The primary function of the curb is to keep weather out while supporting flashing the equipment on it.
Purpose of a roof curb.
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 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.
An added bonus of a seismic calculated rated curb is the protection against high wind damage.
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.
Specify prefabricated roof curbs and related products by a roof curb manufacturer not with or by the equipment manufacturer.
You see without a roof curb there would be no way to securely attach your fan to the rooftop.
The curb is secured into place and roofing material is extended all the way up the sides of the curb.
Additional benefits of a seismically calculated curb.
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.
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.
Prefabricated roof curbs have been in use since the roof has been utilized for something other than keeping weather out.