Construction in Practice 1: Analysis of Lightweight Roofing Systems

This report provides a detailed analysis of lightweight roofing systems, focusing on their impact on energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness in residential construction. It explores three main types of roofing systems: metal roofing, low slope roofs, and green roofs. The report examines the advantages and disadvantages of each system, including factors such as durability, maintenance requirements, and environmental impact. It delves into the materials used, installation processes, and associated costs, including initial expenses and long-term savings related to energy consumption. The report also discusses the specific characteristics of each roofing type, such as the longevity of metal roofs, the design considerations for low slope roofs, and the benefits of green roofs in terms of insulation and environmental sustainability. Overall, the report aims to provide a practical assessment of different roofing options, offering insights into technological improvements that can enhance the environmental performance of residential buildings.

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Table of Contents
Light Weight Roofing systems reducing energy heat transfer..................................................3
Metal Roofing.............................................................................................................................3
Advantages of metal roofing..................................................................................................4
Disadvantages of metal roofing.............................................................................................5
Low Slope Roofs.........................................................................................................................6
Advantages of Low slope roofs..............................................................................................7
Disadvantages of Low Slope Roofs.......................................................................................7
Green Roofs................................................................................................................................8
Advantages of Green Roofs...................................................................................................9
Disadvantages of green roofs.................................................................................................9
References.................................................................................................................................11

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Light Weight Roofing systems reducing energy heat transfer
Most individuals have paid less concentration on roofs as a component of a house known to
contribute significantly to energy efficiency. The roofing system plays a major role in ensuring
air conditioning in the holding systems (Jane Powell, 2015). Efficient roofs lower the energy
needed for cooling by approximately 30%. An individual keen on the energy bill should always
make good roofing choices. It is a significant consideration to be made before the planning of a
new home or rather purchasing an existing home. Roofing products vary greatly in the present
society. The choice of the roof will vary with the desire to increase energy efficiency. Apart from

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that, one will also check on the characters possessed by a certain structure or rather the
architectural style embraced during construction (Olgyay, 2015). Some of the roofing products
will be discussed through the paper; primarily basing on energy efficiency.
Metal Roofing
Metal pieces or tiles are the major material used in the making of metal roofs (Rafael Luque,
2012). The past years has seen the rise in popularity of metal roofs citing their tendency of being
durable compared to other roofing materials. Homes built with metals have been on higher sale
values compared to the other house systems embracing the other house systems. Its nature of
being impermeable and longevity associated with it are some extra traits that have contributed to
its rising value. Steel alloys, copper and zinc are the major material used in the construction of
the metal roofs (S.O. Ekolu, 2014). The roofing costs including installations do cost
approximately $10,340 to $14,080 excluding the discounts offered to clients by the contractors.
However, the cost is less expensive compared to the cost of installing asphalt shingle one. Their
lasting is a lifetime in addition to having a contemporary appearance. The roofs serve a great
purpose in the sweltering months.
Advantages of metal roofing
The lasting duration of metal roofs is significantly long extending to approximately 30 years with
low maintenance frequencies. The cost directed in carrying out the maintenance is significantly
cut (Angèle Reinders, 2017).
The roofing is friendly to the environments. Maximum use of the roofing system is advised
citing it being 100% recyclable.
The recycled content is considerable; past statistics indicating a range of 25% to 80%. The
content is dependent on the making process embraced, either steel or aluminium.

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The removal and landfill costs increase the replacement costs for a roofing system. The case is
different with lightweight metal roofs as they can be installed on an existing roof. The allowance
costs down on the landfill and removal costs.
Photovoltaic installation is a common occurrence, an adaptation of the roof to the installation is
an added advantage.
Reduction of energy consumption is of much importance in ensuring that the air conditioning of
the house remains to be stable. Metal roofing plays a major role in ensuring cutting down energy
consumption. Cool roofs are common in reducing the transfer of heat being experienced.
Metal roofs are good insulating materials (R. A. Khan, 5). They offer diverse methods of
insulation. They offer any insulation to approximately any R factor.
There are too a great variety of metal roofing forms. The variation of the forms range from
corrugated sheets, shingles and standing seams.
The number of warranty years varies greatly with better metal roof coatings having a warranty of
twenty to fifty years.
Disadvantages of metal roofing
The initial cost of installing a metal roof is always so high which threatens many young
individuals with a vision of coming up with a structure. Individuals with a plan to have a long
term stay in their houses will be in a position to return the amount they will have invested in
bringing up the structure. The case will be different with one having a plan to reside in the house
for a couple of years (Ritu Singh, 2017).
Rainstorm seasons are hectic for individuals living in metal-roofed houses. The inside of the
house is like living in a drum. One has to be forced to make use of materials with structural
barriers to minimize the drumming effects being produced.

