Industrial Warehouse Roof Renovation Nets a Durable, Environmentally Friendly Cool Roof

The city of Santa Rosa, California, just 55 miles south of San Francisco, is the northern Bay Area’s largest city, and it’s home to an active commercial warehouse market. The industrial warehouse complex at 975 Corporate Center Parkway, built in 2000, is a critical hub for tenants that support the nearby Napa wine industry, construction trades, area nonprofits, and industrial clients.

Many of the tenants at the property include their corporate offices in their warehouse spaces, meaning a watertight, durable and long-lasting roof is of the utmost importance.

When the roof required renovation, Watson Companies Inc. stepped in to tackle the job. 

Family-owned and operated Watson Companies Inc. has been installing and servicing commercial roofing systems since 1978. While the firm has seen many changes in construction and solved many roofing problems over the years, one thing has remained the same – its commitment to finding the best roofing solution for the job.

​Watson Companies has new construction, re-roofing/roof replacement, service, and maintenance divisions, and the Watson team installs and services all types of roofing systems, including cool roof, single-ply, built-up, modified bitumen, tile, shake, coatings, sheet metal, metal roofing, and below-grade waterproofing.  The firm’s estimators have over 140 years combined experience, and its foremen each have an average of 16 years of roofing experience.

Technical Solution

For the Santa Rosa project, Watson Companies partnered with Polyglass USA to implement a silicone roof coating system, renowned for its durability, environmental friendliness, and waterproofing capabilities. This approach not only extended the roof’s lifespan but also ensured minimal disruption to the building’s tenants.

Installation Process

Surface Preparation for Silicone Coatings

The existing roof was power washed to remove debris and ensure proper adhesion for subsequent layers. This step was crucial in preventing future coating issues and ensuring a clean surface for the primer and coatings.

Granulated Cap Sheet Application

A built-up roof (BUR) granulated cap sheet was installed, providing an additional protective layer and increasing the roof’s durability. This layer also enhanced the roof’s resistance to weather elements and mechanical wear.

Primer Application

PolyBrite 98, a water-based, one-part primer and bleed blocker, was spray-applied to enhance adhesion between the cap sheet and the silicone coating. This primer ensured a uniform bond, reducing the risk of delamination over time.

Penetration Sealing

PolyBrite 93, a silicone flashing compound, was used to seal roof penetrations, ensuring a watertight seal that accommodates thermal expansion and contraction. This step addressed areas around vents, pipes, and other penetrations that are prone to leaks.

Final Silicone Roof Coating

PolyBrite 90.1, a premium-grade, high-solids, moisture-cure silicone coating, was applied with a roller to form a seamless, reflective membrane. This coating protects against ultraviolet radiation and other environmental exposures while reducing roof surface temperatures. Its high reflectivity contributes to energy savings by lowering cooling demands for tenants.

Project Benefits

  • Longevity and Performance: The system includes a 20-year warranty on labor and materials, offering peace of mind to the building owner.
  • Energy Efficiency: The cool roof reflects solar heat, reducing tenants’ cooling costs and improving indoor comfort.
  • Environmental Responsibility: Silicone coatings are VOC-compliant and minimize environmental impact, aligning with California’s stringent environmental standards.

Partnership Excellence

Hayden Rabideau of Watson Companies highlighted the exceptional collaboration with Polyglass USA: “Polyglass ensured timely material delivery, allowing us to meet project deadlines. Their thorough pre-inspections and ongoing support were invaluable, making them a critical partner in our success.”

The collaboration went beyond material supply. Polyglass provided technical expertise during the planning and installation phases, ensuring the selected system met the facility’s specific needs. This level of support underscores the importance of manufacturer-contractor partnerships in delivering high-quality roofing solutions.

Polyglass’s commitment to quality, from product innovation to customer support, exemplifies the value of strong partnerships in achieving outstanding project outcomes.

Challenges and Solutions

The primary challenge for Watson Companies was managing the tight timeline while ensuring material availability. “Our biggest challenge has always been time working against us when starting a new project, especially ensuring materials are delivered on schedule,” Rabideau shared. Polyglass’s proactive approach to logistics ensured the project started on time, avoiding costly delays.

