Advanced Energy Efficient Roof System
The University of Minnesota and its industry partners have collaborated to develop a panelized residential roof system. Conventional residential roof construction in the United States utilizes closely-spaced roof trusses which often leads to unconditioned attic space. Mechanical systems and ducts placed in the unconditioned attic increase energy consumption for heating and cooling. More recent construction techniques have moved the insulation to the space between the trusses at the roof plane. This creates a conditioned attic with the ducts placed within the insulated envelope, resulting in documented energy benefits.
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The building industry partners see insulating at the roof plane with conventional trusses as an interim solution with the added challenge of coordination between several skilled trades. Another alternative, the use of structural insulated panels (SIPs), requires an underlying support structure, and long-term durability questions arise in terms of moisture control and the structural properties of the SIP foam.
The project that emerged from these concerns was to create a next-generation roof system with the following characteristics:
- Manufactured panels that incorporate structure, insulation, and possibly interior and exterior finish materials.
- Panels that require support only at the ends with no intermediate supporting structure.
- Optimal energy performance by minimizing thermal bridges and creating airtight seals at all joints.
- Minimal risk of moisture problems.
- Durable, with at least a 50-year life.
- Applicable to a range of design styles, climates, and conditions.
- Fast, easy erection in the field with minimal reliance on skilled labor.
- Potential for incorporation of factory-installed solar systems into the panel.
- Lowest possible costs.
| Project: | Advanced Energy Efficient Roof System |
| Principal Investigators: | Jane Davidson, Susan Mantell and John Carmody |
| Project Team: | Garrett Mosiman |
| Sponsor: | U.S.Department of Energy |
| Status: | Complete |
Conference Papers and Presentations
Carmody et.al. 2008: The Development of an Advanced Panelized Roof System. BEST1 Conference Proceedings, June 2008. Minneapolis, Minnesota
Mantell et.al. 2008: Manufactured Panelized Roof System for Residential Buildings. 2008 ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings, August 2008. Pacific Grove, California