Jennifer Popovec from the November 1, 2008 Multifamily Executive Magazine once again has delivered an interesting and informative article, this time on rooftop choices.  Depending on your budget and style preferences, you have some new and fascinating picks, such as EnergySmart Roof membranes from Sika Sarnafil which help reduce the heat island effect for buildings with flat roofs.  These highly reflective membranes minimize heat gain and are appropriate for adhered systems and long term exposure to the elements.

One of the biggest investments multifamily owners and developers face are roofs and they have a big impact on the look of the building.  Asphalt and synthetic shingles come in many varieties, designs and colors.  Of equal importance is cost, warranty and maintenance.  “There is no one single best roofing system because that depends on individual preference,” says Sam Latona, pre-construction manager with Dallas-based Turner Construction Company.

While a green roof can cost from $10 to $12 per square foot more than a standard roof, metal roofing costs up to 3 times more.  However, the metal roof lasts over 50 years, while the vegetative green roof reduces the heat and cooling energies.

For example, metal roofing can cost up to three times more than traditional roofing materials but lasts over 50 years.  The cheapest are asphalt shingles at about $6 per square foot, with slate and copper roofs, the most expensive at more than $20 per square foot.

Still more good choices are super shingles for roofs with steep slopes, synthetic shake and silver metal, to name a few.

To read the entire article and see pictures of these materials, please go to http://www.multifamilyexecutive.com/industry-news.asp?sectionID=545&articleID=804069

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