Product Review: Metal Roofing

What is Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is a system made from metal sheets/coils which is widely chosen and used not only on large industrial or commercial structures but also residential homes. Metal roofing is composed of five (5) materials such as copper, aluminum, zinc, steel and tin.

Types of Metal Roofing

Aluminum Roofs

One of the most primary, sustainable, long lasting and commonly used metal roofing that could withstand not only extremely severe weather conditions but also contains fire-resistant and salt water rust properties suitable for coastal regions.

Copper Roofing

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Copper roofing Is a natural and 100% recyclable material that has been widely used for centuries. Copper is extremely lightweight and long-lasting metal that can last to over a hundred years. It can be attractive and appealing among metal roofing types but may be the most expensive than other roofing materials .

Steel Roofing

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One of the most commonly used materials found on a commercial site as well as residential/homeowners projects. Primarily known for its strength, durability and flexibility, steel is also one of the most affordable and least expensive roofing material.

Tin Roofing

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Known as terneplate roof which is made of any soft metal combined with coated mixtures of lead, tin and zinc. Nowadays, Tin roofing is often refers as galvanized steel which could last for a longer period of time when properly installed and maintained.

Zinc Metal Roof

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Zinc roofing is a foldable and softer metal material which can be easily formed into different shapes and designs. Apart from its structural strength and durability, Zinc is also known for its self- repair properties that helps prevents corrosion, scratches and panel markings over time and could last for over a hundred years.

Benefits/Advantages of Metal Roofing

• Offers longevity that would last 60+ years depending upon the type of metal materials used.

•  Can withstand strong winds, snow, mold, rain and other elements.

• Fire resistance

• Low-cost Maintenance

• Recyclable and eco friendly

• Gives a variety of style, textures and patterns to any home designs

Conclusion

Now that you have an idea of the different types of metal roofing materials and its advantages, the next factor that you have to consider are the cost, location of your project/residence and other details that will greatly affect in selecting the suitable one for you.  Choosing the appropriate metal material for your roofing requires you also to designate the right installers who has the better knowledge and experience with regards to metal roofing, particularly on the metal material that choose to use on your project or home.

Article Sources:

https://sheffieldmetals.com/learning-center/metal-roofing/

https://modernize.com/roof/types/metal

https://www.bridgersteel.com/blog/5-types-of-metal-roofing-materials-pros-cons

Understanding Change Orders in Construction: Why They Happen and How to Plan for Them

The construction process is complex, involving countless details and coordination between multiple parties. Amid this complexity, change orders are a common occurrence, though they can lead to delays, increased costs, and adjustments to the project’s scope.

But what exactly is a change order, and how can you manage it effectively? Here’s a breakdown to help you understand why they happen and how to better plan for them, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable construction experience.

What is a Change Order?

A change order is an official amendment to the construction contract. It details any changes in the scope of work, the project timeline, or the budget after the initial agreement has been signed. These changes can range from minor adjustments, such as substituting materials, to larger revisions like reconfiguring entire spaces.

Change orders generally require agreement from all parties, including the architect, contractor, and client. They often carry financial implications and can affect the schedule of the project.

Why Do Change Orders Happen?

1. Unforeseen Conditions: During construction, especially in renovation or remodel projects, unexpected site conditions can arise. Hidden structural issues, plumbing problems, or even unforeseen soil conditions can trigger changes that need to be addressed.

2. Client Requests: As clients see the project take shape, they sometimes decide to make design changes. This can be anything from wanting to upgrade finishes to rethinking the layout of a space.

3. Errors or Omissions in the Design: While architects aim for comprehensive plans, no project is immune to occasional missteps in the documentation, which may need correction during construction.

4. Regulatory Requirements: Changes may arise due to unforeseen building code or regulatory issues that require adjustments to the design to meet compliance standards.

5. Material Availability: Certain materials may become unavailable during construction, leading to the need for substitutions or alternative sourcing.

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How Can Change Orders Be Avoided?