Weather conditions also posed risks during installation. The team’s meticulous preparation and adherence to best practices ensured the coatings were applied under optimal conditions, guaranteeing long-term performance.

By the Numbers

Location

975 Corporate Center Pkwy.
Santa Rosa, California

Size

170,000 square feet

Product Spotlight

PolyBrite 98

A water-based, one-part primer and bleed blocker that enhances the adhesion of Polyglass silicone roof coatings to a variety of porous and non-porous substrates.

PolyBrite 93

A silicone flashing compound designed for use at various flashing and through-roof penetration conditions. Designed for use at roof details and where silicone must be applied vertically, such as parapet walls. The product will expand and contract with the movement of the roof surface and is resistant to UV degradation.

PolyBrite 90.1

A premium-grade, high-solids, moisture-cure, liquid-applied silicone coating that cures to form a seamless membrane when applied over the entire roof area. It also keeps the surface cool, providing protection from ultraviolet sun and other weather exposures.

Download Project PDF

Commercial Roof Restoration Saves 100,000 SF Rancho Cucamonga Shopping Center

Popular Shopping Center Gets Roof Upgrade That Benefits Shoppers & Tenants

A large community shopping center in Rancho Cucamonga—home to national retailers such as TJ Maxx, Bank of America, Panera Bread, and Lazy Dog Café—was facing serious roofing problems. The existing polyurethane foam roof had developed extensive blistering and multiple leaks. These issues threatened not only the property’s structure but also the comfort of shoppers and the daily operations of tenants.

The Contractor: P21 Roofing

With over two decades of experience, P21 Roofing is recognized throughout Southern California for delivering high-quality commercial roofing solutions. Serving Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, Long Beach, Fontana, Downey Landing, and San Bernardino counties, P21 specializes in silicone and acrylic roof coatings that extend the lifespan of roofs by 10–20 years without the expense of a tear-off. They also install advanced polyurethane foam systems that deliver both durability and cost savings.

The Solution

P21 Roofing, in partnership with  Polyglass USA, developed a system to repair, protect, and extend the life of the shopping center’s 100,000-square-foot roof.

Step 1: Repairs

  • All blisters were cut out and repaired with Polyglass PolyPUF, a spray polyurethane foam insulation that improves energy efficiency and roof durability.
  • Roof penetrations were sealed with PolyBrite 73, a premium elastomeric mastic with StretchSpan Technology for superior flexibility and adhesion.

Step 2: Preparation

  • The existing roof was thoroughly power-washed using PolyClean, a specialized cleaner that removes dirt, grease, oil, and other contaminants to ensure proper adhesion of new coatings.

Step 3: Coating System

  • A base coat of PolyBrite 70, a premium 100% elastomeric acrylic roof coating, was applied in gray at 1.5 gallons per square.
  • A top coat of PolyBrite 70 in white was applied at the same thickness, creating a seamless, reflective membrane that delivers a 10-year warranty system.
  • Using gray for the base and white for the top coat provided clear visual differentiation, ensuring uniform coverage and quality assurance.

The Results

The roof restoration resolved all leaks and blisters, providing tenants and customers with a safer, more reliable shopping environment. The reflective coating also reduces roof surface temperatures, contributing to lower energy costs and extending the roof structure’s life cycle.

P21 Roofing credits Polyglass’ quick-set products with helping them meet the project’s schedule despite cooler weather and the Southern California rainy season.

“We feel extremely confident working with Polyglass products on projects of this scale. The quick-set products are a huge help when trying to navigate the cooler weather and rainy season in Southern California.”
Matthew Pirro, P21 Roofing

By the Numbers

  • Location: 11530, 11540, 11550 Fourth Street, Rancho Cucamonga, CA
  • Size: 100,000 square feet
  • Challenges: Extensive roof blistering, multiple leaks
  • System: PolyPUF, PolyBrite 73, PolyClean, PolyBrite 70

Product Spotlight

PolyPUF®: High-performance spray polyurethane foam (SPF) that delivers one of the lowest lifecycle cost roof systems available today. This seamless, self-flashing insulation eliminates thermal bridging while providing superior energy efficiency and building durability. PolyPUF applies directly to most existing substrates, eliminating costly tear-offs and reducing landfill waste. The closed-cell structure adds waterproofing protection to roofing systems.

