In the final post of our three part series we take a look at High-Performance Roofing (HPR). HPR systems have five important, closely related attributes that make them cost-effective, leak-proof, reliable, long-lasting, and environmentally friendly.
They are called the “Five E’s,” and they can help building owners make informed roofing choices:
- Energy: HPR systems help reduce energy consumption and improve the energy efficiency of the building envelope. This is a primary benefit of cool roofing, but reduced energy use also contributes to a better environment.
- Environment: HPR systems help reduce the overall impact on the external environment while also creating and maintaining a healthy, productive indoor environment. This is the key objective of green or sustainable roofing, which also places a premium on energy efficiency and endurance.
- Endurance: HPR systems must meet or exceed traditional performance standards in terms of longevity, all-weather reliability, water absorption, wind and fire resistance, low-maintenance and simple repair. No matter how “cool” or “green” a roof is, it still has to protect the building in all types of weather – a reality that is sometimes neglected in sustainability discussions.
- Economics: HPR systems must be cost-effective based on both initial cost and, more importantly, the entire life-cycle cost. No roofing system will gain wide acceptance if it does not make economic sense to building owners and managers.
- Engineering: Smart engineering and design are the great enablers of High-Performance Roofing systems, and all four of the other E’s. Engineering impacts everything from intelligent design and installation to life-cycle costs and long-term performance in all weather conditions.
High-Performance Roofing is a critical part of any High-Performance Building. A HPR system is a protective, performance-enhancing umbrella that protects the High-Performance Building from the elements, enables uninterrupted facility operations, and contributes to the health and productivity of the building occupants. HPR is also one of those rare cases where there does not have to be a tradeoff between “green” and performance, or “green” and cost. The best HPR systems cost less over time because they reduce energy bills, minimize environmental impact, require less maintenance, and keep the weather outside, where it belongs.