While it’s impossible to avoid every change order, many can be anticipated and minimized through careful planning and clear communication. Here are a few tips:

1. Thorough Planning and Pre-Construction Preparation: Having a clear, detailed design and construction plan is critical. This includes in-depth site analysis, client discussions to ensure the design meets their needs, and coordination with contractors early in the process.

2. Regular Communication: Open dialogue between the architect, client, and contractor throughout the design and construction process helps identify potential issues before they escalate. Regular project meetings and updates help to keep everyone aligned.

3. Careful Selection of Materials: Ensuring that materials specified are available and meet the project’s timeline can help avoid last-minute changes due to supply chain issues.

4. Contingency Planning: Including a contingency budget and timeline in the initial project plan helps to manage unexpected costs and delays, allowing the team to respond quickly and efficiently to unforeseen issues.

Budgeting for Change Orders

Even with the best planning, change orders can still occur. To mitigate their impact:

• Set a Contingency Fund: It’s common practice to allocate 5-10% of the project budget for potential changes. This helps prevent financial surprises and ensures the project can move forward smoothly.

• Prioritize Changes: When change orders arise, work with your architect and contractor to evaluate their necessity. Some changes may be essential, while others might be worth postponing or reconsidering to stay within budget.

• Track and Approve Changes: Make sure all change orders are documented and approved in writing. This helps maintain a clear record of adjustments and prevents misunderstandings between parties.

The Architect’s Role in Making the Process Smooth and Fun

Architects play a pivotal role in helping clients navigate change orders and ensuring that the design and construction process remains enjoyable. Here’s how an architect can make a difference:

1. Collaborative Design Process: By involving clients deeply in the design process, architects can better understand their needs and minimize the likelihood of design changes down the line.

2. Anticipating Challenges: Experienced architects can foresee potential issues that might arise during construction and work proactively to mitigate them before they become problems.

3. Clear Communication: Architects act as the bridge between the client, contractor, and other stakeholders. Through effective communication, they help keep the project on track, manage expectations, and address issues quickly.

4. Flexibility and Creativity: When change orders happen, a skilled architect can offer creative solutions that minimize disruption while staying true to the design vision. Their ability to pivot and adapt often leads to better results and a more rewarding construction experience for the client.

In the end, while change orders are a natural part of the construction process, they don’t have to be a source of stress. With careful planning, a clear budget, and the guidance of an experienced architect, they can be managed smoothly, ensuring the project remains enjoyable from start to finish.

Unveiling the Strengths: A Comprehensive Exploration of Roof Underlayment Products

Introduction

Roof underlayment is the unsung hero of roofing systems, providing a crucial barrier against water infiltration and contributing to the overall longevity of a roof. In this in-depth exploration, we'll delve into the characteristics, manufacturing processes, durability, and testing results of three prominent types of roofing underlayment: Modified Asphalt Roofing Underlayment, SBS-Modified Underlayment, and Synthetic Underlayment.

Modified Asphalt Roofing Underlayment

Characteristics: Modified asphalt roofing underlayment, fortified with modifiers such as atactic polypropylene (APP) or styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS), boasts exceptional characteristics. Its flexibility allows for easy installation on various roof structures, adapting seamlessly to contours and shapes. This underlayment type exhibits robust water resistance, forming an impermeable shield against rain, snow, and ice.

Manufacturing Process: The manufacturing process involves carefully mixing asphalt with modifiers and subjecting the mixture to precise heating. This results in a modified asphalt compound that is then coated onto a reinforcing mat. The reinforcing mat enhances the underlayment's strength, ensuring it can withstand the challenges presented by diverse weather conditions.

Durability: Modified asphalt roofing underlayment is renowned for its longevity. The inclusion of modifiers not only enhances flexibility but also provides resistance against the harmful effects of UV rays. This durability ensures that the underlayment remains effective over an extended period, offering reliable protection to the underlying roofing structure.