With proper maintenance, PolyPUF spray foam performs for 20-30 years and is fully renewable—simply recoat to extend service life indefinitely. Property owners save on tear-off costs, enjoy annual energy savings, eliminate leak-related damages, and benefit from recoating costs that are significantly lower than membrane replacement.

PolyBrite® 73: Premium-grade white elastomeric mastic featuring proprietary StretchSpan Technology™ (SST) for exceptional flexibility and movement accommodation. This advanced formula cures to form a seamless, waterproof membrane that expands and contracts with roof surface movement, preventing stress cracks and maintaining watertight integrity.

Engineered specifically for flashing and detail conditions in elastomeric coating systems, PolyBrite 73 delivers superior adhesion, high tensile strength, and outstanding resistance to UV degradation. Its extreme pliability ensures long-lasting performance at roof penetrations, seams, transitions, and critical detail areas where traditional mastics often fail.

PolyClean®: Specialized roof cleaning concentrate engineered to remove dirt, grease, oil, and foreign contamination with minimal agitation. This professional-grade cleaner prepares substrates for optimal coating adhesion by eliminating contaminants that compromise bond strength.

PolyClean rinses completely clean, leaving no residue that could interfere with repairs or coating applications. The concentrated formula dilutes with water for cost-effective coverage, making it the essential first step in any roof restoration process where proper surface preparation ensures long-term system performance.

PolyBrite® 70: Premium-grade 100% acrylic elastomeric coating that cures to form a seamless, protective membrane over new and existing roof systems. This water-based formulation dramatically reduces roof surface temperatures through superior reflectivity, lowering cooling costs and extending roof lifecycle performance.

PolyBrite 70 provides robust protection against UV degradation and weather exposure, preventing premature aging and deterioration. Its seamless application eliminates vulnerable seams and weak points while creating a durable, flexible barrier that moves with the roof substrate.

Download Project PDF

Polyurea Membrane for Waterproofing and Coating: Advanced Solutions for Extreme Desert Conditions

The city of Mojave in southeastern California’s arid desert has dozens of water storage tanks to improve the reliability of the water supply, especially during dry years. These tanks are essential for collecting and storing rainwater ensuring water availability for residential, industrial, and agricultural needs, as well as emergencies.

Situated within a vast wind farm, the tanks face dual challenges: blending harmoniously with the desert landscape, as mandated by city leadership, and withstanding the harsh desert environment. The extreme conditions, including strong winds with a “sandblasting” effect and relentless heat, demand an exceptionally durable exterior coating.

The strategy? A partnership between Hydrona LLC, a Dallas/Fort Worth-based water solutions company dedicated to reducing the global water footprint, and  Polyglass USA.

Initially focused on integrated rainwater harvesting systems, Hydrona now offers a broad range of water solutions, including fire suppression tanks, well water storage tanks, and systems for capturing rainwater and air-conditioning condensation. From pre-construction consultation to fully customized turnkey systems, Hydrona delivers comprehensive solutions for diverse water needs.

The Challenge: The Durability of Traditional Coatings in a Harsh Environment

Traditional tank coatings, including standard paints and aliphatic polyurethanes, struggled to withstand the abrasive conditions of the desert, often deteriorating and failing within months. This ongoing challenge called for a more robust solution to ensure long-lasting performance and lower maintenance costs. Polyurea coatings, renowned for their exceptional durability and abrasion resistance, provide the strength and flexibility necessary to endure such extreme environments.

The Solution: TecnoCoat P-2049AL

To battle the harsh desert environment,  TecnoCoat P-2049AL, a state-of-the-art aliphatic polyurea coating developed by Polyglass USA, was selected as the ultimate solution. Designed for demanding applications, TecnoCoat P-2049AL delivers unmatched performance, providing a durable and seamless membrane to protect the Mojave water tanks from the desert’s severe conditions.

