Sustainable roofing options need to be evaluated for the building, climate and owner’s goals. Coatings, daylighting, energy analysis and vegetative-roof maintenance involve different scopes. Compare the expected benefit, installation needs and ongoing care before recommending one.
Performance: These products are based upon a planned event and planned services.
Features:
- Check current local incentive rules and eligibility before including an incentive in the proposal.
- Review the requirements that apply to the building and proposed work.
- Explain the project-specific basis for any environmental claim.
Reliability: Plan the work, product requirements and follow-up maintenance with the responsible team.
Conformance: Confirm the design, installation and acceptance criteria; involve qualified specialists where needed.
Durability: Each product has its own life cycle.
Serviceability: Check crew skills, specialist availability, access and coordination before agreeing on the project schedule.
Esthetics: The product is subjective.
Perceived Quality: Pricing is created by specific product and Client request (scope of work).
Four Sustainable Roofing Options to Evaluate
1. Coating Solutions
– As the EPA’s cool-roof guidance explains, a suitable reflective roof surface can absorb less solar heat than a darker surface. Review the coating’s compatibility with the existing roof, the preparation required and the building’s climate and use. A cool-roof option is a design choice, not a substitute for assessing roof condition.
- Special Features:
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- Compare the expected cooling benefit with the building’s climate, insulation and use.
- Review the roof condition, product compatibility and maintenance requirements before selecting a coating.
- Use the specified roof assembly and measured product properties in the assessment.
- Evaluate heating as well as cooling effects; do not assume a coating changes the required HVAC equipment.
- PRICE: Determined from Scope of Work
2. Daylighting Solutions
– Daylighting introduces natural light through features such as skylights. Its effect on electric-light use depends on the design, controls, available daylight and occupied hours. Review glare, heat transfer, waterproofing and access protection as part of the proposed work.
- Special Features:
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- Assess where natural light is useful for the occupied space.
- Review glare and visual comfort with the users of the space.
- Coordinate daylight with electric-lighting controls.
- Check the proposed openings and flashing details.
- Include maintenance and access needs in the design.
- PRICE: Determined from Scope of Work
3. Energy Savings Analysis
– Compare roof-assembly options using stated inputs for climate, insulation, building use, heating and cooling equipment, and energy prices. Explain the model’s scope and assumptions. If the analysis covers only the roof, identify other building-envelope effects it leaves out. Explain how changes in operation and energy prices could affect actual costs. Our guide to sustainable commercial roofing practices discusses related roof-assembly considerations.
- PRICE: Either Value Add or Determined from Scope of Work to produce report.
4. Vegetative Roof Maintenance
– Set a maintenance plan for the installed roof and planting system. Coordinate vegetation care with the appropriate specialist and review drainage, access, roof details and plant condition. The required work depends on the system, climate and its maintenance instructions.
- PRICE: Define the roofing and vegetation-care scopes, specialist charges and approval process. Plan access and fall protection for the actual work with the responsible qualified people.
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