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.
3. Daylighting
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:
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.
5. Insulation
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:
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.
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.
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