Choose the detail first
NRCA says equipment should be installed on curbs instead of support stands.
NRCA’s pocket article says pockets are not the preferred flashing method at the penetrations.
Fairfax County says pitch pockets should be avoided to the extent possible.
Work down the list: a curb or a flashed collar first, a pocket last, and check the roof maker before you choose.
Flow chart. Start with the fall-protection plan, confirm the governing documents, then choose a curb, a flashed collar or a boot, and only if none fits a pitch pocket. The curb or collar path continues to cricket or diverter where needed, base flashing, AFS metal lapping over it, and inspection.
- A
- Fall protection set before any work starts
- B
- Governing documents confirmed
- C
- Curb or flashed collar available: preferred path
- D
- Nothing else fits: pitch pocket, with a maintenance plan
Sources
- Manual Elements: equipment support stands (Professional Roofing, November 2005) - NRCA, Professional Roofing
- Manual Elements: Penetration pockets (Professional Roofing, April 2005) - NRCA, Professional Roofing
- Guidelines for Architects and Engineers 070000 Thermal and Moisture Protection (March 2026, Rev 2) - Fairfax County, Virginia, Building Design and Construction Division