Written By: Robin Bartelman, Assoc. AIA
After spending most of my professional career in the field of Architecture, I used to think of roofing assemblies as a necessary evil - a commodity – not something that was important for the aesthetic but was required for the performance. The classic “form vs. function” topic. Form often dominates the architectural conversation, but it is the function that keeps building owners reliant on an architect’s expertise.
When I joined the Elevate Commercial Roofing Systems team at Amrize, I came to realize that when the design of the roof is right, it allows architects to focus more fully on the shell and core, façade, and interior spaces. I learned that the roof can be the true gem of the building, instilling confidence in the architect’s work in the short term while helping to save money by preventing costly repairs in the long run. When the assembly is designed to meet performance criteria and the demands of its environment, the rooftop can make your architectural feat shine bright like a diamond.
To really understand how to specify the right roof and its components - just like a diamond - you must first know the 5 C’s that guide the decision-making process.
1. Custom Commercial Roofing: Designing for Climate, Code, and Performance
Customizing a commercial roofing system is essential, not optional. The best practice for specifying a single-ply membrane, built-up, or metal roofing system is to design the entire assembly around project-specific needs. That includes selecting compatible insulation, cover boards, thermal and moisture barriers, pre-form, and metal accessories based on the IECC-designated climate zone, wind uplift requirements, and other critical factors like building design, performance goals, and climate-related conditions of its geographic location.
2. Chemistry Matters: Ensuring Material Compatibility Across the Assembly
Chemistry matters! It plays a critical role in roofing system performance. The chemical properties of each product influence key characteristics such as fire resistance and resistance to organic growth. It is equally important to ensure that all components in the assembly, including membranes, adhesives, and insulation, are chemically compatible. Without compatibility, the system is at risk of adhesion issues, performance issues, and costly repairs.
3. Creative Commercial Roofing: Reimagining the Roof as a Design Feature
Yes! Roofing can be creative! While the thought is – a low-slope roof isn’t seen – the reality is that rooftops can become powerful design elements – serving as branding platforms, offering vegetative spaces for respite, using color blocks to define areas, or even transforming into urban playgrounds for outdoor enjoyment. Work with your local commercial roofing representative to learn what is possible!
4. Consistency in Roofing: The Value of a Single Source Specification
Even when one product is perfect, the overall performance of a roofing assembly depends on how well its components work together. A Single Source Specification ensures that one manufacturer provides all the required components, each designed to meet the project requirements. Workmanship is also part of the equation. Choosing licensed roofing contractors helps ensure the consistency and quality needed to achieve a sound, secure roof installation.
5. Color Options in Commercial Roofing: Expanding Your Design Possibilities
Color is cool! Not just in its aesthetics, but also in its performance. The highly reflective white, tan, and gray allow a specifier to achieve a Cool Roof Initiative and can provide LEED credit - if that is a project requirement. But did you know there are many more color options available from which to choose? Color can expand your roof design vision and creativity. Reach out to your local commercial roofing representative and check out all the colors that can enhance your rooftop today!
As you begin the schematic design phase of your project, grounding your concept in the 5 C’s is a great way to start strong. Work with your local representative to review your drawings and specifications to ensure the assembly meets jurisdictional requirements and the roofing industry’s best practice standards. And while roofs do not last forever like diamonds, given great design, an assembly can perform brilliantly for many years. As Leonardo da Vinci is quoted as saying “A diamond is just a lump of coal that stuck to its job”. So don’t disregard the importance or longevity of a roof assembly because its performance may just be your diamond in the rough.
About the Author
Robin Bartelman, Associate AIA, is the West Coast Architectural Regional Account Manager for Elevate Commercial Roofing Systems, based in Los Angeles. Robin had an extensive career in commercial architecture and product design prior to her entry into building products manufacturing. With her architectural and manufacturing background, Robin can provide best practice solutions to the A+D community through Division 7 Roofing specification assistance and product sampling. Robin is a member of the American Institute of Architects and is also NCIDQ Certified.