When our estimator arrived on the jobsite to prepare a roof estimate for our higher education client, we noticed some rust starting to show on both of their steep slope, metal roof panel sections. The lower roof areas, which included ballasted EPDM, had exhausted their serviceable roof life. After the initial roof inspection by our estimator, we formulated a scope of work for the project that included roughly 200,000 sq. ft. of GacoFlex coating on the steep slope areas and 24,000 sq. ft. of Firestone EPDM on the lower roof section.

During the roof replacement process, Supreme navigated around some solar arrays that required some coordination with the school. Our commercial roofing crew brought in a crane to temporarily remove those from the roof so we could complete the roofing work around those areas. Furthermore, with the slippery, silicone nature of the installed coating, proper tie-offs by our commercial roofing crew were of the utmost importance throughout the entire roof replacement project. Supreme installed a grey S-4222 GacoFlex coating on the north roof and a white S-4200 GacoFlex coating on the south, larger roof.

On the single-ply, lower flat roof areas, our commercial roofing team removed the ballast from the roof with a rock removal truck and vacuum. Next, we proceeded with a full tear-off, coming back with a new vapor barrier, insulation that met the Massachusetts energy code, and a new fully adhered Firestone EPDM system.

Also on the lower roof area, it included a 200 ft wall with a fully soldered coping cap every two feet, which required a special tradesman to complete. With the soldering, the higher education client can enjoy seamless joints that will last for a very long time.

In three different roof locations, our roof technicians installed O’Keefe’s ladders so the mechanical technicians will never need to setup a ladder on the roof, potentially damaging the commercial roofing system.

On the perimeters of the commercial roof system, our technicians installed around 160 ft of seven-inch commercial gutters. To prevent falling snow loads on the gutters and pedestrians, Supreme Roofing also installed approximately 180 ft of snow guards around the edges of the steep slope roof areas.

The logistics of this project presented a challenge in getting the ballasted system off the roof and into the dumpster, with only one alleyway. However, our commercial roofing team overcame this and completed a clean, successful roof replacement project.