Architectural Roofing & Waterproofing Volume 3 2011

2011, Volume 3

COMMERCIAL

DAYLIGHTING • Waterproofing Sandwich Slabs

• State-of-the-Art Building Envelope

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Announcing

THE NEXT GENERATION in TPO roofing.

GAF scientists have developed EverGuard ® Extreme™ TPO... designed for solar and other high heat applications...

EverGuard ® Extreme™ TPO is the next generation in TPO membranes—with the best guarantee in the industry!

Solar panels (which are dark in color by nature) can create areas of high temperatures up to 190°F on adjacent roof surfaces. Other highly reflective architectural structures (such as mirrored glass) can act as solar magnifiers and concentrate sunlight onto nearby roof surfaces. This concentrated sunlight can be far more intense than ambient sunlight — leading to premature membrane failure.

GAF scientists have created the next generation in TPO membranes, built to handle the extreme demands that new rooftop applications can place on roofing membranes. EverGuard® Extreme™ TPO uses proprietary stabilizers and UV absorbers to achieve weathering performance far beyond current standards. That means more protection for your customers — and for you.

Not eligible for Well Roof™ Advantage Guarantee extension. See guarantee for complete coverage and restrictions ©2011 GAF Materials Corporation 1/11

2011, Vol. 3 2011, Volume 3

COMMERCIAL

DAYLIGHTING

13

s 7ATERPROOlNG 3ANDWICH3LABS

s 3TATE OF THE !RT "UILDING%NVELOPE

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About the Cover: Daylighting through a building’s roofing system has taken on debate from an energy perspective, pitting thermal efficiency of a system against electric light energy reduction provided by the system. Photo courtesy of Sunoptics, An Acuity Brands Company.

Features State-of-the-Art Building Envelope System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

13

Commercial Daylighting: Thermal Loss vs. Electrical Energy Savings . . . . . . . .

14 Architect Profile: Jason F. McLennan . . . . 18

18

Topping Off the Renovation of a Downtown Landmark . . . . . . . . . . . .

23

Mansard Roof Poses Multiple Challenges. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

26 Durability, Longevity, Sustainability . . . . . 29

Columns

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26

Editor's Note . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Best Practices: Waterproofing Sandwich Slabs . . . . . . . . . . .

4

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Departments 8 Details: Roofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Details: Waterproofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Advertiser Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Roofing and Waterproofing Codes . . . . . . .

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2011, Vol. 3

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{

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PROJECT PROFILE Roof System Keeps Your Favorite Breakfast Cereals From Getting Soggy HISTORIC RENOVATION Re-Creating a Classic in Detroit RETRACTABLE ROOFS Open Up to Sustainable Design THE BUILDING ENVELOPE Colorful Panels Envelop Humane Society PREVENTING TROUBLE IN PARADISE Honolulu Re-Roofing Project Solves Difficult Dilemma ‘ECO-TOWN’ BECOMES A REALITY Solar and Vegetative Roofs Help Town Go Green PEARL OF WISDOM The Pearl’s Unique Design Optimizes Passive Solar Collection

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2011, Vol. 3

{ Editor'sNote

E

conomic rough spots can be driving forces for change. In the 1970s, skyrocketing fuel costs forced car makers to increase mileage and builders to tighten homes and increase insulation to save energy. Cost was the major driver, but the overall effects on the environment were inextricably intertwined. Better car mileage and less electricity and natural gas consumption conserved natural resources and minimized pollution. In the ensuing decades, the push to lessen the impact of buildings on the environment continued to grow, culminating in the sustainability movement. The terms “sustainable” and “sustainability” are subject to varying definitions, and these definitions are continuing to evolve. The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) defines a “sustainable building” this way: “A building that provides the specified building performance requirements while minimizing disturbance to and improving the functioning of local, regional and global ecosystems both during and after specified service life. A sustainable building optimizes efficiencies in resource management and operational performance and minimizes risks to human health and the environment.” Facets of sustainability in the construction process include recycling, a longer life cycle, lower energy costs, water conservation, reduced storm water runoff, reducing the urban heat island effect, reducing global warming, minimizing ozone depletion, reducing toxic emissions and minimizing the amount of energy used to transport materials. The U.S.Green Building Council (www.usgbc.org) has incorporated these factors and more into its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program, an internationally-recognized green building certification system. All too often, sustainable products and systems were perceived to have a “green penalty” — that is, the more environmentally friendly options had some sort of shortcoming when compared to their counterparts, such as higher cost or diminished performance. In this tough economy, when building owners are squeezing every penny out of their budgets, there can’t be such a thing as a green penalty. Truly sustainable systems have to offer performance that is at least as good if not better than other options. They also have to offer the lowest life-cycle costs. Roofs used to be taken for granted — they were “out of sight, out of mind.” Those days are over. Building owners and investors are looking for long-term value from their construction assets, and it’s up to industry professionals to educate them about life-cycle costs. If you can offer the best roof system for the building, save the owner money, and help the environment, that’s a win-win for everyone — including our grandkids.

the ARW team

{

Redefining Sustainability

jill BLOOM Group Publisher

liz OBLOY Associate Publisher

chris KING Editor

john D’ANNUNZIO Editorial Director

tom WATTS Associate Editor

marcia WRIGHT Sales Manager

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{ Roofing&WaterproofingCodes

RoofingCode: Section 1507.2.9.3

Drip Edge Section 1507.2.9.3 Drip edge. Provide drip edge at eaves and gables of shingle roofs. Overlap to be a minimum of 2 inches (51 mm). Eave drip edges shall extend 0.25 inch (6.4 mm) below sheathing and extend back on the roof a minimum of 2 inches (51 mm). Drip edge shall be mechanically fastened a maximum of 12 inches (305 mm) o.c.

Code Interpretation This code implies that all steep-slope shingle roof systems require the application of a drip edge metal at the gables and the eaves. The intent of the drip edge metal is to secure the underlayment and to protect against moisture from infiltrating the system at these vulnerable points. The drip edge is typically fabricated from aluminum or galvanized metal in an L-shape configuration that is secured to the deck and down the face of the eave or gable edge. The code specifically states that the drip edge shall extend a minimum of ¼ inch (6.4 mm) down the eave and a minimum of 2 inches (51 mm) over the deck. The metal shall overlap a minimum of 2 inches (51 mm) and should be fastened with the appropriate fasteners every 12 inches (305 mm) on center.

WaterproofingCode: Section 1807.3.1

Floors 1807.3.1 Floors. Floors required to be waterproofed shall be of concrete and designed and constructed to withstand the hydrostatic pressures to which the floors will be subjected.

Code Interpretation This section implies that all floors that require waterproofing shall be constructed of concrete and shall be of structural integrity to withstand hydrostatic pressure. The waterproofing applied to the floors shall consist of one of the following membranes: • Rubberized asphalt • Butyl rubber • Fully adhered/HDPE • 6-mil-plus polyvinyl chloride (PVC) The membrane joints shall be lapped a minimum of six (6) inches and shall be applied in accordance with the membrane manufacturer’s latest printed requirements.