Technical Advantages of TecnoCoat P-2049AL

TecnoCoat P-2049AL is a two-component, fast-setting, spray-applied polyurea waterproofing membrane designed for permanently exposed applications. Key features include:

  • Extreme Durability – Designed to withstand the toughest environments, resisting mechanical stress and the abrasive effects of wind-driven sand.
  • Superior Chemical Resistance – Provides outstanding protection against environmental degradation and harsh chemical exposure.
  • High Elasticity – Retains structural integrity even under extreme temperature fluctuations, preventing cracks and failures.
  • Seamless, Rapid Application – Applied using a high-pressure, high-temperature spray process, forming a fully bonded, monolithic membrane with rapid curing. Advanced plural-component spray technology ensures precise mixing, fast installation, and optimal performance.
  • UV Stability – Aliphatic properties make it resistant to UV radiation, maintaining color stability and performance over time.

Project Implementation

In 2024, 13 large, corrugated carbon steel tanks were coated with TecnoCoat P-2049AL using advanced high-pressure spray equipment. The coating’s rapid set time of 7 seconds enabled quick application, allowing the tanks to return to service almost immediately. Heated hoses were used for transferring the heated components to the spray gun, ensuring precise mixing and application. The success of this initial phase has paved the way for additional tanks to be coated in 2025.

A Sustainable, Cost-Effective Solution

This innovative approach has significantly reduced maintenance costs for Mojave’s water tanks. The seamless, durable coating ensures long-term protection, even under relentless sandblasting and temperature extremes.

“The folks at Mojave were impressed and relieved to find an exterior coating that would last for years and eliminate the ongoing maintenance cost they were experiencing before,” said Jacob Hannasch of Hydrona LLC. “The TecnoCoat P-2049AL is now singularly specified for these tanks.”

By the Numbers

Location

Mojave, California

Size

13 large, corrugated carbon steel tanks

Challenges

  • Tank coating had to be durable enough to survive rugged desert conditions for the long haul.
  • Tanks had to be able to return to service very quickly.

Product Spotlight

TecnoCoat P-2049 AL

Tecnocoat P-2049 AL is a high-performance polyurea waterproofing membrane that provides long-lasting protection in challenging environments. Its advanced formulation enables it to withstand mechanical stress, UV exposure, and harsh chemical conditions, making it the ideal choice for applications in areas with high wear and tear, such as water tanks, parking garages, balconies, and IRMA applications.

The seamless, spray-applied application of Tecnocoat P-2049 AL creates a uniform membrane that prevents water infiltration, extending the lifespan of structures and providing reliable protection from environmental elements. Its fast-setting nature allows for quick turnaround times, reducing downtime and ensuring that projects can progress without unnecessary delays. The polyurea formulation also allows for excellent adhesion to a wide range of substrates, including concrete, steel, and other materials, ensuring strong, durable bonding with the surface.

In addition to its mechanical and chemical durability, Tecnocoat P-2049 AL also offers significant resistance to UV degradation, ensuring that it maintains its integrity and performance even after prolonged exposure to sunlight. This makes it particularly suitable for applications where the coating will be permanently exposed to outdoor elements, such as walkable roofs, pools, and water features. Its aliphatic properties enhance its color stability, preventing discoloration and ensuring the membrane remains aesthetically appealing over time.

For optimal performance, it is crucial to apply Tecnocoat P-2049 AL according to the recommended guidelines. Adequate preparation of the substrate, including proper priming and temperature control, is essential to achieving a durable, long-lasting finish. The spray application must be done using high-pressure plural component equipment to ensure the correct mixing ratio and the material should be applied in multiple layers to achieve the required thickness and coverage.

In areas where damage occurs, Tecnocoat P-2049 AL can be easily repaired by removing the damaged section, preparing the surrounding area, and applying the membrane to the specified thickness.

Taking a High-Rise Roof From Highly Inefficient to High-Performing

The high-rise office building located at 1900 Avenue of the Stars in Southern California’s Century City recently underwent a comprehensive renovation that included updates to landscaping and hardscaping, a refreshed facade, the installation of a curtain wall, complete waterproofing, and the application of advanced silicone roof coating systems.

