A strong and resilient building can endure severe weather conditions while remaining habitable without a power supply, at least for a brief period of time until the power is reinstated. An integral component of this resilience is the roofing system. If the roof sustains notable damage or blows off, there is a good chance the building will become uninhabitable until the roof is fixed or replaced. This is true for buildings of all heights and occupancies — whether an average-sized single-family house or a large commercial facility.
There are several factors that make up the resilient features of a roofing system. One of the leading home renovations companies in Massachusetts discusses each of these factors below.
1. Wind Resistance
A resilient roof should be able to withstand high winds more than anything else. While building codes have become more stringent on wind designs of roofing systems, it is suggested that designing for higher wind speeds than these building codes typically require, such as upwards of 20 miles per hour (mph), will definitely provide even greater defense against blow-offs.
It is no secret among roofing professionals that wind-related damage begins at the corners and perimeters of roofs. To effectively increase the resistance of these areas, edge metal details need to be enhanced with thick metal and higher fastener density. For example, utilizing 22-gauge metal rather than 24-gauge metal can deliver remarkable protection for the long term. The same result can be achieved by installing fasteners 8 inches apart instead of the usual 12-inch interval.
Apart from a well-designed perimeter edge, a “peel-restraint bar” is also installed by experienced builders as a safety precaution. It can be a continuous strip of metal situated no less than two to three feet from the perimeter of a building. The bar is placed above the membrane and fastened directly to the roof structure. It is then covered with a membrane to make it impervious to rain and wind.
2. Impact Resistance
Impact resistance is defined as the ability of a material to resist deformation and fracture when subjected to short-term force. For a roofing system, this can mean resistance to hail, debris and rooftop equipment. A tough membrane reinforced with a durable cover board can provide enhanced impact resistance. For example, a high-density polyiso cover board effectively resists impact from hailstones because it is able to absorb the impact and does not crush. In regions where hail storms are frequent, adding a sturdy cover board is essential for a resilient roof.
If the building is located in an area where large hail is recurrent, cementitious pavers above the roofing membrane may be needed. Before adding pavers to an existing roof, be sure to check the capacity of the structure since the additional weight is often significant.
A rooftop daylighting system can provide sufficient daylight to keep a building or facility functional when the power is out in the area. It is also crucial to balance the exchange between the allocation of effective internal lighting and a reduction in the R-value of the roofing system, advises a local roofing contractor.
Bringing in natural light into the building sounds like an exemplary idea until it increases solar heat gain. In order to make sure that your building is getting the right amount of daylight in the right places, here are three things to keep in mind:
- More daylight is not always better. An excessive quantity of light coming in leads to uncomfortable glare, random hot spots and harsh shadow lines. If you are in the market for new windows, take note of the visible light transmittance (VLT) values of glass products and select the item that lets through abundant lighting while still managing glare and solar heat gain.
- Eliminate glare and redirect light. Glare offsets the benefits of daylighting. Your daylighting strategies must be dependent on local climate, interior organization and building orientation.
- Arrange interiors. A simple renovation of the interiors can allow the light to flow further into space. An open floor plan and keen attention to the placement of furniture let you maximize the incoming light.
4. Energy Production
Installing solar panels on the rooftop and making use of their energy production can be extremely beneficial as well as contribute to longer-term building resiliency. In the event of a power failure, the energy generated by solar panels can be utilized to operate key components of a building. However, a photovoltaic (PV) system that relies on the grid or is “grid-tied” will not be able to supply energy during a blackout. Solar panels demand energy storage from batteries in order to run continuously and provide electricity when the power is out. This is why many roofing companies believe that a battery-backup PV system might well be worth the investment.
Roof insulation has a significant effect on the performance and operation costs of a building on a nearly day-to-day basis. As many as 90% of roofing systems on commercial properties consist of low-slope designs that feature rigid insulation attached to a deck of steel or concrete. In these systems, the insulation are expected to carry out three major functions:
- Thermal barrier: Insulation creates a thermal barrier between the building envelope and outside elements – and is, therefore, largely responsible for controlling heating and cooling expenses. It is also important to install an air barrier to hamper airflow and a vapor retarder to eliminate condensation.
- Drainage: Insulation can serve as a drainage system. Tapered insulation boards can funnel water from walls and curbs, and toward drains, rain gutters or other roof outlets. A roof requires a minimum ¼-inch drop coverage to 12 inches in order to adequately direct and drain water. Because of its clear benefits, tapered insulation is now considered a widely used practice in the industry.
- Working platform: Over its course of life, your roof and its insulation will serve as a working platform for various activities during system construction and subsequent maintenance. The insulation of your roof may need short-term protection before the entire roofing system is completed and then permanent protection after the system is completed. One excellent technique is to install cover boards over the roofing insulation. Other feasible options include selecting insulation with ample compressive strength and building walkways.
6. Roof Color
Finally, the color of your roof plays an important role in keeping occupants safe, comfortable and productive in a resilient building. An important thing to remember is that reflective roof surfaces reduce costs. For example, a white membrane or a light-colored coating can chop down a large percentage of the potential solar heat gain. This often leads to significantly less heated air transferring into a roof. Furthermore, the greater the roof-to-wall ratio of the building, the more crucial the overall thermal effectiveness of the roof becomes.
Contact Us for Quality Roof Repair and Roof Installation
Ben’s Construction Inc is a premier source of home renovations solutions in Massachusetts. From roof installation to storm-damaged roof repair and maintenance, our top-rated professionals are committed to providing the comfort and efficiency you need through industry-leading products and outstanding customer service. Call us today at (508) 962-2417, or fill out our contact form to set up an appointment. Our service areas include Natick, MA, and the surrounding areas.