A Curved-Roof Conundrum
Like much of the Atlanta metropolitan area, Barrow County, Georgia, has experienced a growth spurt during the past decade, with population up an estimated 20%. New county amenities include an outdoor performance space, the Barrow County Innovation Amphitheater. The amphitheater includes a ticket and concessions building that acts as a gateway to the open-air seating. Metal roofing plays a big role in the new venue’s design—especially in the clamshell layout over the stage that required a creative solution and skilled installers.
Two varieties of 24-gauge steel panels from Petersen’s PAC-CLAD lineup were required to meet the project’s varied demands, outlined in architectural plans by Lindsay Pope Brayfield Clifford & Associates, Inc. of Lawrenceville, Georgia. “I believe the design team wanted the architectural appearance of a 16″-wide Snap-Clad panel on the entrance building,” said John Salo, President of the Suwanee, Georgia, installation firm, Saco Systems. “But they also knew they needed a mechanically seamed Tite-Loc Plus panel on the stage roof, due to the radius.” All metal material was supplied by CRS: Commercial Roofing Specialties in Doraville, Georgia.
Finding a Solution
The curved radius over the stage proved to be a bit of a puzzle, because the steel structure and structural roof deck were designed as flat components, providing no support for the envisioned clamshell profile. It was thought that plan would have to be scrapped in favor of a more traditional, hipped roof.
That’s when Petersen’s local rep stepped in. “Dave Landis of Petersen made a site visit as we were preparing to install the first panel on the stage roof and formulated an installation method that allowed Saco to install the roof in the original design,” Salo said. The solution involved using two different types of clips, including 3/8″ clips that lift the panel off the deck. “Everything worked according to his plan, and the clamshell design turned out perfectly.”
Salo shared that one other challenge his team faced involved channeling rainwater off the roof. “The design of the stage structure allowed for only two downspouts, and we knew that…they would be inadequate to handle that kind of volume,” he explained. This time, the company turned to its own expertise, custom-fabricating two extra-large collector heads, one for each of the two columns available for downspout placement.
Building a Partnership
This project is an example of numerous collaborations between Saco Systems and Petersen, Salo said, noting the strong support his company has received from Petersen over the years. “The relationship literally spans decades. Saco considers itself very lucky to be partners with the Petersen office here in Atlanta. From the sales staff to the production floor and the field/technical services, the entire regional office is staffed with top-notch professionals.”
Petersen, a Carlisle company, manufactures a wide range of PAC-CLAD architectural metal roofing and cladding products in multiple gauges of steel and aluminum. All are available in Kynar 70% PVDF finish in 46 standard colors that include a 30-year finish warranty. Most colors meet LEED and Energy Star requirements, and are rated by the Cool Roof Rating Council. Custom colors and weathertightness warranties are offered. BIM and CAD documents are available for most products.
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