Testing Results: Adhering to the rigorous standards set by ASTM, modified asphalt roofing underlayment consistently performs well in various tests. From tensile strength assessments to evaluations of dimensional stability, this type of underlayment demonstrates its capability to meet and exceed industry expectations.

SBS-Modified Underlayment

Characteristics: SBS-modified underlayment takes flexibility to the next level. With the addition of styrene-butadiene-styrene, this type of underlayment exhibits enhanced flexibility, making it an ideal choice for roofs with complex geometries. Its ability to conform to irregular surfaces ensures a tight seal, contributing to superior waterproofing.

Manufacturing Process: The manufacturing process involves the infusion of SBS into the asphalt mix, creating a modified compound that possesses remarkable flexibility. This added flexibility translates into improved performance during installation and in the face of temperature fluctuations.

Durability: SBS-modified underlayment excels in impact resistance, making it particularly resilient against hail or other heavy impacts. This durability ensures that the underlayment maintains its integrity, providing a reliable barrier against potential damage to the roof structure.

Testing Results: In stringent testing scenarios, SBS-modified underlayment consistently meets or surpasses industry standards. Results from impact resistance tests and evaluations of flexibility showcase the real-world performance of this underlayment type, instilling confidence in its effectiveness under challenging conditions.

Synthetic Underlayment

Characteristics: Synthetic underlayment stands out for its lightweight nature, offering ease of handling and installation. Composed of polymer materials like polyethylene or polypropylene, this underlayment type also boasts water-repellent properties, adding an extra layer of defense against moisture infiltration.

Manufacturing Process: The manufacturing process involves the utilization of advanced polymer materials. These materials are engineered to provide not only lightweight characteristics but also exceptional tear resistance, ensuring the underlayment remains intact during installation and throughout its service life.

Durability: Beyond its lightweight advantage, synthetic underlayment exhibits resistance to mold and mildew growth, maintaining a clean and healthy roofing environment. Its tear resistance further contributes to overall durability, making it a reliable choice for various roofing projects.

Testing Results: Synthetic underlayment undergoes thorough testing, with tear strength tests highlighting its ability to withstand forces that could compromise other underlayment types. Water resistance tests underscore its effectiveness in preventing water infiltration, showcasing its reliability in adverse weather conditions.

Conclusion

In the complex world of roofing underlayment, each type plays a unique role, catering to specific needs and preferences. Modified asphalt underlayment, with its time-tested durability, stands strong against the elements. SBS-modified underlayment, with its enhanced flexibility and impact resistance, excels in challenging environments. Synthetic underlayment, lightweight and tear-resistant, offers a modern solution with a focus on ease of installation.

As you embark on your roofing project, carefully consider the characteristics, manufacturing processes, and testing results of these underlayment types. Remember, the right choice depends on various factors, including the specific requirements of your roofing project. By understanding the strengths of each type, you can make an informed decision that ensures the long-term protection and integrity of your roof.

Embracing Sustainability: The Cool Roof Revolution in Energy-Efficient Architecture

In the ever-evolving landscape of architectural design, the emphasis on energy efficiency and sustainability has become paramount. One innovative solution gaining traction in the construction industry is the implementation of "cool roofs." This blog post delves into the various aspects of cool roofs, from their definition and recent building code requirements to the importance of proper ventilation and the diverse range of materials available.

What is a Cool Roof?

Cool roofs are roofing systems designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat than traditional roofs. This reflective property helps in maintaining a lower surface temperature, reducing the transfer of heat into the building below. The primary goal is to enhance energy efficiency, lower cooling costs, and contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly construction practice. The DOE (Department of Energy) also provides additional resources and information for “cool roofs".”

Recent Building Code Requirements for Energy Efficiency:

As the global focus on combating climate change intensifies, building codes have been updated to address energy efficiency. Recent revisions in building codes emphasize the incorporation of cool roofing technologies to mitigate the urban heat island effect. These changes underscore the commitment of the construction industry to reduce energy consumption and promote environmentally responsible practices.

