Take a look at just about any job ad, and you’ll see one consistent requirement: must be able to multitask. Indeed, the ability to multitask is a highly desirable skill, and not just for today’s worker bees. Building materials, too, need to meet this criterion in a multifamily industry where developers, architects, and general contractors seek products that fulfill multiple objectives. It’s not enough for asphalt roof shingles to be durable; they must also be cost-effective. Likewise, bricks must be well-made as well as aesthetically pleasing. Bringle Lake Village at Texas A&M University–Texarkana reflects this thinking. The first on-campus student housing project at the school, the 127-unit, 294-bed property uses building materials that meet the school’s stringent design guidelines as well as its desire for minimal maintenance and exceptional durability, according to Scott Thetford, a project manager with Hoar Construction. The Birmingham, Ala.–based firm is responsible for designing and building the 86,000-square-foot Bringle Lake Village facility, which is scheduled to open this fall.
Hoar chose DuPont Tyvek Wrap and StuccoWrap to protect the structure, which features a brick-and-stucco façade made with bricks from Acme Brick Co. and EZ Concentrate One-Coat Stucco from EZ Wall Premix. Both brick and stucco are low maintenance, and using the stucco mix was more cost-effective than creating stucco on site, Thetford notes.
While Bringle Lake demonstrates the versatility of the many façade materials available today, several roofing products also meet apartment builders’ multiple needs, including CertainTeed’s Landmark Solaris asphalt shingles, DensDeck roof boards from Georgia-Pacific, and Sure-Weld thermoplastic polyolefin membranes from Carlisle, all of which are previewed here.
Eco-Shingles: Landmark Solaris from CertainTeed Roofing is a steep-slope, solar-reflective asphalt roofing shingle. Combining the traditional beauty of asphalt shingles with the ecological benefits of cool-roof technology, Solaris contains advanced colored granules that reflect the sun’s rays and can reduce a roof’s temperature by as much as 20 percent in summer. For more information, call CertainTeed at 800-233-8990 or visit www.certainteed.com.
High and Dry: DuPont Tyvek StuccoWrap is specially designed for use with stucco façades. It features an engineered grooved surface designed to better manage water when installed as a drainage plane. The breathable material allows moisture vapor to pass through, which helps promote drying in wall systems and prevent the growth of mold and mildew. For more information, call Tyvek at 800-44-TYVEK or visit www.construction.tyvek.com.
Cool Covers: Carlisle’s Sure-Weld thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) roof membranes feature eight performance-enhancing ingredients that help protect against damage caused by heat and UV rays. Available in white or tan, the membranes are Energy Star rated and Cool Roof Rating Council certified. They are noted for reducing energy use and cooling costs for buildings in warm, Southern climates. For more information, call Carlisle at 800-4-SYNTEC or visit www.carlisle-syntec.com.
Roof Protectors: DensDeck roof boards from Georgia-Pacific Gypsum are appropriate for nearly any commercial roof assembly. Used as a cover board or underlayment, these fiberglass mat gypsum roof boards are durable and sustainable and protect structures from damage from wind and hail, fire, foot traffic, and moisture. For more information, call Georgia-Pacific Gypsum at 800-225-6119 or visit www.gpgypsum.com.
At Left: Brick Beauties: Acme Brick Co.’s masonry products are made from clay and shale rather than concrete. Because they are derived from nature, the brick colors stand up to weather and the elements without fading. Various hues are available depending on geographic region, including red, white/gray, tan/brown, and blended. They are hard-fired, which prevents shrinkage; come in five sizes; and feature a 100-year limited guarantee. For more information, call Acme Brick at 817-332-4101 or visit www.brick.com. At Right: Stuck on Stucco: EZ Concentrate One-Coat Stucco is a family recipe blend of Portland cement, fiberglass, chopped fibers, and proprietary adhesives created by EZ Wall Premix. Formulated to be mixed with sand and water at the jobsite to create a product that performs like traditional stucco with enhanced durability, it is fungus-, rot-, and insect-resistant. For more information, call EZ Wall Premix at 877-898-7748 or visit www.ezconcentrate.com.
