Low Slope Roofing

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Evolving Roofing Needs

In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, America was ripe with industrial growth, immigration, and the consequential development of metropolitan areas attracting citizens, enterprises, and investment. This process, later to be defined as urbanization, resulted in the increase in population density and the necessity of alternative roofing materials to accommodate the muti-residential, commercial, and industrial construction applications. It was during this time period that the humble beginnings of the branch of material science for manufactured roofing materials & systems emerged. Initially, this consisted of experimentation of various methods of applying water-repelling liquid saturates adhesives to various textiles. Through this early phase of material experimentation, it was discovered that the naturally occurring byproduct known as tar from burning and distilling petroleum could potentially be repurposed for roofing applications. Simultaneously, the discovery of an adaptation of asphalt also known as bitumen into the manufacturing of pitching and paving projects was re-engineered for commercial roofing applications. This process would later be recognized as the predecessor to asphaltic shingle roof systems. As the roofing industry and material sciences industries have grown, so too have the markets to which these products were engineered to service. The existential evolution of societal demands imposed upon the construction and architectural industries alike has resulted in the implementation of these systems to achieve both form and function beyond the measure to which these systems were intended. This paradoxical shift in the application has resulted in the necessity of intensive material research, training, experience, and an expansive working knowledge of these systems, their origins, and the science of producing practical solutions for the complex and diverse array of issues resulting from the integration of these systems into the building envelope.

Flat roof on an angled building

Roof Inspection and Analysis Services Include:

  • On-site analysis of existing roof conditions, underlying insulation, roof deck, drainage, perimeter walls, metal flashing details, unit curb details, wall flashings, roof projections or penetrations, etc. through visual examination of the roof and structure.
  • Core sampling of each roof/roof section to determine condition and construction. The total number of core samples shall be based on the total square feet of the roof area(s). The core samples and conditions of underlying insulation and decking will be recorded and photographed.
  • Photographic documentation of the existing conditions of the field membrane, flashings, terminations, perimeter walls, metal details, etc.
  • Inspection of structural decking, supports, interior and exterior load-bearing walls, and documentation of any conditions which may indicate structural damage or deterioration.
  • Development of Documentation depicting the entire roof area (while incorporating each roof section) and specific details identifying all dimensions, projections, etc. via annotations. All dimensions accurately represented and recorded throughout this process and integrated with any on-premise legacy Construction Drawings Available. Areas, where active roof leaks, severe deterioration, or deficient details exist, are also provided for on property Blueprints. The production of field condition reports detailing comprehensive conditional analysis to produce budgetary estimates for strategical repair and replacement as well as comprehensive replacement projects.
  • Preparation and submittal of a “Roof Management Plan” detailing the Building Owner (or designated representative) alternatives for repair, restoration, or replacement of the existing roof system. Included in this section will be preliminary recommendations for design and materials to be utilized in conjunction with the repair or replacement program.

Structural Technologies Inspection Process

The value of a roof is its ability to resist water penetration but the reality of that same roof is its integration into the entire building envelope. Structural Technologies, Inc. has extensive knowledge and experience with roof design for critical interior environments as well as long-term durable and cost-effective solutions for low slope roofing which is often exposed to the most severe combination of weather, rooftop traffic, winds, and pollutants. Annually, low slope roof replacement represents the majority of consulting work provided by Structural Technologies. In the last ten years, Structural Technologies has surveyed millions of square feet of roofing and has designed project specifications and provided project management services for over 100 million dollars of low slope roofing installation projects. Through enhanced visual analysis, diagnostic testing, non-destructive infrared thermographic inspection procedures, and limited invasive core sampling Structural Technologies are able to provide an accurate assessment of the “as-built” roof conditions, construction, and areas of compromise. Included with any evaluation of a low slope roof is the required wind uplift resistance, energy efficiency, exposure of the roof, reflectivity of the roof surface and compliance with applicable Building Code.

Roof Replacement & Restoration Program Development

Ultimately, the implementation of a well-executed restoration program is directed through the production and management of specifications, drawings, and details. Structural Technologies’ arsenal of comprehensive industry knowledge and material sciences is materialized in delivering expertly crafter project specifications focused not only define the scope of work but also provide a format for the successful application and adaption of restoration programs.

Upon the completion of the initial site evaluation, our design team is then able to compile this data into custom solutions represented in the form of isometric drawings, details, and specifications. Through this process, we interview and determine project feasibility based on the availability of resources tailoring our specifications and design process to the specific needs and goals of our clients as determined throughout our inspection process. Ultimately, the result of this process is the delivery of value-driven innovative solutions meticulously outlined to provide a potent driving force behind your restoration project while managing budget constraints.

 

Construction workers discussing project

Roof Replacement Design & Development Services Include:

  • Preparation of a detailed written roof replacement specification and bid form outlining the responsibilities of the contractor, owner (or designated representative), and subcontractors and setting forth the scope of work using current CSI (Construction Specifier’s Institute) and A.I.A. (American Institute of Architects – MasterSpec) modified format.
  • Prepare a document with insurance requirements and stipulated amounts of insurance including general liability, workman’s compensation, property, and vehicle insurance. Performance bonds, when requested, will be included in this portion of the specification.
  • Preparation of a detailed plan view drawing, construction diagram(s) with all pertinent roof construction details as described in the written portion of the specification.
  • Examination of the roof-mounted air handler units, internal roof drains, through-wall scupper drains, curb mounted vent units, expansion joints, the perimeter edge and perimeter sheet metal copings for evidence of damage, deterioration, water retention or leakage.
  • Preparation and submittal of a budget estimate for each roof section. The roof management plan will outline a basic scope of work for roof repairs, restoration or replacement and will establish priorities and annual budget requirements for low slope roof replacement related projects.
  • Review of the Roof management plan, proposed repair and replacement materials, recommendations, construction details, etc. with the building owner (or designated representative). Budget analysis and projected remaining useful life of each roof section will also be reviewed.
  • Review of local B.O.C.A. (Building Officials & Code Administrators) requirements for roof design and attachment. In addition to B.O.C.A. compliance, we will review applicable codes and owner requirements with regard to fire rating and wind uplift.