In fact, most of the factors that comprise the RoofPoint application simply are solid design principles, Kirby notes. Examples include the use of such features as staggered joints and multiple layers of insulation. "If you read through RoofPoint, you can understand how to design" a solid, durable and energy-efficient roof, he adds.
Curt Liscum, senior consultant with Benchmark Inc., roofing and paving consultants, agrees. "RoofPoint doesn't, in and of itself, increase the cost of a job. RoofPoint for the most part is good, honest design principles for roofing," he says.
Liscum does point out that not every building owner follows good design principles; some try to get by with the minimum required. For instance, they may decide not to put on more insulation than what's mandated by code. While the extra insulation would, of course, raise initial costs, it could offer a solid payback, particularly if energy costs rise significantly.
Applying for the RoofPoint designation takes about 45 minutes, says Liscum. His firm has completed the application for about 20 facilities. Not all have been submitted, as some building owners like using the system to evaluate their facilities, but prefer to keep the details of their projects quiet.
The documentation involved in completing the RoofPoint application is similar to that required to obtain a roofing warranty, Hoff adds. As a result, the process typically is reasonable, even on smaller, less expensive roofing projects.
RoofPoint can be used in several ways, Liscum says. For starters, it's a way to check that designs take into account all the factors necessary for a durable, sustainable roof system. The rating system also shows building owners that the planned roof work incorporates principles of sustainability and durability. In addition, if several companies are bidding for a job, and all are working with the RoofPoint rating system, clients can be reasonably sure they're comparing designs of similar quality when they consider the bids. "The building owner gets the same quality design if everyone follows the same process," Liscum says.
Tecta America Corp., a commercial roofing contractor, began focusing on environmental roofing solutions, such as daylighting and green building principles, about five years ago, says Geoff Hagan, environmental solutions manager with the company. "RoofPoint validates those efforts and the efforts of manufacturers and contractors across the country who've focused on environmental roofing," Hagan says. "It's a validation of our approach to environmental construction." So far, Tecta America has used RoofPoint on about a half dozen roofing projects.
CEIR's RoofPoint System Helps Facility Managers Evaluate Roof Efficiency, Durability
Ultimate Goal of CEIR's RoofPoint System is to Guide All Phases of Roofing Projects
RoofPoint System is Rooted in Good Roofing Design Principles
