and Consulting-Specifying Engineer, and we have appeared for over a decade on the Inc. 5000 list of North America’s fastest-growing private companies.
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