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2011, Vol. 3

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GREEN ROOFING SYSTEMS & ACCESSORIES

HARNESS THE POWER OF THE SUN.

Firestone is committed to environmentally responsible products that take advantage of natural sunlight. The SkyScape™ Vegetative Roof System is a living roof covering that insulates and adds beauty to your building. Add decorative walkways with lightweight SkyPaver™ roof pavers. Brighten the inside with the innovative SunWave™ Daylighting System. More than a skylight, the unique design allows greater visible light transmittance and distribution, reducing the use of indoor electrical lighting by up to 70% during daylight hours. SkyScape Vegetative Roof System with SkyPaver Composite Pavers

SunWave Daylighting System

7KH)LUHVWRQHSRUWIROLRRIJUHHQURRÀQJSURGXFWVDQGDFFHVVRULHVSXWVWKHSRZHURIWKHVXQWRZRUNIRU\RX WRUHGXFHHQHUJ\ELOOVDQGPDNH\RXUURRIDPRUHLQYLWLQJDQGHQYLURQPHQWDOO\UHVSRQVLEOHHQYLURQPHQW ³5LD]+DVDQ$FFHVVRULHV3URGXFW0DQDJHU Visit us at the following shows: Greenbuild, booth #5742S 2FWREHU7RURQWR METALCON, booth #1015 2FWREHU'DOODV ÀUHVWRQHESFRFRPURRÀQJJUHHQURRÀQJ²

{ Details: Roofing Roof Curbs

T

he most important aspects of curb details are that they are designed at the proper height and there is sufficient termination of the f lashing material. The f lashing material shall always be fully adhered to the curb substrate, even in loose-laid and mechanically attached systems. The proper curb height should be a minimum of 8 inches above the completed roof surface to eliminate the potential of moisture entering the top of the curb area.

The flashing should be properly terminated — with a fastened termination bar or secured counter flashing — to eliminate the potential of flashing slump or slippage. This is particularly important on use of the heavier modified bitumen flashing sheets. Flashings should always be additional material applications — separate from the membrane application — and should fully extend from the top of the curb out onto the roof surface a minimum of 4 inches. Application should be in accordance with the membrane manufacturer’s requirements.

NOTES: FLEX FLASH F MAY BE USED AT ALL CONCRETE-TO-CONCRETE AND CONCRETE-TOCONCRETE BLOCK TRANSITIONS. FLEX-FLASH UN MUST BE USED AT ALL OTHER TRANSITIONS (i.e., CONC.-TO-GYP. BOARD, GYP. BOARD-TO-GYP. BOARD, ETC.).

Q Curb details courtesy of American Hydrotech, Inc.

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2011, Vol. 3

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EXPAND YOUR INSPIRATION Inspiration comes in many forms. Expanding inspiration? That’s where we come in. Eco-ficient™ insulated metal panels provide beauty, integration and efficiency. Not only do these panels come in a variety of profiles, colors and textures, but they also integrate well with other exterior finish systems and offer sustainability attributes significant for improving a building’s energy efficiency. Look to Eco-ficient™ insulated panels from MBCI for your inspiration. Visit us at www.mbci.com/ARWeco to learn more.

years of

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{ Details: Waterproofing Treating Joints and Cracks

Q General concrete crack and joint treatment details courtesy of American Hydrotech, Inc.

T

here are two ways to waterproof joints and cracks in concrete for waterproofing applications. There is the traditional method of applying sealant in the joint or crack in accordance with proper sealant depth to width ratio of 2 to 1. For joints over 2 inches in width, an expansion joint material is required. Cracks over ¼ inch in width should be treated as control joints. Another method is to apply the waterproofing manufacturer’s materials over these locations. For joints less than 2 inches

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2011, Vol. 3

in width and cracks less than ¼ inch in width, some waterproofing manufacturers require the application of their flashing or reinforced material, which is applied over the crack or joint. It is important that the concrete surface is properly cleaned off and free of all loose contaminants for adequate adhesion. The reinforcement material shall be applied in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements for proper adhesion, which may require application in adhesives, self-adhered sheets or hot bitumen.

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CASE study Q The National Great Rivers Research and Education Center is a museum and a scientific facility that conducts research on the Mississippi, Missouri and Illinois rivers.

T

he National Great Rivers Research and Education Center serves as both a museum and a scientific research facility for individuals interested in how the ecosystem functions at the confluence of the Mississippi, Missouri and Illinois rivers. This state-of-the-art facility allows for exploration of the rivers, their impact on the surrounding communities, and the environment through which they flow. AAIC, Inc. of Collinsville, Ill., won the bid for the project’s design in 2006. “Before we got the project, we’d heard

WORLD-CLASS RESEARCH PROTECTED BY STATE-OF-THE-ART

CENTER

BUILDING ENVELOPE SYSTEM about it and knew it would be coming down the pipeline,” said site observer Erin Morris of AAIC. “It was a big deal.” It was an ambitious design from the start: a LEED-certified model of green construction, integrated renewable energy, and internal recycling systems. Science labs would pump water directly from the river into concrete channels in research stations, allowing scientists to conduct controlled experiments in an artificial environment. The external façade would blend into the surrounding natural environment, with locally quarried rock mimicking the natural limestone bluffs of the area. A sloping vegetated roof would include a patio section for visitors. AAIC contacted Foresight Services, Inc., a consulting firm, for assistance with the project’s details. Foresight Services, working closely with Carlisle Construction Materials, opted for a complete

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building envelope solution. Carlisle’s NVELOP® building envelope system provides a total system warranty for all the components, and tie-in details, that keep the building insulated and waterproofed. The uniqueness of the roof — from the shape to the drainage needs — required a nonstandard application. Once the concrete structural deck was complete, it was primed and a Carlisle modified base sheet was set in type III asphalt. The next layer consisted of Carlisle’s EPDM FleeceBACK® AFX-plus membrane, also set in asphalt, with overlaid pressure-sensitive field seams. Carlisle’s HV300 protection fabric was laid over the FleeceBACK membrane, followed by CCW’s MiraDrain 9800 drainage board to facilitate runoff. Insulation ranging from 4 inches to 3 feet thick sculpted the effect of rolling hills. Next, a 40-mil polypropylene root barrier with hot air-welded seams was installed over a drainage mat.

Carlisle growth media, applied at a minimum of 12 inches deep accommodates an assortment of prairie grasses meant to blend into grasses native to the region. The center practices what it preaches as one of the most technologically advanced green facilities in the entire world. “The building is pretty incredible,” said Morris. “There’s no connection to any sewage treatment. Our water reuse systems pipe and pump through the building to every type of fixture. We capture 100 percent of our storm water for landscaping, and washing our trucks and boats. All of our grey water finds a use – the only treated water you’ll find in the building is from the fountains and sinks. “It was my first LEED project,” said Morris, “and I’ve got to say — it really turned me green!” For more information, visit www.carlislesyntec.com.

