Enhancing roof resilience in the age of climate change
As the effects of climate change become more frequent and intense, architects must design buildings that can withstand increasingly extreme weather conditions such as hailstorms, strong winds, heavy rainfall and snowfall, as well as soaring summer temperatures, just to name a few. Investing in resilient buildings is also a way of saving money, efficiently protecting the assets that are housed inside. They need fewer repairs and remain operational after extreme weather events.
Flat and low-slope roofs must be designed to handle the stresses posed by climate change, requiring specialized design strategies to enhance their resilience. Adaptability to changing weather conditions must therefore be embedded in the roof design of existing and new buildings.
Resilient structural design
First of all, flat roofs have to be able to support the additional weight of snow and ice. Choosing lightweight, single-ply waterproofing membranes is a good first step to avoid overloading the roof structure.
Ensuring proper drainage is also critical. Insufficient drainage can lead to ponding water, increasing the risk of leaks and structural damage. Enhancing roof slopes through crickets and tapered insulation boards helps direct water towards the drains. The incorporation of scuppers and overflow drains is also advised, as well as secondary drainage options to handle excess water during heavy rainfall.
Use of durable materials
Choosing long-lasting materials enhances the resilience and environmental performance of the roof. Advanced waterproofing materials such as ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) and thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) offer superior resistance to weathering, as they offer outstanding resistance to thermal expansion, contraction and the environmental degradation caused by the effects of UV and ozone.
High-quality EPDM roofing membranes can achieve a service life of over 50 years, while a well formulated TPO membrane can reach a lifespan of 25 years or more.
Climate-specific roof design
Tailoring the roof design to local climate conditions is crucial to achieve resiliency. In areas with hot climates, the focus should be on selecting roofing membranes designed to withstand exposure to high UV levels, using reflective materials, good insulation to reduce cooling costs, maximise ventilation, etc. In cold climates, besides proper insulation, the focus should be on snow load capacity, as well as measures to prevent ice dams.
In areas of heavy rains, besides implementing efficient drainage strategies, choosing a robust waterproofing membrane and mold-resistant materials is a must.
The effects of wind must also be taken into account, as flat surfaces are more susceptible to uplift and wind-driven debris. Flat roofing systems need to be secured to the roof deck in such a way that they can properly withstand wind uplift.
Maximising roof functionality
Flat roofs offer an ideal basis for renewable energy installations such as solar roofing systems. They offer a large, unobstructed surface that facilitates the installation and maintenance of solar panels.
Green roofs are also highly beneficial for flat roofs, particularly in urban settings. Besides helping minimise the heat-island effect and providing an added layer of insulation, green roofs play a crucial role in the management of storm water. In the event of heavy rainfall, the soil and vegetation on a green roof absorb a certain amount of rainwater and then release it back slowly to the drainage system and into the atmosphere through evaporation. This relieves the pressure on sewage systems, minimizing the risk of flooding and erosion.
Regular maintenance and inspections
Carrying out regular inspections is also vital for ensuring the long-term resilience of a roof. Autumn and spring are generally considered to be the best seasons to check the state of the roof and schedule any cleaning, repairs or roof upgrade activities.
Invest in roof resilience with Elevate
Elevate EPDM and TPO roofing systems are engineered to be resilient. They offer outstanding weather resistance in all climates, and have excellent impact and hail resistance. They are also able to withstand fatigue caused by building movements and, in the event of damage, they are very easy to repair.
Get in touch with one of our roofing experts to discover how our roofing solutions can help extend your roof’s lifespan and safeguard the building’s structural integrity.