Polyglass U.S.A., Inc. > United States

Project Country: United States

For Every Challenge, a Conscientious, Successful Solution

 

Every roofing project comes with challenges, but some projects, like the physician’s office building at Kapi’olani Medical Center for Women & Children in Honolulu, included hurdles that were both unique and rigorous.

High Profile and a High Level of Difficulty 

This high-profile re-roofing project required the complete removal and replacement of the office building’s roof due to ongoing leaks. A moisture scan of the roof system showed that more than 50% of the roof was saturated, further proof that full replacement was necessary. And, because the building is part of a medical facility, the rooftop hosted a range of mechanical equipment, including two large cooling towers that required regular access for maintenance. In all, nearly 70% of the rooftop was covered with equipment, and any roofing solution had to be flame retardant due to the continual maintenance work on the cooling towers.

 

Commercial Roofing & Waterproofing, which, with help from Polyglass products, patience and attention to detail, was able to tear off the existing roof system and install a new Polyglass-modified bitumen system with the proper flashings – all while working around the existing penetrations and equipment. The Commercial Roofing & Waterproofing team was able to establish a plan for getting all the roofing materials to the eleventh-floor rooftop with minimal staging areas.

Since the work was being done at a medical facility that caters to fragile patients such as newborns, children and new moms, the contractor had to ensure that roofing material odors didn’t flow through intake vents. Noise also had to be mitigated so as not to disturb sleeping children in the adjoining building, something Commercial Roofing & Waterproofing achieved by installing additional insulation and padding in a fourth-floor roof deck and using a crane to hoist materials to the 11th floor.

Perfect Product Selection 

The building’s existing roof system was a two-ply modified bitumen roof, but because the roof required regular access, Polyglass recommended a three-ply system that delivers long-term sustainability, longevity and ongoing utility.

To make this project a success, Commercial Roofing & Waterproofing installed asphalt roofing that came in rolls of SBS materials, including Polyglass’ Elastobase V and Elastoflex SA V Plus, making them easy to maneuver and surround the hundreds of existing roof penetrations and equipment that often required very small spaces for flashing. Plus, the selection of the asphalt system eliminated the need for strong-smelling, solvent-based glues and adhesives used in single-ply systems. And low-odor coatings were used to flash difficult-to-access areas.

Polyglass’ innovative self-adhered membrane was used as the base sheet – saving on labor time and resources to quickly make the roof watertight. Additionally, an APP walk-pad, using Polyglass’ Polyflex G FR, was installed around the entire perimeter of the roof along the parapet walls to further protect the roof system.

The SBS Polyglass system proved agile to work with given the amount of equipment on the rooftop and the extremely tight pockets. This system called for the use of small hand-held metal rollers and torches, which made it easier to get into tight spaces and ensure the penetration areas were watertight.

Polyglass 1C liquid flashing quickly and efficiently sealed all penetrations in tight areas, and the Polyglass SBS modified self-adhered membrane allowed the contractor to speedily make the roof watertight – a must in Honolulu where rain is sporadic and frequent.  In addition, Polyglass 1C liquid flashing is the one must have product, because it can even be applied in wet conditions allowing for immediate repair in bad weather.

All in all, this unique project challenged Polyglass and the Commercial Roofing & Waterproofing team to think differently and deliver expertly. The client was satisfied, letting the contractor know it was “he hana maikai” – a job well done! The Commercial Roofing & Waterproofing team responded with a warm “aloha and a hui hou” – until we meet again.

 

Product Information:

Elastoflex SA V Plus – Elastoflex SA V Plus membrane is a robust, self-adhered, elastomeric base ply low-slope roofing product manufactured using patented ADESO® dual-compound self-adhered technology, whereby a “true” Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS) modified asphalt compound is applied on the top layer and an aggressive self-adhesive compound is applied on the bottom layer. Elastoflex SA V Plus is built with a high quality reinforced fiberglass mat to ensure strength and excellent dimensional stability, providing a robust membrane that resists natural forces and other factors on the rooftop.