Originally constructed in 1970 and designed by the acclaimed architect Albert C. Martin Jr., this prominent 27-story structure is centrally positioned in Century City, near Beverly Hills. It is recognized for its convenient freeway access, modern architecture, state-of-the-art conference center, and panoramic views.

With the expertise of ADCO South Roofing & Waterproofing and Polyglass USA, the building has added a sustainable, high-performance roof to its list of impressive features.

Established in 2019 and based in Orange County, ADCO South focuses on exceptional service, superior workmanship, and the use of top-tier products. The company caters to commercial and industrial buildings as well as multi-family residential homeowner associations throughout Southern California.

Partnering with Polyglass was a natural fit for ADCO South, leading to a successful collaboration. Polyglass silicone coatings offer a highly reflective, seamless, flexible, and durable option for roof restoration.

Polyglass silicone roof coatings deliver outstanding physical properties, high UV reflectivity, and meet cool roof standards.

Key features include:

  • Compliance with 2016 Title 24 Part 6 Cool Roof Requirements
  • CRRC listed (white variant)
  • ENERGY STAR® rated
  • Meets ASTM D6694 and C1305 standards
  • Compliant with NSF Protocol P151

For this project, ADCO South chose Polyglass USA’s PolyBrite 90.1 white silicone roof coating, which was applied seamlessly over the existing acrylic roof coating system with broadcast granules. The unique texture of the PolyBrite 90.1 coating mitigates the risk of slips, providing a safer surface for future roof work.

Silicone roof coatings such as PolyBrite 90.1 are highly effective at reducing energy consumption by minimizing the need for cooling, thus contributing to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. These coatings are also designed for durability, requiring minimal maintenance over their lifespan.

The benefits of using silicone coatings like PolyBrite 90.1 are extensive:

  • They offer exceptional resistance to standing water and moisture vapor infiltration.
  • They provide an economical alternative to complete roof replacement.
  • They withstand extreme conditions that can be challenging for other roofing materials.
  • Their flexibility prevents brittleness, as they expand and contract with the roof’s movements.
  • They are eco-friendly, with low solvent content and long-lasting performance that reduces the frequency of re-coating or replacement.
  • They can extend a roof’s life by up to 20 years, adding significant long-term value.
  • They are compatible with various roofing substrates, including concrete, metal, modified bitumen (MBUR), built-up roofs (BUR), spray polyurethane foam, and single-ply systems.
  • Their performance in continuous exposure to water and rain is notable, forming a monolithic barrier that prevents water and vapor from seeping through.
  • They protect against UV damage, reflecting up to 90% of the sun’s rays to maintain a cooler building and lower energy costs.

By opting for a silicone roof coating system, ADCO South transformed an inefficient roof into one that is energy-efficient, watertight, and high-performing. Both the contractor and client were pleased with the results.

“We have the utmost confidence and trust in Polyglass coating systems and services delivered by their team,” said Eddie Wallace of ADCO South. “This silicone roof coating system ensures our customer will be thoroughly satisfied with the final product.”

By the Numbers

Location

1900 Avenue of the Stars

Los Angeles, California

Size

25,500 square feet

Product Spotlight

PolyBrite 90.1

PolyBrite 90.1 is a top-quality, high-solids, moisture-cured, single-component silicone coating that is applied as a liquid and cures to create a seamless membrane across the entire roof surface. It helps maintain a cool roof temperature while offering protection against ultraviolet light, harsh weather conditions, and environmental wear, ensuring long-lasting durability and enhanced roof performance.

Four Steps to an Impeccable Condo Roof

The Ramona Villas condominiums in Palm Springs, California, is a secure, 104-unit project located in the heart of the historic and popular Warm Sands neighborhood. The community features a pool, spa, clubhouse with a gym and place to entertain, and a tennis court. This popular condo property is just a short walk or bike ride to the center of the Palm Springs Village, with its fabulous array of restaurants, shops, and galleries, and major shopping areas.

