Aged to Perfection: Stone coated steel roofing matches historic home and allows for solar heating system
by Jonathan McGaha | 17 March 2011 12:00 am
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Pardon Bosworth home in Providence, R.I., was built in 1879 and is a testament to past construction methods and long-lasting value. The idea of sustainability as defined today was not considered important 100 years ago. Likewise, Bosworth might not have imagined his home still standing over 100 years later in quite a different “world” than when it was built. While the structure was obviously well built, there are still parts of any home that have to be replaced-for example, the roof.
Concerned with rising energy costs, green house gas emissions and the state of the environment, the current owners of the Italianate style home wanted to reroof with a product that addressed these concerns. They also wanted to integrate a solar heating system while preserving the century-old appeal of the home.
A solar thermal collector system provides an alternative to solar panels and installs under the roofing material horizontally between the battens. A solar hot water system uses heat from the sun to heat the water in the home. In addition, as the water pumps through the system, the cooler water flowing within the tubing on the roof aids in cooling the attic. The system requires the roofing product to be offset from the deck so the system is integrated into the roof under the roofing material; a product that can be installed on battens was needed for this type of installation.
The homeowners chose the DECRA Shake profile in Granite Grey manufactured by DECRA Roofing Systems Inc., Corona, Calif. The stone coated steel roofing panels are made of aluminum-zinc alloy coated steel and, depending on the profile, can be installed on battens or directly to the deck. In this instance, the style of the home and the goals of the project dictated the profile and installation method. Granite Grey DECRA Shake looks like aged-wood shakes. The profile also complemented the style and historical aspects of the home better than the existing 22-year-old asphalt shingle roof.
Concerned about the environmental impact of their material choice, the DECRA roofing system provided the homeowners a way to roof over the existing asphalt shingle roof. Recycling facilities for asphalt shingles are rare. If the shingles were torn off, they would have been thrown in a landfill. DECRA Shake on battens does not require the old material to be removed. The steel also contains 25 to 30 percent recycled content and is 100 percent recyclable at the end of life.
The battens performed several functions on this project: provided a casing for the solar product; added stability to the roof frame; leveled out the uneven deck; and eased the installation of the product by acting as a ladder for the 8:12 slope roof. Additionally, the steel panels further enhanced the structural integrity and increased the shear strength.
All DECRA profiles are backed by a 50-year limited warranty, a 120-mph wind warranty, are Class 4 impact resistant, and steel is a non-combustible, Class A fire-rated material. Providing safety, low maintenance and durability are important when it comes to a safe environment for individuals and families that occupy the homes and buildings of today.
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Meredith England, MS, CSI, LEED AP, is a marketing specialist for DECRA Roofing Systems Inc., Corona, Calif. Leading the environmental initiative at DECRA, England has over 15 years of experience in the building products industry-10 of those in roofing. For more information, visit www.decra.com.
Source URL: https://www.metalconstructionnews.com/articles/aged-to-perfection-stone-coated-steel-roofing-matches-historic-home-and-allows-for-solar-heating-system/