Will the roof design accommodate the Great Falls weather conditions?

The short answer is yes. See the following for more specifics on the roof design:

• The roof design for the new aquatics center consists 75% of shed sloped roofs shedding towards a low slope roof (tapered insulation sloping to roof drains).
• This low slope roof in the center collects the water and drains it to subgrade stormwater piping, completely containing it. The roof assembly is of metal deck with R-30 continuous rigid thermal insulation, with cover board for roof protection and resiliency, and a single-ply membrane finish with 30-year warranty.
• The aesthetics of the roof design gives homage to the Air Force airplanes symbolizing “wings” with the roof forms.
• The ceiling below all the roofs is “exposed to structure” as in, there are no ceiling finishes below the roof assemblies, so the deck of the roof will be completely visible and easy to access.
• The middle low slope roof portion will provide platforms for air handler units for the building.

Reasons why a steep slope roof aka Gable roof is not being considered for the project:

• Gable roofs shed water and snow to the perimeter of the building along pedestrian walking paths, making it icy and wet, or dangerous due to snow fall.
• Gable roofs shed water and snow to the perimeter of the building along the building foundation, making the foundation susceptible to movement due to water infiltration. Great Falls is known for expansive soils so it is good practice to avoid water along foundations.
• Gable roofs are difficult to accomplish in large, expansive spaces, such as pools and gyms. Even at 3:12 roof slope, which is not very steep, the volume of space over an area that large is 22’ tall, verses 7’ of height in the shed roof system we’ve designed.
• Gable roof insulation systems are typically not as energy efficient as a low slope roof with insulation entirely above deck. In the assembly, we’ve designed the insulation is entirely continuous with no breaks. In gable roof assemblies, typically insulation is interrupted by roof framing, and special venting systems are needed for the roof finishes.
• The design described above will not expose the roof finish to the neighborhood, whereas Gable roofs would make it so that the metal roof finish would be very visible.
• The low slope roof provides a place for air handlers to be installed. Gable roofs do not have that area to install air handlers, therefore air handlers would have to be located on the ground, and ducts would be exposed as they route to the building. That would not be appropriate for a park with large amounts of patrons.
• Proper design and construction can alleviate the issue, Gable roofs often have issues with ice damming and gutter damage, which can present significant water damage within the building.