Western Sydney University: Lightweight Roofing Systems Report Analysis

This report, prepared for Western Sydney University's Construction in Practice 1 course, examines lightweight roofing systems with a focus on their ability to reduce energy heat transfer. The report delves into three primary roofing system types: metal roofing, low slope roofs, and green roofs. For eac...Read More

LIGHTWEIGHT ROOFING SYSTEMS 1
Title
Author’s name
Institutional affiliation

LIGHTWEIGHT ROOFING SYSTEMS 2
Table of Contents
Reduction of Energy Heat Transfer using Light Weight Roofing Systems..................................................3
Introduction............................................................................................................................................3
Executive Summary.................................................................................................................................4
Metal Roofing.........................................................................................................................................4
Advantages of Metal Roofing.............................................................................................................4
Disadvantages of metal roofing..........................................................................................................5
Low slope roofs.......................................................................................................................................6
Advantages of low slope roofs...........................................................................................................6
Disadvantages of low slope roofs.......................................................................................................7
Green Roofs............................................................................................................................................7
Advantages of Green Roofs................................................................................................................8
Disadvantages of green roofs.............................................................................................................9
Conclusion...............................................................................................................................................9
References............................................................................................................................................10

LIGHTWEIGHT ROOFING SYSTEMS 3
Reduction of Energy Heat Transfer using Light
Weight Roofing Systems
Introduction
The focus of people on the roof as a significant component in ensuring energy efficiency has
considerably gone down. Air conditioning is highly desired in most structures. Application of the
roofing system in achieving such a function will play a major role in ensuring efficiency in the
use of energy. 30% of the energy needed for cooling will be saved if the lightweight roofing
system will be embraced in the housing systems (Jane Powell, 2015). If one has to bear the
vision of reduction on the expenditures on energy, they will have to take up the responsibility of
being keen on the kind of roof they are to use in carrying out the construction activity. Different
structures have varying traits, the different traits also influence on the kind of roof to be used in
carrying out the construction. The architectural styles have also influenced the variation of the
roofing systems being experienced (Olgyay, 2015). The roofing products to be discussed
through the paper will draw their basis from energy efficiency.

LIGHTWEIGHT ROOFING SYSTEMS 4
Executive Summary
Metal Roofing
Metal roofs are made from either metal pieces or tiles (Rafael Luque, 2012). The durability
associated with the roofs has played a major role in pushing for the popularity associated with it.
The trend has also been seen with the selling of houses. Houses built with metal roofs were
easily sold compared to structures embracing the different systems of roofing. Among other
factors that have pushed for its rising value are its impermeability traits and the longevity
associated with it. Most metal roofs have been made from the alloys of zinc, copper and steel.
Contractors charge their clients approximately $10,400 to $ 15,000 excluding the discounts they
offer after an agreement. However, in comparison with the cost of installing an asphalt shingle
one, the metal roof cost is less expensive. The sweltering months see many people utilize such a
kind of roofs.
Advantages of Metal Roofing
One can easily choose a single metal roof from a wide variation of roofs. They range from the
standing seams, corrugated sheets and the shingles.
A good number of years is given as the warranty period extending to about twenty to fifty years.
The air condition of a housing system remains to be stable with the reduction of energy
consumption. The role is excellently played by the metal roofs. Such a transfer of heat is
excellently reduced by the cool roofs (Anicia Q. Hurtado, 2017).
Insulation role is done quite well by the metal roofs. The insulation is done in diverse methods.
Past statistics indicate the roofs offer insulation to approximately any R factor.
Replacement costs experienced in the roofing systems is primarily as a result of the removal of
the landfill costs. Lightweight roofs can be installed on an existing roof system. Costs incurred
om the replacements will be automatically eliminated.