What is the difference between a Cool Roof and a Green roof?

Cool roofs and green roofs are both sustainable roofing solutions, but they differ in their approaches and the environmental benefits they offer.

Cool Roof:

1. Reflectivity and Emissivity: Cool roofs are designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat compared to traditional roofs. They achieve this through the use of reflective materials that have high solar reflectance and high thermal emittance.

2. Energy Efficiency: The primary goal of a cool roof is to reduce the heat absorbed by the building, thus lowering indoor temperatures and decreasing the need for air conditioning. This can result in energy savings and a more comfortable interior environment.

3. Urban Heat Island Mitigation: Cool roofs also contribute to mitigating the urban heat island effect by reflecting sunlight back into the atmosphere instead of absorbing and re-radiating it as heat.

4. Material Variety: Cool roofs can be made from a variety of materials, including reflective coatings, single-ply membranes, and metal roofing. The key is that these materials have reflective properties.

Green Roof:

1. Vegetative Layer: Green roofs, on the other hand, involve the installation of a layer of vegetation (plants, grass, or even trees) on the roof surface. There are two main types: intensive and extensive. Intensive green roofs have a thicker soil layer and can support a wider variety of plants, even small trees. Extensive green roofs have a shallower soil layer and are generally lighter.

2. Insulation and Biodiversity: Green roofs provide natural insulation, reducing heating and cooling costs. They also contribute to biodiversity, offering habitat for birds and insects. The plants on green roofs can help absorb rainwater, reducing runoff and assisting in stormwater management.

3. Aesthetic and Recreational Value: Beyond environmental benefits, green roofs offer aesthetic and recreational value. They can create green spaces in urban environments, providing a retreat for building occupants and contributing to a more visually appealing landscape.

4. Air Quality Improvement: The vegetation on green roofs can also help improve air quality by capturing pollutants and producing oxygen.

While cool roofs focus on reflecting sunlight and reducing heat absorption to enhance energy efficiency, green roofs incorporate living vegetation to provide a range of benefits, including insulation, stormwater management, biodiversity support, and aesthetic appeal. The choice between a cool roof and a green roof depends on specific project goals, climate considerations, and the desired environmental outcomes. In some cases, a combination of both cool and green roofing strategies may be employed for a comprehensive and sustainable approach.

How Climate Zones impact energy efficient Design:

Understanding the diverse climate zones in the United States is crucial when implementing cool roof strategies. Different regions experience varying temperature ranges, humidity levels, and solar exposure. Architects and builders must tailor their approach to cool roofing based on the specific climate zone to maximize its effectiveness. Whether you're in the arid Southwest or the humid Southeast, cool roofs can be adapted to suit the unique demands of each region.

Ventilation of a Cool Roof Assembly:

Proper ventilation is a critical factor in the success of a cool roof system. Adequate ventilation helps dissipate trapped heat and prevents moisture buildup, ensuring the longevity and performance of the roofing materials. Designing a well-ventilated cool roof assembly involves considering factors such as the roof's pitch, insulation, and the incorporation of ventilation openings. Architects must carefully integrate these elements to create a harmonious and efficient cool roof system.

Different Roof Materials:

Cool roofs can be achieved with various materials, each offering distinct advantages. Metal roofs, for example, are known for their durability and reflectivity, making them a popular choice in cool roof applications. Clay and concrete tiles provide a traditional aesthetic while contributing to energy efficiency. Composite roofing materials offer a balance between cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability. Architects can select from this diverse palette of materials based on the project's requirements and the desired balance between aesthetics and functionality.

Conclusion:

In the pursuit of sustainable architecture, cool roofs emerge as a compelling solution, showcasing the industry's commitment to energy efficiency. As building codes evolve to reflect the urgency of climate action, architects and builders play a pivotal role in implementing innovative technologies. Cool roofs, tailored to specific climate zones and coupled with effective ventilation strategies, represent a significant stride towards a more sustainable and resilient built environment.