Elastobase V – Elastobase V is a high quality Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS) modified bitumen roofing membrane reinforced with a high quality fiberglass mat which provides strength and excellent dimensional stability. The proprietary SBS compound offers quality waterproofing and weathering physical properties. Elastobase V is designed for use as a base ply layer in multi-layer low-slope assemblies.

Polyflex G FR – Polyflex G FR is an Atactic Polypropylene (APP) modified bitumen roofing membrane with fire retardant additives, and reinforced with a superior non-woven polyester mat that provides flexibility and dimensional stability as well as excellent tear and puncture resistance. The premium APP compound and durable construction provides long-term weathering performance.

Polyflash 1C – PolyFlash 1C is a one-component, moisture-cure silane modified polyurethane, white flashing compound designed for sealing various roofing and waterproofing details such as walls, curbs, vents, roof drains, pitch pans and unusually shaped penetrations. When combined with PolyBrite Reinforcing Polyester, this product can easily solve typical and challenging flashing needs.

PG 100 – PG 100 is a general purpose penetrating asphalt primer used to promote adhesion prior to the application of hot-mopped, cold-applied, and self-adhesive membrane systems as well as roof cements, mastics, and asphalt-based adhesives.

 

Experience Unmatched Roofing Solutions with Polyglass Products

Polyglass products offer the quality that your project requires. Initiate a conversation with us today and become part of a community of accomplished contractors, much like Commercial Roofing & Waterproofing Hawaii, Inc. Reach out to us now to explore how our advanced roofing systems can help you overcome the challenges of roofing and waterproofing, consistently exceeding your client’s expectations.

Overcoming Weather Challenges Re-roofing Grand Bay Residences With Polyglass

Project Description:

The Grand Bay Residences, a distinguished high-rise building located in the coastal community of Key Biscayne, Florida, faced substantial roofing challenges in 2021. This project presented a unique set of difficulties owing to the building’s proximity to the ocean, its imposing height, and the unpredictable weather conditions characteristic of Florida. Recognized for its reputation as a haven of tranquility and comfort, the Grand Bay Residences demanded a roofing restoration solution that went beyond a quick fix. The objective was clear: deliver a roofing system that would withstand the test of time, offering robust protection against the elements for years to come.

For this challenging project, Isaacs Roofing, a highly regarded and experienced contractor in the state of Florida, was chosen to take on the task of rejuvenating the Grand Bay Residences. Their extensive experience made them well-equipped to address the complexities associated with this roofing restoration, which involved overhauling 380 squares of the building’s roof.

Project Challenges

Elevated Working Conditions: The significant height of the Grand Bay Residences presented extreme working conditions for the roofing team. Ensuring safety and efficiency at such heights required meticulous planning and execution.

Proximity to the Ocean: The building’s location near the ocean exposed it to corrosive salt air and a humid environment. These factors accelerated the wear and tear on construction materials, necessitating specialized solutions, particularly during the roof installation process.

Unpredictable Weather: Florida’s unpredictable weather, characterized by frequent high winds, added complexity to the project. These conditions posed risks to construction work and made the precise installation of the roof surface more challenging. Securing roofing material in these conditions was crucial to prevent damage and ensure long-lasting results.

The Polyglass Solution

With over three decades of expertise in working with Polyglass materials, the Isaacs Roofing team faced the formidable challenge of re-roofing the beachside Grand Bay Residences in Key Biscayne, Florida. They turned to Polystick® TU Plus, a self-adhering double-layer waterproof barrier. This choice was guided by its ability to resist sunlight damage and punctures, making it an ideal shield against the corrosive effects of salt air and the burden of heavy tiles.

In the pursuit of secure roof assembly, PG500, a versatile bonding agent, played a pivotal role in securely fastening flashing components that direct water flow around openings. In the context of the building’s towering height and challenging wind conditions, the robust bonding of roofing elements was indispensable. Additionally, PG500 was used for the parapet walls and steep slopes, where a steadfast adhesive was essential to ensure long-lasting performance.

According to project manager Albert Del Sol, “The successful completion of the Grand Bay Residence commercial roofing project using Polyglass roofing systems surpassed our expectations. We accomplished the project within the budget and on schedule, delighting our client with outstanding results. I highly recommend Polyglass for its diverse range of top-tier roofing systems. Specifically, their tile underlayment products, like Polystick® TU Plus, have demonstrated exceptional reliability compared to their counterparts in the market.”