2011, Vol. 3

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COMMERCIAL DAYLIGHTING

THERMAL LOSS VS ELECTRICAL ENERGY SAVINGS by Grant Grable

D

aylighting is the use of natural light as a main illumination source from a myriad of glazing devices in both vertical and horizontal positions within a building. The use of daylighting stems from the beginning of time and since the beginning there have always been similar concerns regarding proper design, light output, glare and even heat. The quality of light and the value to the human eye and visual acuity have never been argued. The light in the shade of a tree has been measured at 600 – 800 foot candles (6,000 – 8,000 lux), yet the eye is never more relaxed than when it’s introduced to these lighting levels. It is the light that our eyes were made for. However, over time, the value of daylighting through a building’s roofing system (often referred to as “toplighting” in the United States) has taken on debate from an energy perspective, pitting thermal efficiency of a system against electric light energy reduction provided by the system. Today, code bodies are torn between thermal efficiency mandates and the use of commissioned lighting control with properly diffused, high visable light transmission skylights as to which properties provide the greatest performance measurements for total building energy efficiency. This article was written to discuss these differences and to expose the need for varying standards in systems based on the design and energy efficiency prescriptive used.

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Thermal Performance and Energy Savings In June 2008 the U.S. Department of Energy’s Building Technologies Program published a research paper titled “Commercial Building Toplighting: Energy Saving Potential and Potential Paths Forward,” which thoroughly investigated the energy savings benefits from toplighting systems in a multitude of climate conditions and locations throughout the United States. For this report, the U.S. DOE contracted with TIAX LLC that enlisted information and assistance from a breadth of respected lighting, controls and daylighting professionals around the country. The report was very thorough, looking into the multitude of reasons that building owners and operators of different functioning facilities should consider the use of skylights in conjunction with lighting control with a focus on total building energy savings and what the key factors were for a subsequent system. What the DOE identified is really at the crux of the argument. If a skylighting system is being designed for use in a building absent of lighting control, then thermal performance value should be the highest consideration. After all, any thermal value (whether in thermal loss or thermal gain) that deviates negatively from that of the building envelope and roofing system will provide a negative energy impact to the building either in increased cooling loads or increased heating loads to the building. However, what would be the primary motivator for including less thermally efficient building products through a perfectly well insulated roofing system? One could argue that if thermal

Insulation Values of Building Envelope Components The term “U-Value” may seem foreign to many in the roofing industry, as the usual measure for the insulation value of a product is described as “R-Value.” However, with skylights, U-Value is used to quantify heat loss through plane elements of the building envelope. U-value is defined as the overall thermal transmittance of a particular construction element (typically a window, door or skylight), including the effect of surface resistance. It depends upon the thickness and thermal conductivity of its component layers and, in the case of air cavities, the emissivity of the surfaces. As a measure of U-Value, the lower the number, the better the insulation value. Basically, U-Value is the converse of R-Value. There is an easy calculation that allows you to see what the R-Value of a window or skylight may be: 1 ÷ U-Value = R-Value Once you utilize this formula with different skylight systems, you will quickly realize that even some of the well-promoted thermally efficient skylights have a fraction of the R-Value that the building’s roofing system has. A skylight will never equal the insulation value of a roof and still allow for light to pass through it, so its only value is in the quality of light that passes through the product. After all, it is called a “skylight” not “sky-insulation.”

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Q Photo courtesy of Sunoptics, An Acuity Brands Company.

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Figure 1. Relative Savings/Losses, 4% SFR $0.35 Energy Cost Savings ($/yr./ft2)

performance were the main motivator and only energy savings opportunity, an energy professional would argue that all toplighting products should be removed from the facility as they will never equal the insulated value of the roofing system. However, globally you are now seeing mandates for thermal performance of toplighting systems rising with little to no mandate for performance around the light output properties let alone the key missing ingredient mandatory for any true energy savings through daylighting and that is commissioned lighting controls. In many cases around the world, what is happening is that building codes are being established with higher effective skylight-tofloor ratios to compensate for the reduced visible light transmission occurring from decreased values in solar heat gain (SHGC in United States or G-Value in Europe) as well as decreased conductance (U-value). For instance, the European Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings—2002/91/EC under the 2006 Building Regulations Approved Document L2A — “Conservation of Fuel and Power in New Buildings other than Dwellings” — states that rooflights are limited to 20 percent of floor area and the area-weighted average U-value of all the rooflights must not exceed 2.2 W/m²K, while the U-value in an array must not exceed 3.3 W/m²K, providing the average U-value overall does not exceed 2.2 W/m²K. At these high

$0.30 $0.25 $0.20 $0.15

Lighting Total $0.20

Total $0.31

Heating Cooling

$0.10 $0.05 $0.00 -$0.05 Burlington

Phoenix

Q Figure 1: Relative savings/losses from lighting and HVAC for a big box retail store in Phoenix. Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Building Technologies Program – “Commercial Building Toplighting: Energy Savings Potential and Potential Paths Forward.” Prepared by TIAX LLC. June 2008.

skylight-to-floor ratios (SFRs) between 10 percent to 20 percent have shown, the increase to thermal mandates has driven the increase to SFRs to be able to meet light output needs for the space. However, extensive studies have been performed on the value that lighting control mandates along with toplighting have done to minimize SFRs for a space, which decreases thermal impact and in many cases, even reduces air conditioning in the process. In section 4.6 of the U.S. DOE commercial toplighting report, it was found that the

primary factors influencing the economics of toplighting are climate and building type (primarily due to lighting power density, schedule, and light well needs); appropriate skylight technology selection is also crucial. The key performance attributes of a skylight for daylighting are good diffusing properties to aid in light distribution and avoid glare and high visible transmittance (VT). Of special note in this report is that the DOE stated, “Other desirable properties that are much less important for daylighting applications are low solar-heat-

2011, Vol. 3

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Commercial Daylighting

Q Figure 2: Annual primary energy savings by end use (lighting, cooling, and heating) as a function of SFR in Burlington, Vt. Figure 3: Annual primary energy savings by end use (lighting, cooling, and heating) as a function of SFR in Phoenix. Figure 4: Annual primary energy savings technical potential, by climate zone and building type. The source for the figures shown here is the U.S. Department of Energy, Building Technologies Program – “Commercial Building Toplighting: Energy Savings Potential and Potential Paths Forward.” Prepared by TIAX LLC. June 2008.

Figure 2. Big Box Retail - Burlington 50.00

Primary Energy Savings (kBtu/yr/ft2)

40.00 30.00 Lighting 20.00

Total

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Cooling Heating

0.00 -10.00

extreme climate conditions in the United States. The area with the lowest amount of solar load and highest heating degree figure in the United States was determined to be Burlington, Vt. The area with as the highest amount of solar load and highest cooling degree figure was determined to be Phoenix, Ariz. The report documented the results in total building energy savings from lighting, cooling and heating based on several building types and illustrated the findings in the report, re-created here as Figures 2 and 3. What you will find Figures 2 and 3 is that light energy savings truly does compensate for any thermal loss or gain even in extreme climates and, in fact, is the main driving factor to any energy savings available for the space.

