For over a century, property owners have enjoyed the benefits of asphalt roofing. Homeowners choose asphalt shingles for their durability, reliability, ease of installation and repair, affordability and beauty. Building owners are attracted to asphalt’s performance track record, ease of maintenance and repair, availability and longevity. No matter what type of roofing project asphalt is chosen for, its versatility and superior performance helps asphalt meet the needs of any size building.

For building owners, facility managers and building supervisors, designing a roof that is uniquely beautiful as it is durable and reliable can be challenging. Added factors, such as intense weather and building age, can amplify problems further over time. Fortunately, asphalt roofing systems provide a number of varied types and looks, perfect for those who seek a versatile and dependable roofing material with superior performance. Learn how these four contractors used asphalt to overcome their roofing obstacles.

The Richard Morrow House

Photo Credit: Valley Roofing

The constant rain and winds routine to the Pacific Northwest took a toll on the two-story, 21,000 square foot roof of the Richard Morrow House over the years. The original architectural style shingle roof was 30 years old and could no longer withstand the climate of the region. The homeowner contacted Valley Roofing of Salem, Oregon to install a CertainTeed Integrity Roof system. CertainTeed Presidential Shake AR in Charcoal Black was selected specifically by the homeowner for its beauty and superior wind resistance. WinterGuard & DiamondDeck underlayments, SwiftStart & Presidential starter shingles, Mountain Ridge® hip & ridge shingles, a 2×3 metal drip flashing, a 2×2 metal G-style gable flashing and a 24” W-style valley metal were used for the rest of the system. The contractor needed to take special care in order to preserve the home’s plants, fountains, lights, windows, walkways and other decorations. The installation occurred during Salem’s rainiest October in recorded history, compounding challenges even further.  Despite the weather issues, Valley Roofing was able to complete the project and provide the homeowner with a beautiful new roof that’s durable and reliable.

Schmidt Brewery Redevelopment Project

Photo Credit: Berwald Roofing Company Inc.

Originally built in 1855, the former Schmidt Brewery produced artisan and craft beer until 2002. The brewery laid vacant until 2013, when it was renovated and converted into the Schmidt Artist Lofts, in what was the largest redevelopment project in St. Paul, Minnesota’s history. The complex contains 247 artist rental lofts in an energetic, diverse area with blue-collar roots in St. Paul’s West 7th neighborhood. Berwald Roofing Company Inc., located in St. Paul, MN, was hired to take on the massive roofing project. The contractor used a four-ply built up roof because of its durability and high return on investment for the property owner. Johns Manville products were used for this project, including GlasPly IV, a specially constructed ply felt that features a clean, easy-to-mop surface. DynaGlas FR, a fire resistant, fiberglass reinforced, SBS modified, mineral surfaced cap sheet was also installed on some sections of the roof due to its inherent strength and flexibility. The roof restoration project presented many challenges, including working on 28 levels and 15 different deck types. The contractor also had to maneuver through the rotting and deteriorating structure, which was more than 150 years old and presented numerous safety challenges, as well as around other tradesmen who were also working throughout the building at the same time. The entire project used 870 squares (87,000 square feet) of asphalt products and resulted in a beautiful, durable and reliable roofing system.

The Shelter Homes

Photo Credit: Rain Guard Roofing

For some, their home is another avenue for their artistic creativity to shine through. The owners of the Shelter Homes in Willow Court, Idaho loved the architectural style of famed American architect Frank Lloyd Wright so much, they wanted their home to resemble it. Along with the aesthetic preferences, the home also needed a roof with the highest fire and wind resistance possible, as the desert areas of southwestern Idaho are susceptible to both. The homeowners consulted Rain Guard Roofing from Twin Falls, Idaho to help them select their new roof. Tile was originally considered due to its unique color and texture but PABCO’s Premier laminated shingle in Oakwood color was able to provide both of these qualities. The asphalt shingle gave the homeowners the varied color scheme they desired without needing to reinforce the structure to support the heavy tiles. Every architectural detail was researched in order to give the homeowners the aesthetics they desired. Rain Guard credited asphalt’s ease of installation in successfully maneuvering the multiple and intersecting roof planes. The roofing project required 87 squares (or 8,700 square feet) of asphalt to complete.  In the end, the homeowners were thrilled with the look and performance of their new roof.

Western Builders Office Building

Photo Credit: Ryan Kuxhausen

Deep in the heart of Amarillo, Texas, the Western Builders Office Building needed a new roof that could withstand drastic fluctuations in temperature as well as heavy rainfall. The property owners contacted Tecta Roofing of Amarillo to perform both a replacement and a recovery of the roof. The lower barrel roof was torn-off down to the wood plank deck. A GAF #75 base sheet was nailed to the deck, and a GAF Ruberoid 20 and GAF Ruberoid 170 FR were both used to complete the roofing system. The upper flat roof was a recovery project, where a recover board was utilized and a 2-ply modified bitumen roofing system was mopped with hot asphalt to the recover board. The contractors chose asphalt because of its long-standing track record of reliability, durability and affordability. In total, 160 squares (or 16,000 square feet) of asphalt products were used throughout both roofs.

Every year, the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) recognizes asphalt roofing projects that showcase the material’s beauty, affordability and reliability through the Quality Asphalt Roofing Case-Study (QARC) Awards program. These four projects received honorable mentions for their remarkable use of asphalt roofing products. ARMA is accepting submissions for the 2018 awards for residential and commercial roofing projects through December 31, 2017. There is no entry fee and contractors can submit as many projects as they like. If your company recently installed a new asphalt roof on a residential or commercial property, we encourage you to submit it to the awards program. To learn more about the QARC Awards program, asphalt roofing and more, visit asphaltroofing.org