At Ramona Villas, RB Roofing, using proven Polyglass USA products, installed a new high-solid roof coating system that provides superior durability and significantly enhances the roof’s water resistance. This advanced solution ensures a longer-lasting roof, reducing maintenance needs and contributing to greater sustainability. The enhanced performance of the new roofing system marks a significant improvement over previous solutions that were used for the condo roof.

The project was not without challenges, but by partnering, RB Roofing and Polyglass were able to solve the most significant issue: the lack of cleanliness. Polyglass’s PolyClean product delivered exceptional results, ensuring a spotless and well-prepared surface that set the rest of the reroofing project up for success. 

Here’s how the magic happened:

  • The roof deck of the existing roofing system was power washed and then cleaned with PolyClean™ concentrate, and wet and damaged areas were removed and replaced.
  • Repairs to the old roof were made using PolyBrite® 72 Elastomeric Flashing Compound, which was uniformly applied at 1⁄8″ (125 mils) up to 1⁄4″ (250 mils) thick, using a brush, trowel, putty knife, or bulk sealant gun (Albion® DL-45-01 or equivalent).
  • For the top coat, PolyBrite® 71-HS bleed-blocking premium grade elastomeric roof coating was applied at a rate of 24 wet mils (1.5 gallons per 100 square feet maximum) per coat.
  • And for the roof details, PolyBrite® 73 Elastomeric Flashing Compound was applied at 1⁄8″ (125 mils) up to 1⁄4″ (250 mils) in a thick uniform application, using a brush, trowel, putty knife, or bulk sealant gun (Albion® DL-45-01 or equivalent).

The outcome: A roof that can withstand any weather, has a long life, and meets the utmost safety requirements for the building owner and residents.  

Overall, RB Roofing’s Ryan Bond says the Polyglass system stands out due to its superior warranty, not to mention the exceptional customer service that embodies Polyglass USA’s commitment to excellence. “More importantly, Polyglass products are uniquely engineered to withstand harsh environmental elements, providing unparalleled durability and reliability that surpasses competitor systems,” Bond said.

“At RB Roofing LLC, our commitment to excellence is unwavering, and our partnership with Polyglass allows us to uphold the highest standards in the industry,” Bond added. “The Polyglass USA team played a crucial role in streamlining the procurement process, ensuring timely delivery, and maintaining high standards for all received products. Their efficiency and commitment significantly contributed to the success of our project. We deeply appreciate Polyglass’s dedication to quality and innovation, which aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver superior roofing solutions.”

By the Numbers

Location

1111 E. Ramon Rd.
Palm Springs, California

Size

170,000 square feet


Product Spotlight

PolyBrite® 71-HS

PolyBrite® 71-HS represents a top-tier, high solids water-based elastomeric coating. Developed with a proprietary blend of 100% acrylic resins, it cures into a seamless roof membrane when applied. This innovative formulation aims to prolong the lifespan of roofing systems, reduce overall life cycle expenses, and deliver exceptional resistance against bleed-through. When utilized in white, PolyBrite® 71-HS boasts high reflectivity, effectively cooling the roof surface and safeguarding it against UV rays and various weather conditions.

PolyBrite® 73

A premium-grade white elastomeric mastic with StretchSpan Technology™ (SST), making the product extremely pliable. Cures to form a seamless flexible, waterproof membrane that will expand and contract with the movement of the roof surface. Designed for use in various flashing and detail conditions when applying Polyglass’ elastomeric roof coating systems, PolyBrite® 73 delivers superior adhesion, flexibility, high tensile strength, and strong resistance to UV degradation.

PolyBrite® 72

A premium-grade white water-based elastomeric mastic that cures to form a seamless membrane when applied to an acceptable substrate. Designed for use at flashing and detail conditions when installing Polyglass’ elastomeric roof coatings. PolyBrite® 72 provides outstanding adhesion, flexibility, and strong resistance to UV degradation.

PolyClean™

A roof cleaner that easily cleans dirt, grease, oil, and other foreign contamination with little or no agitation. PolyClean™ helps clean substrates prior to repairing and/or applying elastomeric coatings.