-20.00 0%

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Skylight to Floor Ratio Figure 3. Big Box Retail - Phoenix 60.00

Primary Energy Savings (kBtu/yr/ft2)

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Figure 4

160 Primary Energy Savings Potential (Trillion Btu./yr.)

gain coefficient (SHGC in U.S., G-Value in Europe Standards) and conductance (U-Value). The DOE report illustrates the rationale for this prioritization in a graph, re-created here as Figure 1. The report also stated: “Reduced lighting energy use ranks as, by far, the greatest factor in the annual savings at economically optimum SFRs. The reduction in lighting energy use is directly related to VT, i.e. the higher the VT, the lower the total skylight area needed to achieve a given lighting energy savings. However total skylight area reduces cost and energy losses.” The report goes on to identify that, “To further minimize energy losses, in most climates, the SHGC and U-value of the skylight should be as low as possible. However, because heating and cooling energy losses are small relative to lighting energy savings, if reducing SHGC (G-value) or U-value results in any significant reduction in visible transmission (while maintaining high diffusion, 90%<), it is generally not a beneficial trad-

Climate Zone

140 120

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School

eoff at SFRs in the range expected to be economically optimal, i.e., below 5%.”

Going to Extremes The report goes on to investigate this theory further by documenting the

Warehouse

BB Retail

The U.S. DOE has proven that toplighting solutions that maximize visible light transmission with diffusion and the mandate for commissioned lighting control to maximize electric lighting reduction would produce 0.4 Quads of electricity reduction

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Commercial Daylighting

in the United States alone for buildings that should be daylighted. The report contained a chart showing the primary energy savings technical potential for buildings by climate zone, re-created here as Figure 4. The DOE report suggested that code changes for big box retail and warehouse facilities could help expand daylighting opportunities and save energy. The report stated: “Codes limiting solar heat gain and U-value should be loosened for skylights used with lighting controls.” It also recommended codes requiring skylights in certain applications and that rating systems should be updated “to reflect performance in a toplighting application.” As the DOE has documented, there is a major energy consumption difference in buildings that just implement skylights for visual affect and those that utilize commissioned lighting control to minimize the use of electric lighting during daylight hours. As noted above, codes limiting solar heat gain and U-value need to be loosened for applications where toplighting with lighting controls are utilized and commissioned properly. In the United States, building energy codes have even been established that mandate daylighting with lighting controls for certain building types. For instance in ASHRAE 90.1-2010, buildings over 10,000 square feet (929 square meters) with 15 foot (4.572 meters) or higher ceilings with a connected light load of 0.5 watts per square foot (5.38 watts per square meter) or greater have to utilize daylighting and commissioned lighting controls that are focused on high VT with diffusion with more relaxed requirements for U-Value and SHGC (G-value). The IECC 2012 code is also following this prescriptive as well. As building energy codes evolve worldwide, the true energy savings benefits of passive solar lighting through daylighting and lighting controls are being discovered. The worldwide daylighting opportunity through reduced electric energy use of which 74 percent of all electricity usage is for buildings with 30 percent to 50 percent of this value being from electric lighting alone is staggering. Globally, the environmental impact through reduced carbon output is also as dramatic. The distinction to daylighting with lighting controls needs to be separated from the installation of skylights for aesthetics. The impact to the

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world would be both economically feasible as well as sustainable as a renewable energy solution harnessing the ultimate power of the sun. After all, there is no greater efficiency than “off.” Grant Grable is a LEED® Accredited Professional and is Vice President, Value Stream Leader for Sunoptics, An Acuity Brands Company, world leader in high performance

lighting, controls and prismatic daylighting solutions. He has over 15 years in building energy efficiency experience including daylighting, lighting and control solutions. He is a published author and international speaker on energy efficiency and sustainable building practices. He can be reached at [email protected]. For more information, visit www.sunoptics.com and www.acuitybrands.com.

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Are you specifying high-quality roofing systems for your clients? Architects, building owners, and specifiers choose Duro-Last because it is: • Prefabricated — Every Duro-Last roof is measured and manufactured to fit your project, eliminating up to 85 percent of on-site seaming and ensuring a predictable installation that delivers worry-free, leak-proof protection. • Durable — Our reinforced, thermoplastic membrane is resistant to fire, chemicals, grease, high winds, and punctures, and easily accommodates wide temperature extremes. • Energy-efficient — Duro-Last is a leader in cool roofing solutions, and a Charter Partner in the EPA’s ENERGY STAR® Roof Products Program. • Installed quickly and safely — No disruptions, loud machinery, hazardous materials, noxious fumes, hot tar or mess. • Warranted — Duro-Last protects the commercial and industrial building owner with either a 15-year full warranty or a 20-year prorated warranty. Both warranties are transferable, and both provide maximum protection. Both include coverage for consequential damages that result from defects in the Duro-Last material and/or installation.

Specify the Proven Performer: the Duro-Last roofing system. To find out more, call us or visit www.duro-last.com/specifiers and request our free brochure.

800-248-0280 • www.duro-last.com “Duro-Last”, the “World’s Best Roof” and “Proven Performer” are registered marks owned by Duro-Last Roofing, Inc.

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Q Jason McLennan is the author of The Living Building Challenge, an international green building program, and co-creator of Pharos, an advanced building material rating system. McLennan has been a keynote speaker at conferences all over the world.

susta At the Heart of the

ARCHITECT PROFILE JASON F. MCLENNAN Q Cascadia Green Building Council

ainable by Tom Watts

building industry

J

a son Mc L en na n k nows green architecture. McLennan, 38, of Seattle, Wash., is the author of The Living Building Challenge, an international green building program, and co-creator of Pharos, an advanced building material rating system in North America. McLennan is currently working with Cascadia, whose mission is to “lead a transformation toward a built environment that is socially just, culturally rich and ecologically restorative.”

A Background in Green Architecture Jason F. McLennan is known as an international leader in the green architecture movement and he has lectured on sustainability across the United States and Canada. His work in the sustainable design field has been published or reviewed in dozens of journals, magazines, conference proceedings and books including Architecture, Architectural Record,

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D well, Pl e nt y, Metropo etropo lis, New York Times, s, The Globe and Mail, Nationationa l G e og ra phi c, T iim m e, The World and I and E nv ironm e nt al D ess ig n + Construction. He is the authorr of four book s: The Philosophy of Sustainable ble D es ig n, Th e D umb mb Architect’s Guide to Glazing Selection, The he Ecol ogical Enginee r and his most recentt book, Zugunruhe – The Inner Migration to Profound Environmental Change. The Philosophy of Sustainable Design ha s been u sed as a textbook in Q McLennan’s most recent book is Zugunruhe – The Inner Migration to Profound Environound Env vironmental Change. 2011, Vol. 3

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ARCHITECT

PROFILE

{

“I got this opportunity to lead Cascadia and decided it was the right thing to help teach others.”