LIGHTWEIGHT ROOFING SYSTEMS 5
Metal roofs are easily adapted to photovoltaic installations. The trait serves as an added
advantage (Bhardwaj, 2014).
Environment agencies encourage the use of recyclable materials. The metal roofs are 100%
recyclable. Hence, they are friendly to the environment.
Approximately 25% to 80% of recycled content is extracted from recycling metal roofs. The
making process greatly influences the content, it is made from either aluminium or steel.
The duration of the roof is extremely long. The duration period extends to approximately 30
years with the maintenance frequencies being very low. As a result, the cost incurred in carrying
out the maintenance is cut significantly.
Disadvantages of metal roofing
Denting is a common trait seeing with metal roofs. The effects are stimulated by the rampant
large hailstones experienced during the constantly occurring storms. Aluminium and copper are
the common victims of denting as they are softer compared to steel. Apart from that, walking on
the roofs is a challenge citing it easily undergoing the denting.
Marring is also common with metal roofs. The roofs gradually undergo destruction from
chipping, scratching, fading and extending to chalking. The roofs have a guarantee of 30 years of
being durable. However, the wear is stimulated with one walking on them. The act is highly
unavoidable when one has to repair a leak or penetrate a chimney.
Failure to correctly install the roofing system leads to the roof being highly vulnerable to
leakages. The case is common with roofs that are exposed to fasteners (United States.
Department of the Interior, 2017).
The initial cost is high. Individuals fear to bring up structures with metal roofing citing the fear if
the first sight of the cost incurred in installing the same. The nature of the maintenance cost is
low never rings in their mind (Ritu Singh, 2017).

LIGHTWEIGHT ROOFING SYSTEMS 6
Low slope roofs
Several components make up the low slope roofs. The three major components are the roof
insulation, roof membrane and the roof deck. Low slope roofs can also be referred to as the flat
roofs. Two considerations guide the designing of the low slope roofs. The ventilated and the
compact roofs. Compact windows assume a configuration where each component is placed on a
preceding component. The insulation is bored directly by the deck. On the other hand, the
application of the membrane is done on rigid insulation. Each component assumed an immediate
contact with the other components adjacently placed; as a result, attaining the name compact. A
compact roof has a significantly minimized ventilation space. The insulation is placed below the
deck to ensure the space, a design different from the ventilated roof designs. The roof allows a
close relationship between the deck, membrane and the outside temperature. Low slope roofs
have also grown in popularity citing the modern look associated with it. The installation and
repair activities are also done with much ease contributing to the popularity. The costs of the
sloped roofs are much lower compared to the other pitched roofs except the composite shingles.
A square foot is estimated to cost a range of approximately $5 to $10, a cost that is applicable for
both retrofit and new projects. The quote is inclusive of the labour, profit, overhead, tear-off
costs and building permits (Simos Yannas, 2013).
Advantages of low slope roofs
There is great minimization on the construction timeline for the slow slope roofs. Hence, the
construction cost is also reduced significantly.
Repairs can excellently be done when there is ease of access to the roofs. The feature is readily
seen with the flat roofs.
The installation cost is much lower compared to the other roofing systems. They are further
meant to cover less area when it comes to dealing with typical businesses.

LIGHTWEIGHT ROOFING SYSTEMS 7
The pitched roofs have a slightly outdated design compared to the low slope roofs. Many are
attracted to the low slope roofs (Triantafyllia Nikolaou, 2015).
Low slope roofs possess a roof pitch. The restriction is eliminated on top of floor of such roofs.
Most house owners prefer a multipurpose kind of roofing system. Low slope roofs can serve as a
rooftop garden, the green roof. It is an added advantage to the homeowner.
Low slope roofs allow for the heating and cooling elements to be set as part of the building.
Commercial buildings membrane them when seeking the right designs for space.
Disadvantages of low slope roofs
The roof system ends up to be less attractive in certain conditions; the limitation in the style
choices and the design elements being the major cause. There is too a great variation being
experienced in the installation cost. The variation makes it difficult to smoothly work with such a
kind of roof system.
The well being of roofs interferes with frequent debris. Low slope roofs are disadvantaged by
frequent debris making it difficult to smoothly work with the roof (Brian Stone, 2012).
The duration of the low slope roofs is really short. The high maintenance cost worsens the
situation. Short term living on low slope roof houses significantly raises the cost of living.
Sheltering under low slope roofs is difficult during the intense rain and snow weather. Ice dams
are frequently formed on the roofs, the main reason being the inefficient working of forces of
nature in low slope roofs.
Green Roofs
The roofs have a growing medium harbouring vegetation completely or partially. The roof has a
waterproof membrane that bears the growing membrane (Valter Silva, 2018). In other cases,
there are additional layers an example being the root system, irrigation system and the drainage
system. The rooftop ponds, known for facilitating the treating of greywater, is a common type of

