Whether it’s a new construction, renovation, or restoration project, metal roofing is an ideal choice for educational facilities. The beautiful, long lasting and cost-efficient roofing solution lends dramatic appeal and enhanced durability to each application in the educational sector.
Beauty Meets Durability
The previous notion of the “old tin roof” is a thing of the past, as great strides continue to be made in the metal roofing industry. Today’s modern metal roof packs an unparalleled combination of stability and longevity while maintaining its intrinsic visual appeal.
For educational facilities, aesthetics, durability and cost most often weigh in as the driving factors in choosing a new roof. A metal roof both meets and well exceeds these criteria.
In addition to its intriguing visual appeal, the longevity of a metal roof ensures that a roof replacement is numerous decades away, making it an extremely cost-effective option. Some metal roofing materials are also solderable, creating joints that are durable and long lasting, unlike roofs that use sealants that are subject to premature breakdown. Prime carbon and stainless steel coated with various protective alloys, such as zinc/tin coatings, ensure optimum corrosion resistance. In fact, because of these enhanced coatings and superior durability, a metal roof is as near permanent of a roofing solution as is available today. For these reasons, it’s no wonder that metal roofing is increasingly specified in the educational field.
Choosing the appropriate metal roofing material will ultimately depend on the desired aesthetic, the location of the educational facility and the overall scope of the application. With this in mind, it’s important to carefully weigh all options in order to specify the type of metal roof that will best meet the needs of the educational structure.
A Variety of Benefits
A metal roof can be produced from metals that contain a high percentage of recycled content, and are themselves 100 percent recyclable. Because metal roofs can easily outlast asphalt shingle roofs by a factor of three, they are extremely environmentally friendly. Metal roofing also meets other green and sustainable building related criteria. Various colored and traditional metal options, coated with solar reflective finishes, are available to help maximize building energy savings. This is of particular importance for campus buildings being constructed or remodeled to attain LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification.
Metal roofing is also an ideal solution for educational facilities situated in areas with harsh climates. For instance, if the campus is located in a hurricane-prone, coastal area, a roof that is designed to withstand the intense climate is a necessity. A metal roof provides powerful corrosion resistance and supreme resilience. Metal roofing materials coated with specially formulated alloys are specifically designed to withstand salty, marine environments, holding up under even the severest of conditions.
Similarly, educational facilities located in the Southwest, or other areas prone to forest fires, are another prime candidate for a metal roof.
Metal roofs have a much better chance of surviving fire than other alternative materials. Burning embers wafting in the breeze simply don’t present the same threat to metal that they do to other roofing materials.
In addition to its extreme functionality, formability, and solderability, a metal roof is visually beautiful. Educational buildings topped with a metal roof exude a bold, vibrant quality that automatically serves to differentiate the structure.
An Array of Options
Standing seam metal roofing panels are available in a variety of colored or classic options. A colored roof creates a dramatic contrast against a building façade. Additionally, colored metal roofs are often specified on historic renovation or restoration projects to match the hues of historic terne roofs. This makes a colored metal roof an appropriate solution for historic educational buildings where restoring or maintaining their original appearance is key.
Many colored selections are available, including pre-painted, factory-coated materials in a multitude of standard and customized shades. Materials that require painting upon installation are an alternative choice, and usually consist of a primer and fast-drying finish coat, also available in an extensive palette of colors.
Whereas colored roofs add a vibrant, colorful look to a structure, traditional metal roofing options achieve the custom look of a soft satin gray patina that naturally weathers with age, turning richer looking over time. This more subdued, yet equally gorgeous option lends itself beautifully to more modern, contemporary structures, as well as educational facilities looking to maintain the metallic gray appearance of a more traditional metal roof. This classic stainless steel roofing option is also available in a micro-embossed finish, which does not need to weather to achieve the desired color, and instead presents a soft gray hue upon installation.
Certain metal roofing materials are also available in shingle form. Metal shingles can often be installed over existing asphalt shingles. Side lock systems can allow for thermal contraction and expansion, while remaining watertight. The durable, corrosion resistant metal shingles are a unique alternative to traditional standing seam metal roofs, additionally offering a very distinctive look.
Regardless of the type of metal roof chosen, each lends a distinctive, timeless look to educational facilities that will last for years to come.
A Multitude of Metal Roofing Projects
Many educational facilities of note have specified metal roofing for their latest construction, renovation and restoration projects.
For example, Maryland Medical School’s Davidge Hall, a National Historic Landmark, features a metal roof as part of an historic restoration of the facility. Renovation of the Baltimore, MD, located structure included a complete roof restoration on the dome, gable and quadrant roofing.
Additionally, metal roofs top five buildings on the campus of Franciscan University in Steubenville, OH, as part of an expansion project. The University had previously specified metal roofing on four campus buildings, choosing to again utilize the material for an expansion of the fifth building, since it had worked so well in the past.
The Willow School, a private K-8 elementary school in Gladstone, NJ, features a metal roof that helped contribute to the school’s Gold LEED® Certification. The standing seam roof was specified to collect rainwater runoff that is stored in a 57,000-gallon underground, 100-percent recycled tank. The water is then utilized to flush toilets and for irrigation.
Similarly, Brooke High School in Wellsburg, WV, recently specified a standing seam metal roof for a new $6.8 million Wellness Center.
A metal roof also tops an award-winning, solar-powered research and education center at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA. The building was originally a competition home, designed for entry into a nationwide 2005 Solar Decathlon contest.
Choosing a Manufacturer
When choosing a metal roofing manufacturer, be sure to look for one that can provide you with a full range of options. Products coated with alloys designed for optimum corrosion resistance are ideal. Additionally, be sure the manufacturer offers accessories designed to work in conjunction with your metal roof, including snow guards, panel profiles, valleys, ridge caps, gutters, miters, drops, conductors and elbows. Also be certain to choose a company whose products will meet stringent building codes. This is particularly important for coastal areas, where codes are often very strict.
Most importantly, be sure to choose a metal roofing manufacturer who can work with you throughout the design-build process, providing the necessary recommendations and assistance to meet all of your educational building needs.
INFO: Follansbee Steel (www.follansbeeroofing.com)