{"id":1552,"date":"2024-01-18T13:15:35","date_gmt":"2024-01-18T20:15:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sdshail.com\/?p=1552"},"modified":"2024-01-30T15:41:01","modified_gmt":"2024-01-30T22:41:01","slug":"featured-project-a-new-energy-efficient-roof-for-glhn-architecture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sdshail.com\/featured-project-a-new-energy-efficient-roof-for-glhn-architecture\/","title":{"rendered":"Featured Project: A New Energy-Efficient Roof for GLHN Architecture"},"content":{"rendered":"

Though we\u2019re experts in hail damage roof repair and replacement, being experts in the industry means going beyond the aftermath of a storm. When a Tucson architecture firm, GLHN, was looking to replace their existing roof, they came to us at Storm Damage Specialists.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The project was not for the faint of heart, but the experts at SDS handled the whole process with the quality and professionalism that has gained us our strong industry reputation. The result was an energy-efficient flat roof with solar panels that not only looks great but will save them a massive amount on their energy bills for years to come.<\/p>\n

Who They Are<\/h4>\n

GLHN is a collaborative design firm<\/a> that specializes in architecture and engineering. They excel at solving the complex challenges of the modern building construction design environment using a multidisciplinary approach. They prioritize performance, community, resilience, and environmental stewardship throughout every phase and scale of their projects with a unique understanding of the Arizona climate.<\/p>\n

GLHN’s Roofing Problem<\/h4>\n

GLHN was beginning to have drainage problems with their old roof. The roof only had two drains, and it wasn\u2019t sloped properly. One of the drains was full of tar from a poorly done old roof installation. They had employees get up on the roof after every rain and actually broom the water down to the drain! The employees were quickly growing tired of this routine and knew it was time for a roof replacement.<\/p>\n

The roof really wasn\u2019t that old, but it was very flat. The way that the building was originally designed was just poor drainage coupled with the original roofing company’s poor installation (not SDS!). They had leaks throughout the roof, and the poor drainage and slope allowed water to pond on the roof. Over time, previous roofing contractors\u2019 lack of maintenance and poor installation processes resulted in the inevitable roof failure.<\/p>\n

Their Custom Built-Up Roofing Solution<\/h4>\n

Because their existing roof was a poorly installed built-up roof with very poor drainage, SDS professional roof inspectors recommended a complete tear-off. Once we removed the old roofing, we were able to do a custom-tapered ISO or insulation system. We built up the middle, essentially forming a cross where everything drained out to the four corners. The new roof included 12 inches of insulation in the middle of the roof so that it would allow water to drain out.<\/p>\n

\"GLHNIn order to improve the pitch, their heating and cooling systems and all connected pipes had to also be raised. We worked with their HVAC company to come in and raise their equipment where we cut in two new drains. Originally they only had two drains on the southwest and southeast corners of the buildings. To rectify their drainage problem, we added two more in the northwest and northeast corners.<\/p>\n

As the photograph shows, the white pallets wrapped in wire are all the insulation\u2014two truckloads worth! We built the roof up four inches at a time with four-inch fill, and then we put a two-inch fill on the top, and finally, the tapers.<\/p>\n

This meant we added 12 inches of pitch from the center of the roof out to the drains, and now there are drains at each corner. This alone improved the energy efficiency of the roof.<\/p>\n

Cool Roofing<\/h3>\n

With this re-roofing project, GLHN ended up with a cool, energy-efficient roof that now meets the standard of a \u201cCool Roof\u201d. Cool roofs<\/a> are the ultimate solution for combating heat and keeping your property comfortable all year round. These innovative roofing systems are designed to reflect sunlight and minimize heat absorption\u2014perfect for making your commercial or industrial building more energy-efficient. Reflective roofing materials and cool roof coatings bounce the light and heat away from the building instead of absorbing it.<\/p>\n

With a cool roof installed, the temperature inside a building can be up to 50\u00b0F cooler compared to traditional roofs. This means less energy consumption and lower utility costs to keep a space cool and comfortable. Cool roof coatings also significantly preserve your roof\u2019s lifespan by decreasing its temperature and preventing damage caused by excessive heat.<\/p>\n

If you have a low-sloped or flat roof, you have several options for cool roofing material. BUR<\/a>, single-ply, spray foam, or modified bitumen roofing can all be equipped with highly reflective elements to minimize heat gain and maximize energy efficiency. Each type of energy-efficient shingle offers its own benefits, so SDS can help you decide which is best for your roof.<\/p>\n

To learn more about the benefits of Cool Roofs, watch this informational video from the US Department of Energy:<\/p>\n