Insulfoam Improves Seattle Landmark Roof
When the Seattle Convention and Trade Center’s existing roofing system was failing due to age and weathering, Insulfoam was chosen not only to provide the long-term durability and performance required for its continued uninterrupted operation, but also contribute toward the environmental benefits of the facility.
The Seattle Convention and Trade Center is not only a community leader in trade and the arts but also in energy efficiency and environmental conservation. When the center’s existing roofing system was failing due to age and weathering, Insulfoam was chosen not only to provide the long-term durability and performance required for its continued uninterrupted operation, but also contribute toward the environmental benefits of the facility.
The Problem
When the largest portion of the multi-section roof on the convention center began to leak, the choice for its replacement was a roof system that would be compatible with a future roof garden application. The convention center’s existing roofing system was failing due to age and the weathering effects of the cold, wet Seattle climate.
Roofing and waterproofing manufacturer Sika Sarnafil had been replacing smaller sections of the convention center’s roof for the previous ten years and was now ready to replace the remaining largest portion of nearly 80,000-sq.ft. Energy efficiency and environmental concerns were intrinsic to the project; therefore insulation was going to be a vital element of this roofing system.
Sika Sarnafil chose EPS over XPS insulation because of its compressive strength of 40 psi and resistance to moisture retention. Taper EPS insulation provided an ideal solution for the potential green roof system.
The Solution
Labor Savings
There are no complicated filler panels systems. Tapered InsulFoam can be installed in a single layer for thicknesses up to 40”, making it significantly more cost effective than comparable rigid-insulation tapered systems. The ultra lightweight nature of Insulfoam EPS further allowed for fast installation.
Promoted Positive Drainage
Tapered InsulFoam is the ideal insulation for both new construction and re-roofing projects in which positive slope is desired or ponded water is a concern.
Environmentally Friendly
100% recyclable if ever removed or replaced, Insulfoam EPS contains no formaldehyde or ozone-depleting HCFCs.
Stable R-Value
EPS’s thermal properties will remain stable over its entire service life. There is no thermal drift, so the product is also eligible for an Insulfoam 20-year thermal performance warranty.
Proven Performance
The same fundamental EPS chemistry has been in use since the mid-1950’s so the actual performance of the product is well known.
Water Resistance
Tapered Insulfoam does not readily absorb moisture from the environment.
Code Approvals
Tapered Insulfoam is recognized by the ICC-ES and has numerous Underwriters Laboratory and Factory Mutual approvals.
The tapered InsulFoam panels were custom-designed at a 1/8”-slope to allow maximum drainage on the rooftop and installed with crickets. Insulfoam panels can be custom-made in thicknesses of up to 40“ for maximum efficiency. The convention center’s insulation panels were designed in a manageable 4’ x 8’ size with thicknesses from 1” to 6”. This provided a quick and easy installation and significantly reduced the amount of labor and construction time required for the project.
Because of its compressive strength of 40 psi and resistance to moisture retention, the InsulRoof Taper EPS insulation provided an ideal solution for the green roof system.