Polyglass roofing systems offer an excellent choice for roofing contractors seeking to provide clients with resilient, energy-efficient, and versatile roofing solutions. Albert’s endorsement echoes the sentiments of many clients in the past, emphasizing how the use of Polyglass roofing materials consistently leads to elevated levels of client satisfaction, regardless of the project’s complexity.

Product Information

Polystick® TU PLUS

This is a type of underlayment that sticks to the roof, providing a waterproof barrier. It’s specially reinforced to support heavy roof tiles and resist damage from the sun’s UV rays. Its self-sticking bottom layer allows it to grip tightly to various surfaces, helping to smooth out any rough spots on the roof deck. This makes it an excellent choice for roofs where tiles are attached with adhesive foam or mechanically fastened.

Key Benefits

  • High-Temperature Approval: Approved for use up to 265°F, ensuring resilience in extreme conditions.
  • Stability and Durability: Crafted with a proprietary asphalt compound and fiberglass mat for exceptional dimensional stability.
  • Enhanced Safety: Non-wicking polyester reinforced surface for superior slip resistance, prioritizing safety.
  • Flexible Installation: Extended exposure duration, allowing up to 12 months for mechanically attached roof coverings and up to 6 months for adhesive set roof coverings, or as per local building codes, providing installation flexibility.

PG 500

It’s a special adhesive, applied without heating, that’s perfect for SBS (Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene) roofing systems and other types of roof membranes. It’s flexible and stretchy, which is great for parts of the roof that might move or shift a bit. It’s thicker than regular plastic cement, which makes it excellent for waterproofing repairs. PG 500 is also really handy for sticking roof membranes to steep surfaces or the edges of flat roofs.

Specifications and Advantages

  • Offers significant adaptability to accommodate temperature-related expansions and contractions of the roof system.
  • Exceptional adhesion strength.
  • Exhibits outstanding weathering properties across a wide spectrum of challenging temperatures and weather conditions. Resistant to mudcracking, maintaining high flexibility, resilience, and durability throughout all seasons.
  • Eliminates the necessity for kettles and torches.
  • Uniform and strong adhesion ensured by the interlocking fiber matrix.
  • Displays excellent resistance to flow when used on vertical surfaces at high temperatures.
  • Non-detrimental to asphalt-based roofing membranes.
  • Free of asbestos, composed of 100% recycled cellulose fibers.

Experience Unmatched Roofing Solutions with Polyglass Products

Whether you require the UV-resistant Polystick TU Plus underlayment, designed to address deck imperfections and handle heavy tile loads, or the versatile PG500 adhesive that guarantees a secure bond even in the most challenging conditions, Polyglass products offer the quality that your project requires. Initiate a conversation with us today and become part of a community of accomplished contractors, much like Isaacs Roofing. Reach out to us now to explore how our advanced roofing systems can help you overcome the challenges of roofing and waterproofing, consistently exceeding your client’s expectations.

Polyglass Roof Restoration Saves Nautical Towers From Extensive Water Damage

The Nautical Towers, with its panoramic beach views and distinct architectural style, is a gem in Fort Lauderdale. Unfortunately, beneath its striking exterior, the building was wrestling with a significant challenge – its rooftop was retaining excessive amounts of water due to poor drainage and inadequate design. This issue, known as water ponding, was leading to repeated water intrusion within the building, compromising both the structure’s integrity and the comfort of its residents.

On September 15th, 2022, Perkins Roofing, a leading roofing contractor based in Miami, Florida, was enlisted to help solve this problem. As a Quantum Contractor with Polyglass, Perkins Roofing brought to the project their high level of expertise in roofing services, Polyglass products and a proven track record of installation quality. Moreover, this project posed unique challenges.

Project Challenges

Ideally, every roof should be designed with a slight slope to direct water towards drainage points, efficiently disposing of rainwater and preventing any form of water accumulation. Unfortunately, the original roof of the Nautical Towers had a flat surface as well as inadequate wall termination details, which resulted in severe water ponding issues – a chronic problem that can cause substantial damage over time.

