Resolving practical problems in roofing retrofits and renovations [AIA course]

This course, worth 1.0 AIA HSW learning unit, provides expert advice on how to make a roof last as long as possible, and how to properly retrofit or reroof when the roof has run its course.

By BY C.C. Sullivan and Barbara Horwitz-Bennett | November 17, 2014

Initial cost of a commercial, industrial, or institutional building's roofing system is about 10% of total construction cost, but the roof can end up accounting for as much as 60% of a building's total maintenance cost throughout the building's life cycle. This course provides expert advice on how to make a roof last as long as possible, and how to properly retrofit or reroof when the roof has run its course.

After reading this article, you should be able to:

Describe the primary benefits of reroofing and roof renovation projects for building performance, with emphasis on the positive impacts on indoor environmental quality, comfort, and health for building occupants.
Discuss the rationales for existing roofing systems of choosing overlayment or tear-off as strategies for a roofing retrofit, along with their environmental and health considerations.
List at least four strategies for roofing applications as part of a sustainable design project (including LEED projects) for indoor environmental quality, moisture protection, mold prevention, and building envelope optimization.
Describe the primary requirements for vegetated (green) roofing system design and installation and their benefits in terms of reducing urban heat-island effect, energy consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions.

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