Reimagining the roof at schools

{"version":"0.3.0","atoms":[],"cards":[],"markups":[["i"],["b"],["a",["href","https:\/\/www.gaf.com\/en-us\/document-library\/documents\/productdocuments\/commercialroofingsystemsdocuments\/tpodocuments\/tpomembranesdocuments\/tpoextremesmoothdocuments\/everguardextremetpo50membranedocuments\/Code__EverGuard_Extreme_TPO_White_Gainesville_TX_Plant__NSF_P151_Compliance.pdf","target","_blank"]],["a",["href","https:\/\/continuingeducation.bnpmedia.com\/courses\/gaf\/more-than-just-a-roof\/","target","_blank"]],["a",["href","mailto:buildingscience@gaf.com","target","_blank"]]],"sections":[[1,"h2",[[0,[],0,"Roofs are typically underutilized, but what if they became a learning space or supported a school\u2019s energy goals? AIA partner GAF examines the considerations, from the membrane to attachment methods, for taking advantage of these opportunities."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Studies have shown that increased daylighting can lead to greater productivity, higher student test scores, and reduced absenteeism. Incorporating biophilic design and connecting the built environment to nature further offers increased benefits to learning, including lower stress levels and more focus. But what if learning opportunities are taken "],[0,[0],1,"outside "],[0,[],0,"of the classroom and into nature? What if the "],[0,[0],1,"roof "],[0,[],0,"becomes classroom space? Or what if the roof "],[0,[0],1,"supports "],[0,[],0,"sustainability or energy goals for the school?"]]],[1,"h3",[[0,[1],1,"The roof as an opportunity"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Typically with large footprints, roofs often sit vacant on top of school buildings. Underutilized, these spaces are a haven for opportunity, for both incorporating sustainability goals and as learning spaces. Many schools are taking advantage of solar energy by incorporating photovoltaic installation on the roof. In some instances, large solar arrays can offset much of the school\u2019s energy use. Other schools are utilizing stormwater runoff to reduce potable water consumption. The most forward-thinking designs incorporate the roof as learning space. Whether the space is used to directly influence sustainability goals or as outdoor classroom space, the roof can transform the learning experience."]]],[1,"h3",[[0,[1],1,"What considerations do we need for the roof itself?"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"When designing a roof, it is important to consider the entire assembly; it is all components working together that creates a successful installation. The membrane, coverboard, insulation, and attachment method will impact the service life and functionality of the roof. The risk of installing a less robust system could require premature roof replacement impacting the useability or sustainability goals of the roof space."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[0],1,"Membrane"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Robustness, directly relating to thickness of the membrane, is a key factor where the overburden components above the membrane must be removed in the event of a leak or a replacement. The cost of removing components such as solar arrays or overburden for amenity\/ classroom installations can be very high. Thicker membranes, such as a minimum of 60 mils for a single-ply system or a multi-ply modified bitumen system will increase the durability of the system. Thicker membranes provide additional weather-resistant properties, including UV stability, and puncture resistance from added foot traffic and, in turn, will prolong the service life of the roof membrane. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Color selection, including incorporating reflective roof membranes, can lower the ambient roof temperature. Lower roof temperatures affect solar installations where higher energy output is directly related to cooler surface temperatures. Using a lighter colored roof can also decrease the urban heat island effect in cities, and also may decrease the amount of heat that is able to radiate into a building\u2019s interior, thereby also reducing the amount of energy used to cool interior spaces during summer months. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Where stormwater is being collected from the roof surface, "],[0,[2],1,"NSF P151"],[0,[],0,", which is certification of rainwater system components, should be a top consideration for the membrane selection. This certification ensures that no membrane components will contaminate the water being collected."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[0],1,"Insulation and attachment method"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Insulation is critical in roofing assemblies for overall energy efficiency of the building. Adequate insulation will reduce conditioned air loss from the roofing assembly, which can be significant due to the large size of school roofs. The higher the R-value of insulation, expressed per inch, the better the thermal performance of the insulation and its effectiveness at maintaining interior temperatures. Higher R-value per inch means less material is required to achieve the desired insulating value. Required by the Energy Code (IECC), insulation boards shall be installed so that the joints are staggered and offset, and several layers of insulation should be installed rather than just one thick layer. Gaps between boards can decrease insulating ability by allowing thermal loss and increased energy loss from the roof. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Similarly, selection of the attachment method can allow for thermal bridging through the roof assembly. Mechanical fasteners, often used to attach insulation to the roof deck, can also be used to attach single-ply membranes to the roof deck. A fastener bridging through the entire roof assembly can introduce energy loss through the fasteners. An option to reduce thermal bridging is to mechanically attach the first layer of insulation and adhere subsequent layers, burying the fasteners within the layers of insulation. Energy loss equates to dollars not spent on education. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[0],1,"Coverboards"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Inclusion of a coverboard is considered a best practice within any roofing assembly as it adds robustness and resilience. The addition of a high-compressive-strength coverboard below the roof membrane will enhance system protection against penetrations from wind-borne debris and hail. For assemblies where there is foot traffic, such as if the roof surface houses solar or classroom space, the inclusion of a coverboard is a best practice."]]],[1,"h3",[[0,[1],1,"Topping it off"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Envisioning the roof as a place to incorporate sustainability goals or as a learning area utilizes the typically vacant space. Stormwater capture, energy generation, or as a place where students can breathe fresh air are concepts that are no longer only conceptual. Proper roof assembly selection is the key to achieving these goals. Ensuring the roof assembly is not only water tight, but thermally efficient and robust will contribute to a long-lasting installation for the school."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[0],1,"Want more?"],[0,[1,0],2," "],[0,[0],0,"Read "],[0,[3],1,"More than Just a Roof "],[0,[],0,"to dig deeper into roofing design strategies for schools. Or connect with the "],[0,[4],1,"Building \u0026 Roofing Science team"],[0,[],1," to discuss design conundrums."]]]]}