Coal Tar Built-Up Roofing: A Leading Solution For The 21st Century August 15, 2009 IN AN ERA IN WHICH ALTERNATIVE ROOFING SOLUTIONS ARE BEING DEVELOPED, WHY CHOOSE COAL TAR? Coal tar is still being chosen because it is one of the most durable systems available. Coal tar has a molecular structure that provides a natural resistance to water, ultraviolet rays, and chemicals – elements commonly found on a rooftop […] Read More
Beyond Energy Savings: The Long-Term Benefits of LEED-Compliant Buildings May 15, 2009 The standards defined by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) regarding environmentally responsible products are catalyzing the rapid proliferation of highly reflective roof surfacing systems in North America. As this trend continues, design professionals, building owners, and facility managers will need to analyze product claims in an objective and consistent manner in order to […] Read More
Being In The Know About Solar Reflective Coatings May 15, 2009 Now that building energy efficiency is a national priority, roof consultants need to be in the know and up to date about roof coatings. Building owners and building professionals – and now policymakers and even taxpayers – are asking hard questions: What are the benefits of coatings? How do they work? What are the various […] Read More
Reflective Coatings: Looking Beyond Energy Savings May 15, 2009 For many years, reflective coatings have been promoted as a way to transform an energyconsuming, dark-colored roof into a more environmentally friendly cool roof. With the increasing trend toward the use of highly reflective roofing products such as white thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) rolled roofs, many industry watchers believed that roof coatings […] Read More
Benefits and Trade-Offs of Low-Slope Roofing System Insulation and Reflectance May 15, 2009 INTRODUCTION Increasingly, roof systems are being required to supply more benefits than basic protection from weather. In addition to the aesthetic aspects of residential roofing material design, both residential and commercial roofs are now seen as significant contributors to the energy usage of buildings. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, one-third of all energy […] Read More
ETFE: The New Fabric Roof May 15, 2009 Introduction Ethylene Tetra Fluoro Ethylene – not the sexiest of names; however, ETFE foil is fast becoming one of the most exciting materials in today’s design industry and has set the construction world alight with the potential it offers. Originally invented by DuPont as an insulation material for the aeronautics industry, ETFE was not initially […] Read More
Sustainable Roof Design: More Than A Black-And-White Issue May 15, 2009 SUSTAINABLE ROOF DESIGN: MORE THAN A BLACK-AND-WHITE ISSUE SAMIR K. IBRAHIM CARLISLE SYNTEC INCORPORATED 1285 Ritner Highway, Carlisle, PA 17013 Phone: 717-245-7000 • Fax: 717-960-4485 • E-mail: ibrahim@syntec.carlisle.com S Y M P O S I U M O N B U I L D I N G E N V E L O P E […] Read More
Paving Systems Over Plaza waterproofing Membranes: The Importance of Membrane-Level Drainage May 15, 2009 Introduction Subsurface drainage in any paving system is critical to its long-term performance, particularly in freeze-thaw climates. “Paving” is a broad term that includes both continuous (i.e., asphalt or Portland cement concrete) and unit paving systems (i.e., brick, stone, or precast concrete pavers, installed either in an open-joint configuration or with filled joints). While each […] Read More
