Originally constructed in the 1950s, the roof at Howard Elementary was continually patched and replaced with a flat roof each time it needed repair. The flat roof caused problems due to water ponding that caused leaking within the school. As repair costs rose, school administrators decided to replace the roof. To achieve watertight integrity and provide long-term performance, a structural standing seam metal roof system was retrofitted over the 28,000-square-foot roof.
The Garland Co. Inc. supplied 28,000 square feet of its 24-gauge, 18-inch-wide R-Mer Span standing seam panels, which were chosen for its structural strength and ability to create the slope needed to achieve long-term watertight protection. Modern Builders installed a steel framing system over the failing built-up and EPDM roofs to create a 1/2:12-inch slope and eliminate ponding water. To ensure watertight integrity, the continuous 75-foot bare Galvalume coated panels were installed from the roof eave to ridge, eliminating the need for overlapping seams, which can be a source of leaks. The high-performance roof is also covered by a 30-year warranty.
Owner: Howard Public Schools, Howard
General contractor/installer: Modern Builders, Janesville, Iowa
Metal roof panels: The Garland Co. Inc., Cleveland, www.garlandco.com
