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QARC Case Studies
The QARC awards program seeks to recognize the top asphalt roofing projects in North America. Learn more about the winning projects and why asphalt roofing was chosen.
2013
It may not sound like a massive project when considering building size alone, but when combining the other requirements — creating a roofing system that would assure redundancy and long-term performance, accommodating over 800 stand-up solar panels and meeting the stringent requirements dictated by CA Title 24 — the complexity of the build rose significantly. Working together as a team with their specifiers, the general contractor and GAF, the manufacturers for this project were able to master each and every hurdle. The system included EnergyGuard™ Tapered Iso, and over lay of EnergyGuard Perlite, GAFGLAS® Ultima 80™ base sheet , 2 plies of GAFGLAS FlexPly™ 6 and GAFGLAS EnergyCap™ BUR Mineral Surface Cap sheet. A base, two plies and a cap is a common spec in California, but nothing about this job was common. Complex and beautiful, yes, but common, no. BUR rose to the challenge, providing a reflective, redundant, compliant roofing system that meets the needs of today, and as an energy-efficient facility, the needs of years to come as well!
Robert Vankregten is a retired ship captain and engineer. He and his wife, Alma, live in an upscale neighborhood called "Evergreen" in Mill Creek, Washington. Evergreen and other surrounding communities are governed by the Mill Creek Community Association (MCCA). MCCA's roofing standards are some of the highest in the state and are often adopted by other upscale homeowners associations within the area. Their acceptable roofing products are tile, slate, metal, cedar shake, and a few heavyweight asphalt shingles. First and foremost, the homeowner wanted a roof that would last a long time, look good on their home, and require low maintenance. They also wanted it to look like their existing cedar shake roof and accent the color of the home and the extensive brickwork on the siding and chimneys. Living in the Northwest and in a development that has numerous trees and an abundant amount of rain, the homeowners also wanted a roof that wasn’t “noisy” when it rained nor easily susceptible to algae growth or color fading like some of their neighbors’ roofs. Having considered all factors, they chose the PABCO Paramount Advantage® Heavyweight Signature Cut Asphalt Shingle in the color Oakwood. The limited lifetime warranty, the 110-mph wind warranty, and the Scotchgard™ algae-resistant warranty made it easier for them to choose this roofing product.
Once installed on this steep hip-roof, it closely duplicated the appearance of the old cedar shake roof. These heavyweight asphalt shingles will last three times as long as the cedar shakes and will require little to no maintenance.
The homeowners were absolutely thrilled with their completed roof! Since completing this project, the roofing contractor has installed several other roofs in the Evergreen community and in surrounding neighborhood's using the same products with different colors.
The environmentally-conscious owner initially specified a 2-ply modified bitumen system with a cool roof coating. Before tear-off started, however, the owner asked AR&M to research a vegetative roof option and very quickly the “cool” top coat was replaced with a “greenest of green” vegetative solution. The JM modified bitumen system still remained the very best solution under a vegetative system. It is watertight, durable and will hold up for years, according to AR&M’s project manager Troy Huffman. The stainless steel leak detection system laid over the DuraBoard® insulation allows any future water leaks to be pinpointed to the exact square inch. A possible “suck back” issue due to the building’s negative air pressure was resolved by using the JM urethane adhesive to adhere the DynaWeld™ base sheets at all perimeter walls, past the first joint in the DuraBoard® insulation, and at a minimum of three feet from the penetrations. The two plies of base and the cap sheet were then torched down with no adverse issues and AR&M’s ‘green team’ installed the multilayer vegetative roof system.
2012
The asphalt roofing system on this residential project located in Deerfield, Illinois, embodies the qualities that the program strives to recognize each year: beautiful, affordable and reliable. With the installation of a new, designer, double-laminate shingle, it was the first of its kind to be used in the Chicago area. Installed on multiple roofing planes, attention to detail was paramount to the roof’s uniform appearance. The homeowner desired the aesthetic appeal of a slate roof without the high cost and expensive installation of slate. This new shingle is a departure from the traditional architectural shingle that we see so much of today, giving the home the unique curb appeal that the owner desired and making it the envy of the neighborhood.
Flexibility was key for this project. With the house’s unique dome shape, asphalt shingles were required for this roof’s triangular sections and dramatic slope. Heavier roofing materials like metal and slate would have proved too cumbersome for this tornado-prone area. Asphalt’s versatility is showcased on this house as the different sized roof planes are seemingly tailored with designer asphalt shingles in a classic burnt sienna color. Because of the dry, warm climate in Texas, the high fire-resistance rating of asphalt shingles made it the obvious choice over other roofing materials like wooden shake. A combination of unique design and practicality makes this project a success story for asphalt shingles.
The most expansive project in this year’s program, this 257,000-square-foot roof is covered with an asphaltic modified bitumen system. Because of Florida’s climate, including an intense UV light and strong winds during hurricane season, an asphalt modified roof was the clear-cut choice for this building. Boasting 140-mph wind resistance and an ENERGY STAR® rating, the owner can rely on the roofing component to be durable and that the energy costs will be reduced over time. Affordability and ease of installation made asphalt the material of choice for this project.
2011
Located in Montgomery, AL, this courthouse turned to asphalt to adhere to strict design criteria in a historical district. While not seen, asphalt underlayments play a key role in providing a watertight roofing system. Due to the tough access and difficult roofing, the modified roofing made it easier than installing a comparable single ply membrane. The self-adhering base sheet allowed an easier installation and the SRI on the cap sheet was as high and higher then some single plys. This asphalt system is aesthetically-pleasing, waterproof and includes the specifications to meet energy codes and historic codes without sacrificing quality.
This Dallas, TX, renovation project dealt with many challenges to complete the roofing system. From the removal of four layers of existing roofing, to being able to withstand standing water, to the 48 new roof drains, to the difficulty in staging and safety requirements during construction, the final product doesn’t fall short to the challenges that stood before it. The asphalt system went down easily and quickly, and the checkerboard design, with the Mosaic logo on the highest roof level, there will be a long-lasting impression on the Dallas skyline. As to the motivating design criteria, the Owner of the Mosaic wanted a memorable finished product ... which as mentioned previously, was definitely achieved!
The loan residential winner for the firs QARC program from Raleigh, NC, showcased asphalt shingles and how they can make a roof the main attraction. With longevity, the ease of installation and the multiple planes covered on the roof, it was a “no-brainer” to turn to asphalt for this project, and it’s a good example why four out of five homes are covered by asphalt shingles in the U.S. This case study allowed Baker Roofing Co. a chance to highlight how asphalt can drastically transform a home’s appearance, and make it the envy of the neighborhood.