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over 70 universities and colleges and is distributed widely throughout Europe and North America; it is considered one of the seminal texts of the green building movement. McLennan is a former principal at BNIM Architects in Kansas City, one of the founders of the green design movement in the United States where he worked on many of the leading high performance projects in the country including LEED Platinum, Gold and zero energy projects. At BNIM he created the building science team known as Elements, which set new standards for energy and resource efficiency on many of its projects in various building types.

“I was greatly enjoying the work in the firm but needed to do more than working on one building at a time,” he said. “I got this opportunity to lead Cascadia and decided it was the right thing to help teach others.” Frequently a keynote speaker at important conferences all over the world, McLennan was also recently a finalist for the prestigious Buckminster Fuller Prize.

Cascadia’s Mission McLennan said Cascadia’s mission is to lead a transformation toward a built environment that is socially just, culturally rich and ecologically restorative.

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ARCHITECT PROFILE Cascadia Green Building Council is one of three original chapters of the U.S. Green Building Council. As a chapter of the Canada Green Building Council as well, it is the only international chapter in North America. Incorporated in Oregon in December 1999, the chapter covers Oregon, Washington, Alaska, and British Columbia, but also includes members from as far away as Idaho and Montana. Cascadia is now part of a new umbrella organization called the International Living Future Institute (ILFI) that also oversees the Living Building Challenge the world’s most stringent and progressive green building standard. “Adopting the Living Building Challenge was the first thing our board did when I joined the organization,” he said. “I gifted the program to the organization, which has since spawned a whole movement towards deep and profound sustainability.” Cascadia is named for the Cascadia bio-region, which covers land that drains to the Pacific Ocean through the greatest temperate rain forests on the planet. “Members of the Cascadia council and now the ILFI are leading the way in creating a roadmap for sustainable building, one that the rest of the nation can use as well,” McLennan said. Close to 100 Living Building Projects have now emerged all over North America and in several other countries around the world. Grassroots support is growing quickly and huge shifts in policy and manufacturing is likely next as projects respond to the challenge’s stringent requirements. Like LEED before it, the Living Building Challenge is creating a whole new paradigm for the design and construction industry. The LBC was launched in 2006 as a challenge to go much further towards true sustainability. The institute has so far certified four leading-edge projects with three projects getting the rare “Living Building” designation. “It’s a very exciting step since these building are all net zero energy and net zero. They re-treat, re-use water on site, and are built with non-toxic materials. We’re pushing the boundaries. It’s a pretty exciting time.”

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McLennan said Living Building Challenge has become a “giant leap forward.” “People assume they can’t afford it or it’s too difficult,” he said. “It is challenging, yet there are architects, builders and engineers who can figure out how to design for this performance. Now they are getting built and certified. People need to get past their gut

reaction of what’s possible and what’s not possible.” The Living Building Challenge can be downloaded at www.ilbi.org. “We have so many different programs, and the Living Building Challenge is just one,” noted McLennan, “We have project and partners around the world. We also serve members by helping the U.S. and

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ARCHITECT

PROFILE

{

“Architects all over North America are going beyond conventional green buildings. We are at the heart of the movement.”

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Canada Green Building Councils meet their goals in the Pacific Northwest. We strive to become a leading force in green building by forging alliances with organizations that have a stake in the future of this region.”

Cascadia Chapter Branches To overcome potential challenges associated with serving such a broad region, Cascadia Chapter Branches have been established to provide networking and continuing education opportunities for members and industry professionals in their immediate marketplace, he said. “Regularly scheduled meetings within each Branch will provide access to green building research and emerging issues that are pertinent to our region and locale,” McLennan said. Currently,

Branches are active in Alaska, Vancouver, Vancouver Island, Thompson/ Okanagan, the Kootenay Rockies, Seattle, Tacoma/Olympia, NW Washington (Bellingham area), Inland Washington (Spokane area), Portland, Eugene, the High Desert region (Bend area). “We are greatly expanding our message to other countries. Translated into Spanish and soon French, we hope to bring these ideas to many places,” McLennan said. “Part of what’s next is how we expand what we do around the world.” McLennan said Cascadia tries to show people that what they’re talking about is a solution for all building types, indeed for whole communities. He said that many of the first people doing this are institutions ability to raise money to cover the initial first cost premiums associated with projects performing at this level. “We do have a lot of schools and institutional facilities,” he said. “They plan on being around for 50 years or more. They have time to recoup the investment, and reap the benefits. And raise the money.” The Living Building Challenge is on the cutting edge of a new trend that pushes the highest level of performance. “Architects all over North America are going beyond conventional green buildings,” he said. “We are at the heart of the movement.”

Family Man McLennan is not all work. He has a family, too. He and his wife, Tracy, have three boys and a girl between the ages of 3 to 15. “We love living in the Pacific Northwest,” he added. “We do many things in the outdoors, like hiking. The kids are in sports; and we have a new dog. I like playing tennis, but I wish I had more time off for vacations — work and family keep me more than busy.” For more information, visit CascadiaGBC.org and www.ilfi.org. Tom Watts is the associate editor of Architectural Roofing & Waterproofing. He can be reached at 248-244-1738 or [email protected].

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PROJECTPROFILE Q The 10-story Mayo 420 building in Tulsa, Okla., was built in 1910, during the city's original oil boom.

T

he rooftop terrace that crowns the 10 -story Mayo 420 building in Tulsa, Okla., is a popular spot for building residents who come up to relax and enjoy the views of downtown from high above Bartlett Square. The view immediately underfoot is also a pleasant one, thanks to the selfadhering mod bit system that covers the roof. Attention to detail — such as selecting an attractive roof material, retaining the design integrity of the structure and preserving historic architectural elements — has made the Mayo 420 a downtown jewel. However, until recently, it was anything but. Built in 1910, during Tulsa’s original oil boom, the Mayo Building was a proud landmark in the downtown that grew up around it. By 1994, however, the years had taken their toll and the

TOPPING OFF THE

RENOVATION DOWNTOWN OF A

last office tenant had moved out. Over the next 14 years, the building deteriorated severely as it stood nearly vacant. Even so, its historic significance as the oldest office building in Tulsa was recognized and it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2008, Wiggin Properties bought the Mayo Building and set about redeveloping it as luxury rental apartments. Transforming the Mayo Building from a decaying hulk to a showplace took more than two years, cost more than $ 30 million and required the

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LANDMARK

efforts of a small army of contractors. This massive undertaking came with more than the usual share of challenges — some of which veteran contractor Don Watkins and his firm, Universal Roofing, helped to solve. Early in the process, Wiggin Properties Vice President Emily Rohleder

called in Watkins, who had worked with Wiggin for years. “Don has done the roofs on all of our properties and he does an exceptional job,” Rohleder said. “I thought it was imperative to have him do this one.” “This project was a total redo. Half the roof was missing, there was exten-

