Founded in 1859, Iowa State University (ISU) is an international university located in Ames, Iowa. The campus hosts an enrollment of 36,000 students and 6,000 faculty/staff. The University has a renowned reputation for Science, Technology, Architecture and Engineering.



The campus includes over 100 facilities of higher education. In 1998, ISU Facilities Planning and Management began a process of evaluating best practice to improve the continual cycle of “end-of-life” roof replacements. After research and pilot projects, pressure equalization technology became a reliable process for re-roofing. To date, nearly 1,400,000 SQ feet encompassing 70 projects have been completed on campus with pressure equalization technology.

A key strategy is the inclusion of moisture mitigation capabilities which allows ISU to recover and recycle up to 100% of existing insulation materials. Such roofs are more cost effective, highly weather resistance while minimizing waste streams. Current strategies include the use of 100% upcycled cover boards as part of the ISU long-term sustainability efforts.

New roof assemblies are designed and installed to achieve:

• Code compliance with wind uplift resistance engineered to 100 MPH
• Continual moisture mitigation through an engineered process of low pressure controlled air exchange
• A high level of environmental stewardship which avoids roof “tear-off”, thus allowing 100% recycling of existing air barriers and insulation materials
• Use of 100% upcycled cover boards to minimize water absorption and waste diversion
• Competitive procurement of materials and installation through ISU bid process

Location:

Ames, IA

Owner:

Iowa State University

Architect:

Facility Planning and Management

Roofing Contractor:

Various WindSmart Approved Applicators

Square Footage:

1,400,000+ sq. ft.

Materials:

60-Mil Thermoplastic Membrane or EPDM

Year Completed:

70 projects since 1998