In the case of the Nautical Towers, the inadequate roof slope meant that water collected in large pools on the rooftop after every rainfall. With nowhere else to go, the standing water began to infiltrate the structure, leading to considerable water damage inside the building and threatening its structural integrity.

A complete re-roofing would typically be the go-to solution for such a scenario. With that said, the Nautical Towers were confronted with a budgetary challenge. The funding required for a full roof replacement was well beyond the building’s financial capabilities, which called for a creative solution.

Complicating matters further was the height of the high-rise condo. The very characteristic that made the Nautical Towers an iconic part of Fort Lauderdale’s skyline posed a problem when it came to roof repairs. Heavy roofing materials and equipment needed for a conventional roof overhaul were difficult to transport to the top of the high-rise building. This not only required manual labor, but also specialized equipment and potential street closures for crane operations.

The Solution

With these complications in mind, Perkins Roofing had to think outside of the box, and leverage their knowledge of advanced Polyglass roofing products and their practical experience to develop a strategy that could effectively address all the issues.

“Perkins Roofing offered the building a Polyglass silicone restoration as a solution to restore the existing roofing system based on a certified engineer’s moisture survey,” said Dean Perkins, President of Perkins Roofing. “We recommended the solvent-based silicone system as it is more compatible for recoatability. Silicone is slippery when wet, so we also installed a Traffic System to the mechanical units on the roof along with a walk pad from the roof access door to the stairwell.”

As Dean said, the first step in this restoration process was to conduct a number of repairs using a variety of Polyglass roofing products. They used Elastoflex® SA V and Polyflex® SA P  , both self-adhered roofing membranes with excellent dimensional stability and puncture resistance, to ensure a robust underlayer for the subsequent coatings. PG 500, a high-quality adhesive perfect for a variety of waterproofing repairs, was also used for its superior flexibility.

Polyflash® 1C was used for sealing various details like roof drains, vents, curbs, walls, pitch pans and other unusually-shaped objects. It’s a special kind of sealant that hardens when it comes into contact with moisture in the air. It’s made of a modified plastic-like material called polyurethane, which is changed (or “modified”) by adding silane for better performance and durability.

Combined with PolyBrite Reinforcing Fabric, a flexible stitch-bonded polyester fabric, these products provided an ideal solution to the unique flashing needs of the Nautical Towers building. The repaired and reinforced roof was then prepared for the silicone restoration process. First, the team used PolyBrite® 98, a water-based, one-part primer/bleed blocker. This primer helps the silicone roof coatings stick better to the roof, creating a strong base for the following layers.

Following the primer, a base coat of PolyBrite® 95, a moisture-cure silicone roof coating, was applied. This product extends the life cycle of new and existing roof systems, while also providing exceptional protection from ultraviolet sun and other weather exposures. Once the base coat was in place, another layer of PolyBrite 95 was applied as a top coat to ensure maximum protection.

Finally, a traffic coat of PolyBrite 95 with silica sand was applied to areas with heavy foot traffic, like the path to mechanical units and the walk pad from the roof access door to the stairwell. This additional layer increased the roof’s durability and provided improved traction – this made the rooftop safer for maintenance and other necessary visits.

The silicone restoration strategy was ideal for several reasons. For one, silicone is naturally water-resistant, so it’s an excellent solution for the water retention issue. The lightweight nature of silicone and the ease of application allowed for the materials to be transported to the high-rise location with less hassle than traditional roofing materials. It also led to significant cost savings when compared to a full roof replacement.

Product Information

PolyBrite® 95: This is a silicone-based roof coating that forms a continuous layer when applied over a roof. It protects the roof from sun damage and other weather elements, extending the roof’s lifespan.

PolyBrite® 98: A water-based primer that helps Polyglass silicone roof coatings stick better to various surfaces. It’s the preparatory layer before the actual coating.

PolyBrite® Reinforcing Fabric: A lightweight, white polyester fabric that strengthens cold process roofing systems for a robust and durable finish.

PolyFlash® 1C: A single-component white compound that seals different roofing and waterproofing details, preventing leaks and ensuring a watertight roof.

