This 15-story student residence was built in 1987. At more than 30 years old, its roofs and terraces were leaking and required replacement.

The existing roof insulation conformed with 1987 NYC code requirements, but its thickness was minimal. The updated NYC energy code mandated a minimum insulation value of R-30 over the entire surface of any new roof installation. The thickness of conventional insulation required to achieve R-30 would have raised the new roof surface above the level of existing skylights, parapet flashings, door sills, and AC equipment, requiring reconstruction, replacement, or relocation of these significant components. The client also required a rapid construction turnaround of only ten days.

Instead of using conventional insulation to achieve R-30, SUPERSTRUCTURES researched, and ultimately specified, Vacuum Insulated Panels (VIPs). VIP technology capitalizes on the excellent insulating value of a perfect vacuum (like outer space) that provides no medium through which heat can be transferred.

VIPs are rigid panels with a microporous core which is evacuated, encased, and sealed in a gas-tight envelope. A 1.57-inch-thick VIP provides the same R-value (35) as six inches of conventional insulation.

SUPERSTRUCTURES thus became the first firm in New York City to specify VIPs for this roof restoration project.

By specifying a continuous layer of VIPs below the roof membrane, we were able to achieve the code-mandated R-value (and then some). By avoiding disturbance of the existing roof components, we cut the cost of roof replacement for the twelve setback roofs in half, saving $250,000.  And the project was completed within the client’s ten-day schedule.