Architects strive to achieve a roof design that strikes a delicate balance between aesthetics and performance. Achieving high-performance means incorporating the code, warranty, and guarantee requirements that building owners must meet - among the most important factors of any construction project - into design vision. This isn't made any easier by the sheer number of roofing systems available. Even experienced architects can find it challenging to get familiar with all available components and positively identify which materials are going to deliver the ultimate protection for the building.
Enter the GAF Design Services Team. Formed by merging together three different departments — field services, technical support, and architectural services — these technical and building science professionals wield their expertise to help architects design the best-performing roofing system for any building without compromising on style.
Support from Start to Finish
As GAF Senior Design Services Specialist Jesse Caruso explains, "The goal of Design Services is to essentially combine all three of those tasks into one large service team that assists architects, engineers, specifiers, consultants, sales reps, and contractors. From the moment someone says they need a new roof, we are there throughout the entire process, all the way until the end of that roof guarantee."
Each region of the country has dedicated design services personnel just a phone call away, ready to provide information about GAF commercial roofing systems. They understand the unique needs that roofs may have in different geographic areas of the country.
"We help walk a contractor or an owner or architect through that entire roofing lifecycle," says Caruso. "From how to install the system to what kind of warranty or guarantee you're going to get and how to maintain that guarantee or warranty."
GAF's Port Arthur, TX Design Services Team: Dacia Belt, Nathan Vidrine, Shelby Noland, Brittany Castillo, Stephanie Lawrence, Melissa Vaughan, Traci Hicks, Jessica Crabtree, Traci Smith, Melanie Miller, Shelly Benoit, & Brittany Sanchez
Some of the topics Caruso's team is asked to assist with most frequently include:
- Product Testing: The roof design services team can confirm and provide documentation that shows which products meet ASTM or UL standards for fire and hail resistance. They can also verify wind uplift ratings and other special approvals, such as Factory Mutual and Miami-Dade approvals.
- Installation Guidelines: The team can provide data on how tested roof assemblies compare with competitors' versions and how different methods of installation can affect roofs' performance and guarantees. For instance, if a building is in a coastal area and needs a higher wind uplift rating, the team can provide guidance on fastening patterns and other installation strategies that deliver the right rating.
- Guarantee Terms: One of the most important aspects for building owners to consider is the warranty protection provided by the roofing manufacturer. The design team can assist by verifying what types of coverage are available and what contractor certifications are necessary to deliver a certain type of warranty.
- Documentation: The team can provide professional documentation that supports product testing, ratings, and warranty information. One submittal package may contain design lines, cut specs, system letters, data sheets, and more. The clean presentation and documentation can provide reassurance from the manufacturer that the roof system will meet and exceed performance expectations.
An Architect's Partner for Success
No matter what challenges professionals may encounter while designing a new roofing system, the GAF Design Services Team is there to assist. You can be confident that the finished roofing system will provide the desired performance and protect the building for years to come.
Reach out to the team by emailing designservices@gaf.com or visiting the design professionals help page.