PG 500: A high-quality adhesive used to bond SBS roofing systems and other membrane systems. It’s ideal for attaching roofing details and making waterproofing repairs.

Polyflex® SA P: A self-sticking roofing sheet with a granulated surface, used in low-slope roofing for its toughness and resistance.

Elastoflex® SA V: A superior quality, self-adhesive roofing product reinforced with a fiberglass mat, providing excellent stability and durability to the roof.

For more information about Polyglass products, please contact us today.

Grand Hyatt Memphis: Metro Waterproofing Overcomes Weather Challenges With Polyglass Waterproofing Solutions

Project Overview

Metro Waterproofing, a trusted name in waterproofing and restoration for over 50 years,  was recently tasked with an exciting project at the Grand Hyatt Memphis, Tennessee. Their  mission was to install a state-of-the-art waterproofing system for the hotel’s below-grade  parking garage. Although the project came with its fair share of hurdles, including unpredictable  weather conditions and a demanding schedule, the Metro Waterproofing team rose to the  occasion with enthusiasm – and a strong partnership with Polyglass.

Project Background and Challenges

In the later months of 2022, from November to December, Metro Waterproofing embarked on a  project that involved installing a waterproofing system for a 16,500-square-foot below-grade  parking garage at the Grand Hyatt Memphis, Tennessee. The project encountered several  challenges that the team had to overcome to ensure successful completion.

The colder weather presented difficulties, as cold temperatures can sometimes cause certain  materials to become less flexible or more difficult to apply, potentially affecting the overall  effectiveness of the waterproofing system.

The sandy soil at the construction site also posed a challenge as it retained water, creating  unstable and wet conditions that complicated the installation process of the waterproofing  system. This water retention in the soil could potentially undermine the effectiveness of the  waterproofing materials and make it more difficult to achieve a secure and watertight seal.

The presence of excess water in the soil might have required additional measures to ensure that  the waterproofing system could be effectively applied and function as intended.

Solution and Installation

To tackle the challenges posed by the colder weather and wet soil conditions, Metro  Waterproofing utilized specific Polyglass products that were designed for optimal performance  in such situations. These products included Mapeproof™ AL PRO, Mapeproof™ Liquid Membrane, and Mapeproof™ AL Detail Tape.

Mapeproof™ AL PRO, a pre-applied, fully bonded HDPE waterproofing membrane, was used  as the primary waterproofing solution for the below-grade parking garage. This product’s  adhesive bond to concrete prevented lateral water migration, ensuring a watertight seal despite  the wet soil conditions.

For areas requiring additional attention, such as pipe penetrations and nelson studs,  Mapeproof™ Liquid Membrane was applied. This dual-component, non-sagging, and solvent free membrane offered strong tensile and shear strength. Its longer pot life made detailing  complex areas more efficient. The membrane’s cold-applied, chemical curing properties made it  suitable for the cold weather throughout the project.

Mapeproof™ AL Detail Tape was used to further strengthen the waterproofing system. This  two-sided, pressure-sensitive tape created a strong bond to the concrete and Mapeproof AL Pro  membrane, ensuring watertight details.

The combination of these Polyglass products provided Metro Waterproofing with a  comprehensive waterproofing solution that was able to withstand their project’s unique  challenges. The team’s positive experience with Polyglass products not only led to a successful  outcome but also fostered an ongoing relationship between the two companies.

Matt Jewett, Project Manager for Metro Waterproofing, commended the products, saying, “The  simplicity of the detailing made for a very cost-effective installation, and a superior finished  product. Technical services were extremely helpful and always available.”

Product Information

The following Polyglass products were used in the project:

Mapeproof™ AL PRO: A high-density polyethylene (HDPE) waterproofing membrane  designed for use in below-ground applications. It is pre-installed and fully bonded to the  surface, ensuring a strong connection to poured concrete. This bond helps protect structures  from water infiltration and lateral water movement that could compromise their integrity.

The membrane can withstand wear and tear from construction activities and environmental  factors. One of its key features is the easy-to-apply self-sticking side laps, which allow for  seamless connections between adjacent sheets of the membrane, providing a continuous  waterproofing layer. It also boasts excellent chemical resistance.

