Virtually the entire United States was touched by violent storms, heavy floods or extreme draughts during 2011.
While experts say the numbers were unusually high and some of the incidents were rare, other occurrences-such as the high winds that sweep through parts of the nation’s coastal regions-have become more frequent and intense. These winds are a considerable challenge to both builders and architects.
Add to the challenge the fact that commercial insurance carriers, including Factory Mutual, now have more stringent codes in place for roofs.
A product builders are now turning to is Memphis, Tenn.-based Varco Pruden Buildings’ new standing seam roof, the HWR (High Wind Roof) system. It is specially designed for projects that require high-wind codes or have Factory Mutual requirements.
The HWR system was developed through VP’s Product Excellence Group to meet the challenging wind conditions in coastal regions and other high-wind areas and can provide performance and protection against winds above 130 mph. When incorporated as part of a total Varco Pruden Building system, the HWR actually can withstand wind conditions in excess of 180 mph.
“We are finding that insurance companies and local governments are establishing more demanding codes and standards for structures being built in these coastal areas,” says Ross Braithwait, vice president of sales and marketing at Varco Pruden Buildings, a division of BlueScope Buildings North America Inc. “Varco Pruden’s HWR system meets the challenges posed by the newly mandated codes and standards.”
The HWR system combines sturdy steel roof panels with a patented clip and 180-degree field-formed seams to create a single roof membrane. The unique clip assembly allows the HWR to maintain normal thermal expansion and contraction of the roof while still offering the high-wind protection.
The ridge condition for HWR incorporates the patented VP seamed ridge cap with bull-nosed closures to provide a weather-tight seal at the ridge.
Panels are offered in 14 cool paint finishes as well as acrylic-coated unpainted Galvalume. The “cool color formulations” reduce heat island effects and can help buildings achieve sustainable objectives for LEED and other programs. Similar in appearance to VP’s SSR roof product, HWR’s panels are 24 inches wide and have a 3-inch trapezoidal rib. Panels are available in the standard 24-gauge or an optional 22-gauge thickness. HWR is designed to work with secondary structural options including purlins or bar joists.
Roof slopes range from 1/4:12 up to 4:12. Thermal performance and energy efficiency may be achieved with the HWR system by installing up to 6 inches of fiberglass insulation over thermal blocks. The adaptive HWR system also works with up to 4 inches of thermal board or with other high-efficiency insulation options.
HWR roof panels have been tested and certified for Factory Mutual FM Class-1 rating. UL Class 90 rating for wind uplift is available for most applications. The system also has both State of Florida and Miami-Dade County approval. Additionally, HWR has results for other critical tests including gravity load tests, water ponding, wind-driven rain and others.
An effective extension to VP’s line of roof offerings, HWR provides a competitive solution for specific high-wind requirements. For more information about Varco Pruden’s new roof system, builders are invited to visit www.vp.com or talk with a Varco Pruden representative to determine when HWR is the best roofing choice.
The HWR roof is designed to deliver long-term performance with minimum maintenance.
—
Jim Peckham is manager of marketing at Varco Pruden Buildings, Memphis, Tenn. Peckham has been at VP 28 years and has served in a number of different capacities, including district manager of field sales and customer satisfaction manager. For more information, visit www.vp.com.