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Tulsa Landmark

sive water damage and we had to completely replace all of the mechanicals,” she said. “So we needed someone experienced who could make sure the water would drain correctly and who would properly repair damage done to the new roof during the reconstruction process.” Work on the roof system was done in phases. Universal Roofing’s first task was to repair the roof structure. Next was installation of the roofing mate-

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rial itself. Watkins specified the SelfAdhering Mod Bit System from MuleHide Products Co., Inc. for the job, citing multiple reasons for his choice. “It’s very durable and it looks good,” he said. “It’s very easy to apply, and because it is self-adhering, you don’t need kettles or torches, which makes it much safer.” Watkins also noted that this product comes in 40-inch rolls, which makes it easier to transport to rooftops than the

typical 7-foot or 10-foot rolls. “We had an exterior elevator that we were able to use during the insulation and base sheet installation,” he said. “But by the time the cap sheet was installed, the exterior elevator had been removed and we had to take all of our materials up in the internal elevators, so it really helped to have smaller rolls.” Universal Roofing put down the polyisocyanurate insulation and two

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Tulsa Landmark

Part of Tulsa’s History

Q A Self-Adhering Mod Bit System from Mule-Hide Products Co. was specified for the project.

layers of self-adhering mod bit base sheet as a temporary roof covering to keep the building watertight during the lengthy renovation process. Then for the next two-plus years, Watkins and the Universal Roofing crews made regular visits to the jobsite. Their task was to inspect the roof and repair damage to the roof membrane caused by the other tradespeople who accessed the roof regularly for projects that included a complete replacement of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, the addition of an energy recovery system and the construction of the rooftop terrace. All told, Watkins’ crews made 46 checkand-repair trips to the jobsite during the two-and-a-half year project. “It’s not uncommon to do this for a month or two with new construction,” Watkins said, “but never in 36 years have I been asked to keep a building dry with a temporary roof covering for two-and-a-half years.” Finally, as the project neared completion, Watkins’ crew primed the base sheet with asphalt primer and then installed the Mule-Hide Self-Adhering

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The story of the Mayo 420 is similar to that of many old buildings in other downtowns — beginning life as monumental structures with proud and prosperous owners, changing with the times and adapting to new needs, but ultimately falling into disrepair. Back in 1910 when the Mayo Building was built, locals clucked that the Mayo brothers, Cass and John, had made a big mistake by locating their imposing new furniture store and office building at 5th and South Main St. on the outskirts of Tulsa. “Too far out of town,” they said. But the Mayo brothers turned out to be savvy entrepreneurs who built in the right place at the right time. The oil boom was just beginning and with it came tremendous growth for Tulsa and the fortunes of Cass and John Mayo. They soon added another structure — a mirror image of the original five-story Mayo Building and later added five floors to both buildings, combining them into a single 10-story structure. In the hundred years that followed, the Mayo Building was a fixture in the downtown that grew up around it. As the oldest office building in Tulsa, its historic importance was recognized and it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. However, by 1994 it had fallen into disrepair and was nearly vacant. With its purchase in 2008 and subsequent renovation by Wiggin Properties, the Mayo Building is beginning its second century much as it began its first – as a jewel in downtown Tulsa.

Mod Bit Cap Sheet. The white granular surface of the cap sheet hid unsightly patches made to the base sheets during the construction process and created a sparkling-clean surrounding for the observation deck. In 2010, a full century after it was first completed, the Mayo 420 reopened with a new lease on life and a vibrant new persona. It boasts “luxurious living in the heart of downtown” with distinctive historic details, modern, high-end amenities and that spectacular rooftop terrace. The first floor of the 10-story structure remains home to a popular downtown dining spot, while a new downtown YMCA occupies the lower level and parts of the first and second f loors. Floors three to 10 have been turned into one- and two-bedroom apartments with handsome appointments and 10- to 12-foot ceilings. “We were honored to be part of such a grand project,” Watkins said. For more information, visit www.mulehide. com.

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“In 2010, a full century after it was first completed, the Mayo 420 reopened with a new lease on life and a vibrant new persona.”

2011, Vol. 3

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MANSARD Roof Poses

Multiple CHALLENGE CHALLENGES

C

ondominium owners take great pride in the buildings they call home. When repairs are needed, they’re inclined to undertake painstaking research before approving the contractors and building materials used for those repairs. Owners of the Versailles Condominiums proved no exception, shouldering a level of due diligence that might have impressed even veteran attorneys. An eight-story, 86-unit structure mere steps from the Pacific, the Versailles stands in the upscale historic district of Long Beach, Calif. Its location amid gracious 1920s-era Craftsmanstyle homes and buildings, as well as its views of the Port of Los Angeles, Queen Mary and Catalina Island, are among many traits that make the French-inspired structure a highly-sought residential building. Replacement of the failing metal roof system on the mansard structure called for a roofing material to meet the demanding criteria of both the condominium owners and the city of Long Beach. First, the material chosen needed to display an elegant appearance consistent with the structure’s vintage charm and the sophistication of the surrounding area. Second, the material had to meet the fire safety requirements of the city, which called for the utilization of 100 percent non-combustible systems, right down to framing. Even the use of fire-treated plywood was deemed unacceptable by the city’s fire codes, which mandate steel or metal be featured in such projects. Third, the material had to solve the problem of rainwater penetrating the building’s existing standing-seam aluminum roof, an issue resulting in leaks that had plagued the Versailles Condominiums and their owners for years. The fourth criterion was installation. The selected material would need to be installable with minimal disruption to pedestrian traffic at street level.

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A final guideline was that the material chosen would have to stand up to substantial wind loads off the Port of Los Angeles. The winds would be certain to impact the building sooner or later, particularly during fierce coastal storms. For contractor McDonnell Roofing, the one material that stood out as meeting each of the criteria set forth by residents and the city was InSpire Slate, manufactured by The Tapco Group. Having worked with the material for three years, McDonnell Roofing owner and president Gene McDonnell and CEO Tony Williams knew InSpire would meet the challenge. “Everyone seems attracted to the look,” said McDonnell, a veteran roofer with more than 30 years in the industry. “We use it for specific jobs, especially those catering to the high-end market. In situations where the roof pitch is such that you can step back and see the roof as well as the structure and windows, homeowners like its appearance.” In addition to recognizing the appeal of its authentic slate look, McDonnell and Williams knew InSpire could be easily installed. “It’s very easy to put up, that makes it attractive to us,” McDonnell said. Comparing Inspire to quarried slate, Williams noted, “InSpire is to everybody’s benefit from a safety standpoint and a weight standpoint,” said Williams. McDonnell Roofing crews installed the tiles from the top of the building using a window cleaner’s staging area and davit system, allowing limited workspace. “With natural slate, installers need to drill a hole in the slate piece in order to nail it to the roof, and it’s fragile. InSpire is an easier, lighter application.” “We do a significant amount of mansard roofs. We love the challenge,” McDonnell explained. “In working with a lot of Q Owners of the Versailles Condominiums in Long Beach, Calif., chose InSpire Slate when it came time to replace its failing mansard roof.

