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J U N E 2 0 2 2 | 19 Roofing/Cladding Materials P H OTO G R A P H Y CO U RT E S Y EN G I N EER ED A SS EM B L I E S Roofing and cladding materials these days are designed to withstand extreme weather, reduce the environmental impact, and look great in the process by ROBIN BRUNET T he diversity of roofing and cladding systems can be mind- boggling, with materials such as built-up roofs (BUR) and rubber membrane roofs (EPDM), shingle and tile, coatings, and a slew of other products that strive to reduce the chal- lenges inherent in the common types of building systems used to create residential and commercial structures. And as 2022 evolves, experts in the field are candid about what they think works and doesn't – and what might become prevalent trends in the near future. Jeff Ker, senior technical advisor at Engineered Assemblies, thinks that as environmental recycling and other practices become more demanding, this will pose a challenge to flat roof systems. That's because, he says, flat roofs can only be covered with materials that have lifespans of 20 to 30 years, "at which point they become landfill. Plus, no components of flat roofs can be protected from the sun, they often aren't ventilated adequately, and good drainage always becomes a prime consideration." Engineered Assemblies supplies world-class façade and roofing materials backed by leading expertise in rear-ventilated rainscreen (RVRS) sub-structure assemblies. Through partnerships, it has become famous for bringing imagina- tive design to life. Ker favours sloped roofs as a superior performer if all elements are carefully considered, even though "asphalt shingle with a warranty of 25 years typically lasts Always Looking Up 15 years: the warranty is honoured as a credit against the purchase of new in most cases, so it's no indication of lifespan." Plus, he notes, "sloped means one can position half the roof to manage the solar heat gain, with the north facing side spared. This is in addition to sloped shedding snow and rain well and being easy to insulate." If Ker had his way, more focus would be placed on tile as a roofing and facade system. "Slate is excellent, but for many people it's an expensive investment," he says. "There are some composite materials that have proven to work well, and there is terracotta, though it isn't as popular here as a roofing solution with the snowfall and freeze/thaw." But he concedes that there is plenty of opportunity for growth of these materials, and Engineered Assemblies is already well known for its slate and porcelain products in the façade market. For example, Cupaclad natural slate is quarried in Spain, and every slate panel is unique, giving an unparalleled character to any project and remaining unaltered for many years. Cupaclad is the perfect alternative for an efficient and sustainable roof and/or facade. Also from Engineered Assemblies, Frontek is an exclusive piece of extruded porcelain that has excellent technical qualities for cladding ventilated façades. The Frontek Inside and Outside systems offer a dynamic multi-layer surface on any façade, without the requirement to modify the substrate. While it still might not be as prevalent as some would like in the Canadian construction industry, Andrew Rogers, principal at Sound Solutions, says projects involving the use of NBK architectural terracotta "is growing significantly. From 2010 to 2015, I supplied this German-made product to four different projects. From 2015 to 2017 that number grew to eight, and from 2017 to this year the num- ber is 20 – and 30 projects and counting will use the product next year alone." NBK large-size panels create simple yet high-profile façades for buildings, while saving costs on carriers, components, and installation. More importantly, the joints are reduced to optimize the ventilated rainscreen and improve the overall performance of façades. The ceramics are strong and stable enough to resist impact, making them suitable for application on high rises that must withstand high wind load. Cupaclad natural slate panels. Frontek extruded porcelain system.

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