Raising the Roof
Jun 1, 2000 12:00 PM, By John Savage
Standing-seam systems can be warranted for up to 20 years. Look carefully when comparing warranties of competing systems. Warranties can vary widely in such details as what is actually covered, whether there is a dollar limit on the protection, and whether it depreciates over time.
An important point to remember: warranty protection is no substitute for quality workmanship. Installing a metal standing-seam roof requires specialized skills, and selecting an experienced contractor is critical.
Deal only with reputable companies that have longevity and a comprehensive installation training program. Look into the contractor's basic roofing training for its installers, and find out what kind of training and technical support the system manufacturer provides for the roofing contractors.
Schools are always being challenged to maximize the value received for each dollar of expenditure, and the choice of roofing materials can play a big part in reducing budget expenses.
Severe roof leaks, ponding water and saturated insulation were a source of frustration at Mathews High School in Mathews, Va. So Mathews County school officials decided to replace its 20-year-old deteriorated built-up roofing. The new roof, a metal standing-seam system, also updated the building's appearance and tied together a variety of complex roof configurations.
"Our new roof is attractive, and the best thing is, it does not leak!" says Harry Ward, superintendent of the Mathews County School System. "I would recommend this system to anyone looking at a roof replacement. It is by far the best on the market based on the cost per square foot."
The project was completed in eight months at a total cost of about $534,000, or $8.26 per square foot.
A light-gauge steel framing system supports the standing-seam panels and ensures that the existing structural elements are not overloaded. That allowed the new roof to be installed on top of the old one and saved the expense of tearing off the original roof. This method also allowed school activities to proceed uninterrupted during construction.
Once the sub-framing system was in place, the standing-seam panels were installed to create slopes that range from 1/14:12 to 2 2/3:12. This solved the drainage and insulation problems.
The new roofing system has cut the school's energy costs by an estimated 45 percent. "Attic space" created by the sub-framing system made room for a layer of R-19 batt insulation. The natural reflectivity of the metal panels has lowered roof surface temperatures by up to 100 degrees F. Less heat is transferred to the building's interior so the building needs less air conditioning.
