New Roof Secures Child Development Center Against New England Winters

Photos: The Garland Company, Inc.

Snow, rain and precipitation are no strangers to Bangor, Maine, where the average annual snowfall is 66 inches. For Bangor Housing Authority’s Elsie C. Coffey Child Development Center, a secure roof means safety from the wear, tear and moisture of a New England winter and protection for children both in the building and out on the adjacent playground. As maintaining a deteriorating roof and constantly replacing shingles proved costly and ineffective, Director of Construction and Asset Management Bob Rhodes and Project Coordinator Shane Vanidestine decided it was time for a more permanent solution.

The roof required a revitalization. Goals for the project included choosing the best materials to secure the roof, which features multiple hips and valleys that would demand extra attention to detail and creative installation methods.

Because the facility is a child care center, special efforts also had to be made to protect the safety and comfort of students, parents and faculty. So, in addition to the creative and meticulous efforts in creating a stunning and effective roof design, there was even more emphasis on completing the project with minimal disruption to the daily routine of the center.

The Solution

To combat the leaks and cope with the difficult roof design, contracting company Elite Roofing and Restoration combined the forces of Garland’s R-Mer Span and S-5! SnoFence. R-Mer Span metal panels were retrofitted over the existing shingles to reduce waste and prevent any debris from falling onto the playground behind the daycare. This allowed the project to be completed without any disruption to the school’s hours or play time.

Rhodes and Vanidestine knew the metal roof system was their best option, as it would provide a long life span with minimal maintenance. “The products chosen are a cost-saver for the future,” says Rhodes. R-Mer Span ensures a sleek and watertight design for the roof and is tested to protect against the most extreme weather events. For complete protection, SnoFence bars were attached directly to the metal to retain snow and allow it to melt on its own without falling off in dangerous chunks, while R-Mer Span panels keep moisture and precipitation from leaking into the building.

The unique design of the roof called for greater detail in preparation and installation. The hips and valleys of the roof design required most panels to undergo two cuts. To strengthen the seams and combat the weight of ice and snow, R-Mer Span’s I-Span clips were utilized above the valleys. Despite being a slower process, this installation was a highlight among the customers. Rhodes spoke of the preparation preceding installation: “Architects dream of making a design such as this, and we were confident leaving this to Garland and the engineering staff, despite its difficulties. After this, all of our other projects will be a breeze.”

Rhodes and Vanidestine not only understood these products to be a cost-saver for the future, but also knew that R-Mer Span and SnoFence bars would drastically improve their maintenance efforts. Now, R-Mer Span panels will keep the roof strong and watertight, SnoFence bars will alleviate the looming threat of falling snow and ice, and the community will be able to focus on enjoying the positive aspects of New England winters. As an added bonus, the striking sea mist-colored R-Mer Span panels complement the unique architecture and design of the roof.

TEAM

Contractor: Elite Roofing & Restoration, Middlefield, Connecticut, www.eliterrllc.com

MATERIALS

Metal Roof System: R-Mer Span, Garland, www.garlandco.com

Snow Retention: SnoFence, S5!, www.s-5.com

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