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S

w

Mansard Roof Poses Multiple Challenges

homeowner associations and property management companies, especially with mansard roofs, we try to reach out to them, along with architects and general contractors, to let them know there are options like InSpire.” Not only did Class-A fire-rated InSpire meet Long Beach fire codes, but the roofing company also knew it was also the best material to complement the fire-safe sheathing. “Fire is always on people’s minds here, especially when it

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“Replacement of the failing metal roof system on the mansard structure called for a roofing material to meet the demanding criteria of both the condominium owners and the city of Long Beach.”

comes to applications like high-rises and wood shake roofs,” McDonnell noted. “Fire rating is definitely part of the discussion with property owners and they want it to be up to code.” McDonnell Roofing also recognized InSpire was a fit for its increasingly green and overall advanced approach to roofing, as it strives for innovation and safety, from solar installations to commercial singleply applications. For example, InSpire is

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Q These photos show the Versailles condominiums before and after the re-roofing project.

eligible for several green building certification credits, and its Sand-color Slate is certified cool roofing, making it ideal for dual goals of energy efficiency and beauty. The next step in the Versailles project was convincing the condo board of the wisdom of using InSpire. “What sold InSpire was its authentic slate look,” McDonnell recalled. “When I brought it to a condominium board meeting with about 50 homeowners participating, everyone just looked at it and fell in love with it.” Along with the product’s good looks, the company’s warranty helped bolster the case for installation. Having won the nod of the condo board, McDonnell next appeared before a City of Long Beach historic review panel to ensure the look of the completed roof would be consistent with that of the many historic buildings nearby. Armed with the structural engineer’s blueprint, McDonnell met with members of the panel and was eventually asked what material he intended to install. He showed the panelists an InSpire product brochure and actually passed

around a section of InSpire, McDonnell recalled. “They were very interested, and again exceptionally impressed. They had all the city inspectors and engineers come over and look at it right then and there. The woman I was dealing with said, ‘Let me bring it to the lead inspector in charge of the historic review.’ She was gone 20 minutes, came back and said, ‘It passed,’” he laughed. “It was quite a compliment to InSpire.” Before installation could begin, many technical details necessary to satisfy the project engineers and city had to be resolved. At one point, McDonnell and colleagues traveled as far as Las Vegas in a vain attempt to find similar projects. Through this period, they were able to depend on a crucial ally in the InSpire product team, which even went so far as to wind-test the fasteners to be used in the project. The roofing manufacturer’s eagerness to dig in and overcome obstacles impressed Williams. It was clear to him that InSpire executives’ desire to tackle challenges headon reflected the confidence they had in their product. “Other companies just said, ‘My job is only to sell this stuff. I don’t want to work this hard, this is too much of a challenge,’” he said. “InSpire was literally the only roofing manufacturer that said, ‘This is a challenge, this is fun, let’s do it,’ and said they wanted to turn it into a showcase.’ The technical side of this project really sets them apart with application versatility compared to their competition.” Once the project was complete, Versailles Condominium homeowners weighed in, calling the new roof a huge improvement both aesthetically and functionally, McDonnell said. “The finished product was the clincher,” McDonnell added. “No one really knows what it’s going to look like fully applied on their building. Once it was on, the reaction was, “Wow! We’re glad we selected it.’” For more information about the product, visit www.inspireroofing.com.

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{

CASE study

DURABILITY New Roof on GeorgiaPacific Center Achieves Lofty Goals

T

he 52- stor y Georgia-Pacific Center is a landmark on the Atlanta skyline. Built in 1982, co-owned by MetLife and managed by Jones Lang LaSalle, the building features a distinctive stair-step shape, pink granite exterior and has recently been remodeled inside. But after nearly 30 years, the tower’s roof had come to the

LONGEVITY Q When the 52-story Georgia-Pacific Center needed a new roof, sustainability was at the top of the list when it came to design goals. Photos courtesy of Georgia-Pacific Gypsum.

end of its useful life. When faced with the need for a new roof, what does the manufacturer of industry-leading DensDeck ® Roof Boards do? The choice of products may not surprise you, but the versatile ways in which the product was used might. Prior to its replacement, the roof of the Georgia-Pacific building had led a busy and productive life. There were several areas that had been patched and repaired over the years, but the building still faced some leakage issues. The roof had long been used to house window-

SUSTAINABILITY www.arwmag.com

2011, Vol. 3

29

study {CASE

Georgia-Pacific Center LOCATION Atlanta, GA ROOF DESIGNER Merik, Inc. CONTRACTOR Tip Top Roofers

washing scaffolding, but within the last decade the scaffolding fell out of use and was actually lowered into a notch in the roof and then temporarily sealed over. There was no way around it; it was time for a new roof. With the Georgia-Pacific Center team currently working to achieve LEED ® for Existing Buildings certification through a series of renovations and energy-saving initiatives, the challenge of this project came in two parts: the need for a sustainable design and the ability to deliver proj-

lume 2011, Vo

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Q The steel deck was covered with 5 ⁄ 8 -inch DensDeck Prime, two layers of ISO insulation, and ½-inch DensDeck Prime. Two layers of Firestone modified bitumen base ply were then torch applied, followed by a white cap sheet.

ect materials 536 feet in the air with only a freight elevator.

Sustainable Design Merik, Inc. is a roof consulting firm that specializes in problem solving on existing buildings. Pat Downey, president of Merik, was asked to prepare a condition assessment of the current roof and provide recommendations for a replacement system. In keeping with the desire to minimize impact on the environment as a consequence of the reroofing project, the Georgia-Pacific Center team decided to install a roof system that made sustainability the principal design goal. After a thorough inspection of the roof, Downey recommended design changes and addressed drainage issues. When designing the replacement roof, Downey looked to simplify the design, adding a positive slope to facilitate proper drainage and building a higher level of durability through the use of GeorgiaPacific Gypsum’s own DensDeck Roof Boards. Durability of the roof boards in the assembly contributes to a longer usable life cycle and the strength to endure the amount of foot traffic demanded by the housing of equipment on the roof. “Our main concerns with the new Georgia-Pacific roof were wind uplift, which is a concern for any high-rise roof, and the impact from foot traffic,” said Downey, who is also past president of both the Roofing Consultants Institute (RCI) and the Atlanta Chapter of the Construction Specification Institute (CSI). “We selected DensDeck Prime Roof Boards because of their history of durability and ability to significantly increase the strength of the specified roofing assembly.”

Raising the Roof – Literally One of the most complex facets of the re-roofing project was the staging

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of the jobsite due to height and lack of access. There’s the initial challenge of working on an occupied building. And roof access was limited to one freight elevator. And there’s always the general logistics of getting new materials up and old material down. While the majority of roofing contracting companies can handle the installation of a roof, not all would have the exper-

{

CASE study tise to successfully stage the job. Tip Top Roofers, a company with over nine decades of roofing experience, was able to manage the process by installing only materials that would fit inside the freight elevators. Materials went up the elevator to the 51st f loor, where they were loaded onto an equipment hoist and moved to the roof.