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Metal roofs undergo rampant denting. Large hailstones caused during storms are common for
bringing forth such effects. Copper and Aluminum known to be much softer compared to steel
are common materials known to undergo denting. Walking on top of such roofs when carrying
out different activities becomes a challenge especially when wet.
The metal roofs are prone to marring. The painted metal roof finishes scratch, chip, fade to the
extent of chalking. Despite having a guarantee of 30 years, the wear might be stimulated by one
walking on them. A case that may be unavoidable especially when repairing a leak or getting to
see that a chimney penetrates to the outside.
If metal roof installations are not done correctly, they become vulnerable to leakages. Roofs
prone to improper installation are the roofs exposed to fasteners (United States. Department of
the Interior, 2017).
Low Slope Roofs
Low slope roofs constitute three interrelated components. They primarily include the roof deck,
roof membrane and roof insulation. The roof membrane and insulation form the roof system. A
common name given to low slope roofs is flat roofs. The designing of the roof assemblies is done
in two primary considerations; compact and ventilated roofs (M. S. A. Blackwell, 2012). The
configuration of compact windows is such that the placement of each component is on top of the
preceding component. The deck directly bears the insulation and application of the membrane is
done on top of a rigid insulation. The attaining of the name compact came as a result of each
component assuming an immediate contact with the other components adjacently placed.
Ventilation space for a compact roof assembly is greatly minimized. The design is different from
ventilated roof designs such that the insulation is below the deck to allow a ventilation space.
The deck and membrane in this kind of roof do always have a close relationship with the outside

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temperature. The modern look associated with low slope roofs resulted in it growing in its
popularity. The popularity has also been contributed by the ease experienced in carrying out the
installation and repair. In comparing costs, the flat roof is cheaper than the other sloped roofs
excluding the composite shingles. The cost os estimated to a range of $5 - $10 per square foot.
The cost is applicable for both the new and retrofit projects. The quote constitutes the labour, all
materials, profit and overhead, Dump fees, Building permits and Tear-offff costs.
Advantages of Low slope roofs
The flat roofs are friendly in regards to cost. The charges incurred in carrying out the installation
and maintenance is far much less compared to other roof systems and are primarily made to
cover a less area in the cases of a typical business (Walter Short, 2015).
The timeline for construction of low slope roofs is highly minimized hence, side costs incurred
during the construction process is also reduced.
Ease access of roofs is highly needed especially when repairs have to be done. Flat roofs offer
such a feature hence, highly preferable.
There is no restriction experienced on the top floor of the low slope roofs, the main reason being
the presence of the roof pitch.
The designs associated with low slope roofs are far much modern compared to the pitched roofs
(Guedi Capeluto, 2016).
When seeking the right designs needed for space, the roofing is the primary factor of
consideration. The flat roofing system has for a long time being the most appropriate design for
space. The trend has been seen with commercial buildings as they primarily embrace low slope
roofs, the main intention being the need to set the heating and cooling elements as part of the
building.

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A roof offering a multipurpose service is an added advantage to the homeowner. Low slope roofs
are multipurpose in the essence of it being in a position to be turned into a rooftop garden,
referred to as a green roof (Brown, 2013).
Disadvantages of Low Slope Roofs
The maintenance cost is high and the duration within a short period. Plans to reside for lengthy
periods in low slope roofs will make the cost of living rise.
Dealing with water and snow is faced with a degree of difficulty. Gravity does not efficiently
deal with such forces of nature in low slope roofs hence, cases of ice dams forming on roofs are
frequently reported.
The frequency of debris formation on low slope roofs is high. The debris can be a barrier to the
well being of the roofs.
Limitation in the style choices and design elements make the roofing system less attractive.
Apart from that, the variation in installation cost is much difficult.
Green Roofs
Green roofs are the roofs that have a vegetation cover done partially or completely in addition to
having a growing medium (Valter Silva, 2018). A waterproofing membrane is set to bear the
growing membrane. There are cases where additional layers are also seen including the drainage
system, root system and irrigation system. One form of a green roof is the rooftop ponds
commonly known for facilitating effective treatment of greywater. The roofs play great purposes
in ensuring the well being of structures and individuals living within such structures. Rainwater
may have drastic effects on a structure if not well handled. The green roofs facilitate excellent
absorption of rainwater. They are too effective in providing insulation services to the structure.
There are two major types of green roofs, intensive and extensive green roofs (Ross Cameron,

