Roof

Of all the building components, the roof system faces some of the most severe challenges. In cold climates, a roof must be properly sized, well sealed, energy efficient, and perform reliably under all of the extremes each season has to offer

The Cold Climate Housing Research Center provides extensive information on roof systems for structures in the circumpolar north.

Click below for information on different roof types:

Hot Roof

Cold Roof

Green Roof

Our Resources
	Alaska HomeWise: Exterior Insulation (10/26/09) part 1 (mp3) \| part 2 (mp3) Alaska HomeWise: Retrofitting (9/7/09) part 1 (mp3) \| part 2 (mp3) Alaska HomeWise: Roofs (3/16/09) part 1 (mp3) \| part 2 (mp3) Alaska HomeWise: Solar Energy (8/17/09) part 2 (mp3) Ask A Builder: Hot & Cold Roofs 10/7/09 (PDF) Ask A Builder: Metal Roofing 10/14/09 (PDF) Ask A Builder: Rainwater Catchment 9/9/09 (PDF) Best Management Practices for Rainwater Catchment Systems in Alaska Report (PDF)	Energy Focus: Hot Roofs 10/23/08 (PDF) Energy Focus: Insulation Types 2/26/09 (PDF) Energy Focus: Mold 2/5/09 (PDF) Energy Focus: Vapor Drive 1/8/09 (PDF) Energy Focus: Vapor Leaks 1/15/09 (PDF) Green Roof and Hydrology Snapshot (PDF) Green Roof Diagram Diagram (PDF) List of Approved Materials for Rainwater Catchment Systems in Alaska Materials List (PDF)
Links
	Green Roof Photo Album Photos Rainwater Catchment Webpage(link)

Safe & Effective Exterior Insulation Retrofits

Mobile Test Lab

The CCHRC Mobile Test Lab is fitted with nine wall sections, each constructed differently, to determine how retrofit insulation methods are susceptible to interior moisture

Product Testing

product testing equipment

The CCHRC Product Testing Lab studies concepts and products for the building envelope in circumpolar Arctic climatic conditions. Current projects include moveable exterior window insulation and ground source heat pumps.

Heat Pumps

heat pump

In this pilot program, CCHRC staff are monitoring ground source systems installed at a military base, a public elementary school and a private residence. This is part of an overall feasibility study for Alaska.

REMOTE Walls

The REMOTE Wall System, designed for extreme cold climates, features an air and/or vapor retarder and rigid foam insulation over the sheathing on the exterior of the house. It is used in both new and retrofit construction.

Barnette's School of the Future

School of the Future

Recently, students at Fairbanks' Barnette Magnet School won first place at the national School of the Future Design Competition. Students toured the CCHRC facility as part of their planning process.