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2011, Vol. 3

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study {CASE

{

“I’m confident that the use of DensDeck Roof Boards will give our new roof the ability to outlive the original roofing system while contributing to our LEED for Existing Buildings certification.” — Reinhard Schneider

DensDeck Prime Roof Boards were used in three distinct applications for the project: as a thermal barrier, a traditional cover board for strength and as a substrate for flashing systems on parapet walls. The majority of the roof was done in a unique three-ply system, which allowed for staging of the work.

The Roof System The roof system consisted of: • A vapor retarder over the concrete roof deck. • Two layers of Isocyanurate (ISO) insulation attached with Olybond® ribbon adhesive. • Two layers of torched Firestone APP 120 modified bitumen base ply. • One layer of torched Firestone APP 180 white granular surfaced modified bitumen cap sheet. A “hatch” area that housed windowcleaning equipment was sealed over a

steel deck covered with 5⁄8 -inch DensDeck Prime and two layers of mechanically fastened 2-inch ISO insulation covered by ½-inch DensDeck Prime, attached using Olybond ribbon adhesive. The membrane consisted of a twoply application of torched Firestone APP 160 and one-ply of a torched white Firestone APP 180 cap sheet to create a reflective roof. “I’m confident that the use of DensDeck Roof Boards will give our new roof the ability to outlive the original roofing system while contributing to our LEED for Existing Buildings certification,” said Reinhard Schneider, DensDeck Technical Manager, Georgia-Pacific Gypsum. “We are very happy with our new roof and are grateful that we had such an amazing team working on the project.” For more information, visit www.gpgypsum. com.

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{

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Waterproofing Sandwich Slabs

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aterproofing technology has advanced over the past several decades with the introduction of new materials and the promulgation of new standards. These advancements reflect the study of past failures and an increased awareness of common design errors. While most of the moisture intrusion occurrences in waterproofing systems remain at penetrations and vertical transitions, there have also been documented concerns with horizontal applications. A specific design/ construction defect that has been eliminated within the past several decades is how sandwich slabs are constructed. The practice of applying waterproofing between the structural slab and a wearing slab is commonly referred to as a sandwich slab. In the past, the waterproofing membrane was applied in isolation between the structural slab and the wear slab. This application method propagated shrinkage cracks from the structural slab below the membrane or movement from the topping slab above the membrane. To counteract this problem, the most common waterproofing system prior to the advancement of new materials in the 1980s was multiply bituminous built-up membranes without cover boards or thermal insulation, which were susceptible to splitting. (Splits largely occurred because these types of membranes have strain of less than 2 percent when they are exposed to low temperatures.) The movement and/or cracks created openings in the membrane that allowed for moisture infiltration. In the mid-80s ASTM introduced three important design principles that have eliminated these problems in sandwich slab construction. The design principles were: 1. Sloping the deck for positive drainage. 2. Considering thermal insulation in colder climates.

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Q Detail courtesy of American Hydrotech, Inc.

3. Requiring a drainage course above the membrane.

Thermal Insulation The key attribute of these changes was the realization that the success of the system increased through the isolation of the membrane from the wear surface. This can be achieved through addition of a thermal insulation and/or a drainage course placed above the membrane. Insulation applied in waterproofing systems serves two fundamental purposes: thermal resistance and membrane protection. Insulation in waterproofing systems should always be applied above the membrane. The installation of the insulation above the membrane reduces thermal contraction stresses by keeping the mem-

brane in a narrow temperature range. In both vertical and horizontal applications, insulation also protects the membrane from backfill and construction traffic when it is applied over the membrane. Waterproofing systems are exposed to higher traffic loads than roof systems and the insulation serves as further protection with its high compressive strength. Insulations thermal resistance is much greater than aggregate or earth fill on heated and air- conditioned occupied spaces. Even in the coldest climates the insulation — when applied above the membrane — will maintain the membrane temperature above the dew point, eliminating condensation. Extruded polystyrene (XEPS) board, or “bead board,” provides both a high compressive strength (60 psi) and mois-

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BestPractices ture resistance. Moisture resistance is required because the insulation is not protected and it is exposed to continual moisture infiltration. Studies have indicated that XEPS retains approximately 80 percent of its dry thermal resistance in continually wet conditions. Insulation should be set in a fully adhered application on vertical surfaces. Insulation application on horizontal surfaces should be in accordance with the waterproofing system manufacturer’s requirements.

Protection Board Protection boards are required to shield the membrane from susceptible damage created by other trades and ultraviolet radiation. Since the waterproofing membrane is the first component completed, it is not unlikely that foot traffic, equipment, scaffolding, or dropped tools could damage it. The protection board should be applied prior to exposure to members of other trades immediately after the flood testing of the waterproofing membrane is completed. Any repairs required after the flood testing is completed should be performed prior to the application of the protection board. The most common type of protection board is an asphalt-core, laminated panel that comes in thicknesses of 1/16, 1/8, or ¼ inch. This panel is faced with polyethylene film on one side that is applied to prevent the panel from sticking during transport

and storage. Some manufacturers also promote the use of a minimum 6-inch thick polyethylene film as a protection layer. The reasoning is that membrane deficiencies are easier to detect and repair with the nominal protection layer. A general word of caution is that the minimal protection layer is more susceptible to damage from equipment, machinery, and scaffolding.

Drainage for Horizontal Applications Drainage components for a plaza deck with a wearing surface typically include (from the substrate up) the membrane with protection board; filter fabric; pea gravel or a geotextile mat; insulation; and the wearing surface. Drainage systems on horizontal applications should be comprised of all components from the wearing surface down to the membrane. Horizontal drainage is required at two levels: the wear surface and the membrane level. At the wear surface, drainage is required to minimize saturation that may occur from disintegration during freeze-thaw cycling. At the membrane level, drainage is required to accommodate hydrostatic pressure from accumulated water and freezethaw cycling of trapped water. Proper drainage can be achieved by adequately sloping the horizontal substrate a minimum of 1 percent to 2 per-

cent to allow proper flow to the drains. The drainage course medium is either gravel or plastic drainage panels. Drainage is typically accomplished by employing a multi-level drain component. In this configuration, strainers are applied at the wear surface to accommodate flow from moisture that enters the composition. This design allows for the drainage course to be applied between the membrane and the insulation, reducing condensation above the membrane in cold weather climates (melting snow) without impairing drainage. At the wear surface, drainage is typically accomplished by internal drains through one of two methods: an openjointed system or a closed-joint system. An open-jointed system filters the water down to the substrate drains through openings in the wear surface. A closedjoint system is sloped to the surface drains through closures in the wear surface from mortar or sealant joints.

John A. D’Annunzio is President of Paragon Consultants, a construction engineering firm he founded in 1989. For more information, visit www.paragonroofingtech.com.

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2011, Vol. 3

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