LIGHTWEIGHT ROOFING SYSTEMS 8
a green roof system. The wellbeing of the structure and individuals within the structure are
almost 100% assured in the presence of the green roofs. They eliminate the drastic effects of
rainwater that may come about is not well handled. The function is seen through excellent
absorption of the water. Intensive and the extensive roofs are the two major types of green roofs
(Ross Cameron, 2016). The intensive green roofs are characterized by a great thickness in
addition to being in a position to support a wide variety of plants. The features make them heavy
and prompting the need for more maintenance. The extensive roofs have a depth of
approximately 2 to 12 cm hence termed as shallow. Apart from that, they are light making the
maintenance requirements less intense. Installation costs for the green roofs are as high as
$464,000; higher than $335,000 estimated for the conventional roofs. However, it exhibits high
levels of excellence when it comes to cost saving of approximately $200,000.
Advantages of Green Roofs
They play a major role in boosting the comfort of a home; they provide natural comfort. One can
easily find rest in roofs located at the top of the roof regardless of the prevailing weather. The
case makes it possible for many to comfortably work in their homes and offices increasing the
productivity being realized in the society (Modernity, 2018).
Most day hours are characterized by noisy sounds filling the air. The green roofs have a sound-
absorbing ability. The noise effects are absorbed enhancing the comfort of one sheltering under
such a roof.
Vegetable and flowers are grown in the green roofs. The herbs, especially those with medicinal
value are also grown in the roofs. The production can be utilized in homes or sold for monetary
value.
They are ready insulators to most structures. The electricity bills are cut down as the air
conditioning systems become dormant for a considerable time. They excellently eliminate heat in

LIGHTWEIGHT ROOFING SYSTEMS 9
summer seasons. Dissipation is common in roofing materials during the winter season. The roof
excellently eliminates the dissipation ensuring that the houses are kept warm during the cold
seasons. The heating and cooling cost drops drastically.
Disadvantages of green roofs
One has to keenly consider the installation and maintenance cost before coming up with a
roofing system. The green roofs have been feared by many citing the high installation cost. The
soil to be used, the foundation, the plants to be grown and the labour to be involved in bringing
the roof system, lead to the roofing stream being highly expensive (Sara J. Wilkinson, 2016).
Maintaining a green roof is tedious. Individuals with no luxury time find it difficult to properly
till them and see that it grows (Jan L.M. Hensen, 2012).
Conclusion
Among the choices, one has to make before planning the building of a new or purchasing an
existing house is ensuring that the roofing system meets their particular desires in regards to
saving of energy. The present society has a great variation of the energy products. The ability of
a roof to boost the degree of energy leads to the significant variation being experienced. Metal
roofs are good insulators despite being expensive. Low slope roofs on the other hand, are
cheaper but less attractive. The Green roofs provide natural comfort but is faced high installation
cost and less resources needed for maintenance. Properly understanding the traits of the roofing
system will guide one to install the desired roof that achieve the desired comfort.
References

LIGHTWEIGHT ROOFING SYSTEMS 10
Anicia Q. Hurtado, A. T., 2017. Tropical Seaweed Farming Trends, Problems and
Opportunities: Focus on Kappaphycus and Eucheuma of Commerce. 3 ed. New York: Springer.
Bhardwaj, B., 2014. The Complete Book on Production of Automobile Components & Allied
Products: Auto parts business start up, Auto parts manufacturing Business, Automobile Based
Small Scale Industries, Automobile industry, Automobile manufacturing Industry in India,
Automobi. 4 ed. Delhi: Niir Project Consultancy Services.
Brian Stone, J., 2012. The City and the Coming Climate: Climate Change in the Places We Live.
3 ed. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Jan L.M. Hensen, R. L., 2012. Building Performance Simulation for Design and Operation. 3 ed.
London: Routledge.
Jane Powell, J. M., 2015. Building Futures: Managing energy in the built environment. 2 ed.
London: Routledge.
Modernity, N., 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.
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.

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Sara J. Wilkinson, T. D., 2016. Green Roof Retrofit: Building Urban Resilience. 3 ed. New
Jersey: John Wiley & Sons.
Simos Yannas, A. B., 2013. Passive and Low Energy Architecture: Proceedings of the Second
International PLEA Conference, Crete, Greece, 28 June-1 July 1983. 3 ed. London: Elsevier
Science.
Triantafyllia Nikolaou, D. K., 2015. Managing Indoor Environments and Energy in Buildings
with Integrated Intelligent Systems. 2 ed. New York: Springer .
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.