Prioritizing Roof Performance Over Secondary Uses is Key for Structures Enduring Through Climate Change

Climate change is reshaping how buildings, and their roofs, perform.

The decisions engineers/consultants, institutional and commercial building owners, and property managers make today regarding both new construction and retrofits will directly impact a structure’s ability to withstand climate-related risks into the future.

Roofs are a building’s first line of defence against the elements, and they must be constructed to withstand higher wind loads, heavier rainfall, and more frequent freeze-thaw cycles. As a result, roof resilience is rapidly becoming a critical risk management and asset protection issue.

This creates a design tension, as ancillary roof uses become more popular. Building designers and project teams are often pressured to prioritize secondary roof uses or cost savings over long-term roof performance.

Green/vegetated roofs, solar photovoltaic arrays, water retention systems, communications infrastructure, and rooftop amenity spaces all add value by mitigating climate impacts, supporting sustainability goals, and creating functional spaces.

However, these benefits come with increased roof loads and long-term performance risks if roof systems are not designed with resilience top of mind.

The Argument for Prioritizing Roof Performance

Roofs must perform over the long term, remaining securely in place, preventing leaks during high winds and heavy precipitation, and maintaining occupant comfort. When roof systems fall short of these objectives, the resulting failures are often expensive and disruptive to fix.

An article in Canadian Architect calls for building codes to “get with the times” as climate risks intensify.

While essential, the codes establish minimum life-safety standards rather than focusing on durability, energy performance, or resilience. Roofs designed to code minimums may meet compliance requirements but could still underperform in real-world climate conditions.

It begs the question – do we need higher standards for building codes as the climate crisis worsens to better incorporate resilience in buildings?

For example, a voluntary standard exists for wind and drainage for commercial roofs in CSA A123.26, Performance Requirements for Climate Resilience of Low Slope Membrane Roofing Systems, setting the stage for designers to meet future climate changes.

Even when a design concept is sound and up to code, value engineering often targets roofing systems for cost reductions, meaning that materials could be downgraded, assemblies altered, and performance characteristics diminished. In the age of climate change, this could lead to faster wear and tear on the roofing components that range from small fixes to catastrophic damage.

This practice must change so that enduring roof system performance is top of mind in both new construction and roof retrofit projects.

When roof performance is prioritized first, ancillary uses can succeed without compromising its performance or the building envelope.

Balancing Roof Performance with Ancillary Uses

Ancillary roof uses add extra environmental, social, and economic value to commercial and institutional buildings, but these uses must be integrated into a long-term roof performance strategy, not layered on as an afterthought. Roofs overburdened with inadequate drainage, insufficient wind resistance, or minimal insulation are far more likely to fail.

Mitigating competing priorities requires informed decision-making, supported by qualified roof consultants and performance-driven standards that anticipate future climate conditions, energy costs, and technological advancements.

When roof performance is prioritized first, ancillary uses can succeed without compromising its performance or the building envelope.

Institutional and commercial roofs are increasingly central to climate resilience strategies, and the choices engineers, designers, building owners, and property managers make today about design standards, materials, insulation levels, and maintenance will be tested throughout the structure’s lifespan.

Those who prioritize resilient, high-performing roof systems now will be better positioned to protect their property, maintain operations, and successfully adapt their building to a shifting climate in the long run.

The Pretium Way

At Pretium, we work directly with you to understand your roofing needs and develop tailored solutions. Our roofing experts assess roof conditions and identity optimal replacement and retrofit approaches, considering forward-looking performance standards. To learn more about Pretium’s roofing projects, check out some of our featured projects, like 111 Scotia Court, Whitby: https://pretiumengineering.com/projects/111-scotia-court-whitby/.