Moving from a rebuild mindset to a reuse mindset
From meeting severe weather challenges to reducing energy consumption, property developers and managers have long relied on the proven strength, versatility and durability of metal roofs, especially those made from of steel Now, the entire construction industry and end users are also quickly becoming aware that metal roofs can play an important role in larger retrofit projects, enabling the adaptive reuse of a building, rather than a teardown. , he says Ben SoumisDirector General of Spare Parts and Repairs a BlueScope Buildings North America.
Modifications upgrade or modify existing buildings to improve performance, energy efficiency, safety or general functionality, to extend the life of a structure, reduce environmental impact and meet contemporary safety standards, energy efficiency and functionality, all without the need for a complete reconstruction.
Soumis notes that as the construction mindset shifts toward greater investment in sustainability and consideration of the building’s total cost of ownership over time, more people are looking to revitalize their buildings through rehabilitation rather than reconstruction
“Steel is probably the most sustainable roofing option out there; it’s 100% recyclable, ensuring a closed life cycle.”
Cost benefits of metal retrofitting
While upfront costs often dominate budget discussions, it’s also worth considering the lifetime reduction in energy costs of a retrofitted metal roof, Soumis says. Reflective coatings on metal roofs reduce cooling loads, improving energy efficiency. He explains that metal roofs are also easier to install solar panels, providing additional economic and energy savings.
“Most solar panels will last about 30 years. And if you’re putting in some of these alternative roof options, you can go 20 years before you have to replace that roof and those solar panels.” This means reducing the lifespan of your solar panel by nearly a decade. Whereas, renovating an older building involves adding a new roof layer and providing added insulation (increasing the R-value) without removing the original roof, which may or may not be metal. This approach saves time, strengthens the efficiency of the structure and extends the life of any additions, such as solar panels.
Paul BuettellRoof sales manager a Manufacturing butlers, also emphasizes the importance of uninterrupted business operations during modernization. The simplified process of prefab metal roofing ensures minimal disruption, a crucial factor for building owners.
“When a building owner finds out that they don’t have to lose days of work to tear off a roof and that they can add more insulation, that’s a huge realization,” Buettell says.
The design versatility of metal roofs
The benefits of metal retrofits go beyond sustainability as they are proven to be versatile, aesthetically unique and can dramatically improve a building’s appearance.
Takes Terminal F of the Port of Miamia monumental remodeling project executed by Lemartec and manufactured by Varco Pruden buildings. Despite the complexity of the project, which involved continuous operations, structural changes and unifying the appearance of multiple roofs, the result was a Building of the year 2023.
James PartridgeLemartec’s Estimating Manager, notes that the modern and spectacular prefabricated steel roof played a key role in the success of Terminal F. Its deep blue color, strong peaks and unique design contributed to its architectural differentiation.
“The project was quite complex,” explains Partridge, “because the terminal had to remain operational throughout the renovation, even when one structure was demolished, two new structures were added, and the team had the commission to make the commercial roofs of several buildings appear. as if they were one.”
“That roof is visible from the cruisers, so the upper roof had to look good because everything would be visible.”
In addition to the aesthetic, efficiency and sustainability benefits of metal roofing for individual properties, there is also significant value to be gained in our collective fight against climate change.
A modernization mindset can help the world achieve net zero goals
A recent JLL research report underlines the critical role of modernization in achieving net zero goals. With approximately 80% of today’s office buildings still in use in 2050, retrofitting presents a significant opportunity for carbon reduction.
According to the report, a holistic retrofit strategy is a very effective way to decarbonize existing buildings, especially considering that the carbon emissions from retrofitting are potentially only a third of what new builds release into the environment.
As the global call to reduce carbon emissions grows stronger, the shift to a retrofit mindset can not only address immediate challenges, but also contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future for commercial and industrial buildings .
