Reinventing outdoor lodging one roof at a time

By Trevor Underwood, DECRA Metal Roofing. 

These comfortable and accessible pod accommodations required a long-term, upscale roof solution, which DECRA provided. 

In an effort to make camping appealing to more people, Craig Kelley, the owner of the Algonquin Pod Company, introduced unique pods that let campsites and landowners offer new, upscale places to stay. These pods started changing how we think about outdoor lodging.  

They provide several pod types: the Mini-pod for those who want just the basics overnight, and the Mega Pod for those wanting more luxury, like a small kitchen and a shower. These pods are made ahead of time and can be set up almost anywhere, no foundation needed, making them a smart choice where normal cabins or lodges can't go. 

However, the pod’s unique design presented a challenge regarding the roof. Algonquin Pod Company needed a roof that met these three requirements: 

• Roof requirement 1: Meet architectural and structural demands. 
• Roof requirement 2: Withstand extreme weather conditions. 
• Roof requirement 3: Maintain the rustic aesthetics of cabin living.  

Roof requirement 1: Meet architectural and structural demands   

Pod construction is similar to traditional boat building. But unlike a boat’s hull, pods have an arched roof that requires a strong but flexible roofing material. 

“We needed a roofing product that would bend enough for the pod’s design. We also needed a roofing product that could be installed on battens,” said Kelley. 

Fortunately, DECRA’s stone-coated metal roofing products are particularly well-suited for cabins, lodges, and complex shapes. 

Metal roofs made of steel are primarily composed of iron and carbon, which creates a natural balance of strength and flexibility. Plus, steel can be precisely cut and fitted to align seamlessly with the curvature of the pod’s structure and maximize its load-bearing capability. 

The flexibility and durability of steel are further enhanced with the addition of alloying elements like zinc, silicon, and aluminum.  

Roof requirement 2: Withstand extreme weather conditions 

Since the pods can be placed nearly anywhere, they require a roofing material that can endure Mother Nature. 

When considering different types of roofing materials for the pods, Kelley noted that DECRA Metal Roofing products were at the top of his list because they were “tried, tested and true.” Kelley explained further that, “hundreds of pods in the UK are built with DECRA and we followed suit. In harsh climates, they have proved to be an excellent, long-term and upscale roofing solution.” 

DECRA metal roofs are engineered to endure the elements and can withstand: 

• Hail: DECRA roofs have the highest possible UL2218 Class 4 impact rating and come with a Lifetime Limited Warranty for hail penetration up to 2.5 inches in diameter. 
• Fire: As a non-combustible material, metal roofs are ideal for cabins or lodges in regions prone to wildfires and have the highest Class A Fire rating. 
• Winds: DECRA metal roofs are so resistant to hurricane-force winds that they comply with building codes for high-velocity hurricane zones (HVHZs), such as Miami-Dade County, which has the strictest building codes for wind resistance in the nation. 

The strength and durability of steel are tough to beat, which is why metal roofs have one of the longest lifespans of any roofing material.  

Roof requirement 3: Maintain the rustic aesthetics and ethos of cabin living  

While traditional wood shake roofing would meet the rustic aesthetics required for the pods, the rich colors and beauty of wood shake roofing quickly fade to gray after exposure to the elements. In addition to being a highly combustible roofing material, wood shakes also lacked the durability and structural requirements that Algonquin Pod Company needed. 

Stone-coated metal roofing, on the other hand, provided both the strength and style that Algonquin Pod Company was looking for. 

Stone-coated metal roofing provides industrial-strength roofing without industrial aesthetics, thanks to natural stone granules that are adhered to steel sheets during the manufacturing process. The result? One of the most durable and longest-lasting roofing materials with the design versatility to suit any style. 

DECRA Metal Roofing products also provided Algonquin Pod Company with the installation versatility they required for their pods. 

DECRA Shake can be installed on battens, while DECRA Shake XD can be installed direct-to-deck. Both options provide the rustic look and rich colors of traditional wood shake without compromising on strength. 

“DECRA’ Shake fit the bill perfectly,” said Kelley.  

Original article source: DECRA Metal Roofing