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2016). The intensive green roofs are much thicker and can support a greater variety of plants;
features that make them heavier and require more maintenance. The extensive roofs, on the other
hand, are shallow with a depth of about 2 to 12.7 cm. The roofs are much more light compared to
intensive green roofs. As a result, the maintenance requirements are much less. The upfront costs
for the green roofs is considerably high, approximately $464,000. The cost is far much high
compared to the upfront costs for the conventional roofs which stand at around $335,000.
Despite the high costs, the roofs are known for being excellent in cost saving when it comes to
maintenance. The roof can save the cost by approximately $200,000 through its lifetime.
Advantages of Green Roofs
The roofs are good at providing excellent insulation to the housing. Use of green roofs leads to a
noticeable difference being realized in the electricity bills. During summers, the green roofs
eliminate excessive heating. The heat inside the housing is maintained during winters through
prevention of any form of dissipation that may take place through the roofing material. Hence,
there is a great reduction in heating and cooling cost.
Rooms located next to the rooftop are known for being adversely affected by the prevailing
extreme weather at any time (Modernity, 2018). The attics feel like a furnace in very high
temperatures. On the other hand, in very low temperatures, the attics feel like freezing. However,
green roofs, a natural comfort is always provided making the home or office a comfortable place
to stay.
The green roof offers additional space for the growth of vegetables and flowers. Herbs of
medicinal value have too been grown on the green roofs. The herbs can be utilized in homes or
sold for monetary value.

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The many activities being carried out in society result in the production of noise all over. Green
roofs have played a significant role in the reduction of the noise effects being experienced all
around by acting as excess sound absorbers. Hence, one will receive full comfort under the roof.
Disadvantages of green roofs
The cost incurred in the building and maintaining of a green roof is high as a result, making the
engagement of green roof project much difficult. The costs are made citing the need to factor in
the foundation, the kind of soil to be used, the various plants and the general installation cost.
It is tedious to maintain a green roof especially for individuals not having a luxury of time. One
has to take care of it, as they would do for a garden (Susanne M. Charlesworth, 2016).

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References
Angèle Reinders, P. V., 2017. Photovoltaic Solar Energy: From Fundamentals to Applications. 3
ed. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons.
Brown, A., 2013. Just Enough: Lessons in Living Green From Traditional Japan. 3 ed. Vermont:
Tuttle Publishing.
Guedi Capeluto, C. E. O., 2016. Intelligent Envelopes for High-Performance Buildings: Design
and Strategy. 3 ed. New York: Springer.
Jane Powell, J. M., 2015. Building Futures: Managing energy in the built environment. 2 ed.
London: Routledge.
M. S. A. Blackwell, E. M., 2012. Ecoflood guidelines: how to use floodplains for flood risk
reduction. 3 ed. London: Office for Official Publications of the European Communities.
Modernity, N. a. U.-A. F. T. D. a. D. o. N. I. v. R. i. a. T. C., 2018. Shireen Jahn Kassim,
Norwina Mohd Nawawi. 3 ed. New York: Springer .
Olgyay, V., 2015. Design with Climate: Bioclimatic Approach to Architectural Regionalism -
New and expanded Edition. 2 ed. New Jersey: Princeton University Press.

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R. A. Khan, K. M., 5. Software Quality: Concepts and Practices. 2016 ed. Carlifornia: Alpha
Science.
Rafael Luque, R. S., 2012. Sustainable Preparation of Metal Nanoparticles: Methods and
Applications. 4 ed. London: Royal Society of Chemistry.
Ritu Singh, S. K., 2017. Green Technologies and Environmental Sustainability. 2 ed. New York:
Springer.
Ross Cameron, J. H., 2016. Environmental Horticulture: Science and Management of Green
Landscapes. 4 ed. Nairobi: CABI.
S.O. Ekolu, M. D., 2014. Construction Materials and Structures: Proceedings of the First
International Conference on Construction Materials and Structures. 3 ed. Amsterdam: IOS
Press.
Susanne M. Charlesworth, C. A. B., 2016. Sustainable Surface Water Management: A
Handbook for SUDS. 3 ed. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons.
United States. Department of the Interior, A. E. G., 2017. The Secretary of the Interior's
Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties: With Guidelines for Preserving,
Rehabilitating, Restoring & Reconstructing Historic Buildings. 2 ed. New York: Government
Printing Office.
Valter Silva, M. H., 2018. Low Carbon Transition: Technical, Economic and Policy Assessment.
4 ed. Norderstedt: BoD – Books on Demand.
Walter Short, U. D. o. E., 2015. A Manual for the Economic Evaluation of Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy Technologies. 5 ed. Honolulu : University Press of the Pacific.

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