Snow, rain and precipitation are no strangers to Bangor, Maine, where the average annual snowfall is 66 inches. And for Bangor Housing Authority’s Elsie Coffey Childcare Development Center, a secure roof means safety from the wear, tear and moisture of a New England winter and protection for children both in the building and out on the adjacent playground. As maintaining a deteriorating roof and constantly replacing shingles proved costly and ineffective, Director of Construction and Asset Management Bob Rhodes and Project Coordinator Shane Vanidestine decided it was time for a more permanent solution.

The roof required a revitalization. The deteriorating shingles were leading to leakage and the building needed waterproofing capabilities they could be confident in before the cost to maintain became a worse concern. And once they chose the best materials to secure the roof, the unique roof design would require further solutions. This roof was not flat, but rather an intricately designed structure comprised of hips and valleys that would demand extra efforts and creative installation methods.

Being a childcare center, special efforts also had to be made to protect the safety and comfort of students, parents and faculty. So, in addition to the creative and meticulous efforts in creating a stunning and effective roof design, there was even more emphasis on completing the project with minimal disruption to the daily routine of the center.

To combat the leaking, shingle deterioration and difficult roof design, contracting company Elite Roofing and Restoration of Middlefield, CT, combined the forces of Garland's R-Mer Span and S-5! SnoFence. R-Mer Span metal panels were retrofitted over the existing shingles to reduce waste and prevent any debris from falling onto the playground behind the daycare. This allowed the project to be completed without any disruption to the school’s hours or play time.

When the idea of minimal restoration was thrown around, Rhodes and Vanidestine knew it was their best option. “The products chosen are a cost-saver for the future,” said Rhodes. “If everything had been replaced with shingles again, it would have been a much longer process with a lot more debris and we would have had to do it all again in 10 to 12 years.” R-Mer Span ensures a sleek and watertight design for the roof and is tested to protect against the most extreme weather events. For complete protection, SnoFence bars were attached directly to the metal to retain snow and allow it to melt on its own without falling off in dangerous chunks, while R-Mer Span panels keep moisture and precipitation from leaking into the building.

The unique design of the roof called for greater detail in preparation and installation. The hips and valleys of the roof design required most panels to undergo two cuts. This process offered greater calculation and detail to the project to ensure the panels would perform successfully, without compromising the existing structure of the roof. To strengthen the seams and combat the weight of ice and snow, R-Mer Span’s I-Span clips were utilized above the valleys. Despite being a slower process, this installation was a highlight among the customers. Rhodes spoke of the preparation preceding installation: “Architects dream of making a design such as this, and we were confident leaving this to Garland and the engineering staff, despite its difficulties. After this, all of our other projects will be a breeze.”

Rhodes and Vanidestine not only understood these products to be a cost-saver for the future, but also knew that R-Mer Span and SnoFence bars would drastically improve their maintenance efforts. Now, R-Mer Span panels will keep the roof strong and watertight, SnoFence bars will alleviate the looming threat of snow and ice accumulation, and the community will be able to focus on enjoying the positive aspects of a New England winter. As an added bonus, the striking sea mist-colored R-Mer Span panels complement the unique architecture and design of the roof.

Photo Credit: Samuel Trafton/Maine Drone Imaging LLC