Mapeproof™ Liquid Membrane: A two-component, cohesive liquid waterproofing solution  designed for use in both above and below-grade applications. It’s a solvent-free, spreadable

membrane that works in conjunction with Polyglass waterproofing membranes to provide  enhanced waterproofing protection in a wide range of situations.

The liquid membrane can withstand all kinds of forces and stresses applied to the waterproofing  system without breaking or tearing. It also has an extended working time, which allows  construction professionals to work with the material for longer periods, making it suitable for  intricate and complex projects. This added flexibility enables the accurate application of the  membrane in areas with challenging details.

Mapeproof™ AL Detail Tape: A double-sided, pressure-sensitive tape that has been specifically  engineered for use in below-grade waterproofing projects, particularly in areas that require  detailing. Its primary function is to create a strong, continuous adhesive bond between the  waterproofing membrane and the concrete surface. This helps the system effectively prevent the  sideways movement of water through the construction materials.

The tape’s flexibility is one of its key features, allowing it to be easily applied and molded to  various shapes and surfaces, so even complex details are properly sealed and protected from  water intrusion. The Mapeproof™ AL Detail Tape is also designed to be able to withstand foot  traffic during the construction process, helping it maintain its integrity and minimize the risk of  damage throughout the project.

For more information about Polyglass’ range of waterproofing products, please contact us today.

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Polyglass Waterproofing Solutions For Omni PGA Resort Bunker

The Omni PGA Resort Bunker project was a unique challenge that required a high-performance waterproofing solution. The project was managed by Sunbelt Waterproofing & Restoration LLC, which specializes in providing below-grade waterproofing systems, joint sealants, damp proofing, and water repellents. The project was completed between October 2022 and February 2023, and the size of the bunker was 4,000 sq. ft.

Project Challenges

The PGA Resort Bunker, despite its relatively small size, was an important project that required careful attention to detail. As part of one of the most prestigious golf destinations in the country, the bunker needed to not only serve its functional purpose but also meet the high standards of the PGA Resort. The bunker would be a visible and integral part of the resort, and as such, it needed to be designed and constructed to the highest standards of quality and durability.

This meant that Sunbelt Waterproofing needed to use only the best materials available to ensure that the bunker’s basement walls and concrete structure would perform well and look great for years to come. They wanted a comprehensive waterproofing solution that could meet the specific needs of the PGA bunker project. They were looking for a single source that could provide water-tight material for each condition, including the underslab and blindside waterproofing, vertical concrete walls, and horizontal waterproofing of the lid.

Solution: Advanced Waterproofing Solutions From Polyglass

Polyglass USA was chosen for the products because of the superior waterproofing product portfolio and the industry-leading Technical Services team who was instrumental in offering waterproofing advice and support for the project. Polyglass recommended a combination of waterproofing solutions, including Mapeproof AL Pro for the underslab and blindside portions of the project due to its adhesive bonding technology for top waterproofing performance and 46mils of constructed membrane thickness to protect against damage from the other trades.

For the vertical below-grade walls, Mapethene HT60 was used and protected with Mapedrain HS. Finally, 120mils of Mapeseal GC for the lid and proprietary Mapeproof™ Liquid Membrane for tie ins and transitions. Together, these products provided a high-performance, monolithic waterproofing membrane that was able to protect the bunker from moisture intrusion, even in the tight areas where it was installed. Polyglass also provided project-specific details for all termination points to ensure compatibility and sequencing of each system.

Sunbelt Waterproofing’s PM, Donnie Willey, had a great experience working with Polyglass on this project. According to Willey, Polyglass was a reliable partner throughout the process, providing on-site technical support and regular communication with their regional representatives. Given the size, complexity, and fast-paced schedule of the project, this level of support was essential to its success.

Willey noted that the Polyglass products performed as intended, and he is pleased with the outcome. “I look forward to working with Polyglass in the future,” added Willey, sharing his great satisfaction with the partnership. Long-term trusted client relationships are a testament to Polyglass’s commitment to providing high-quality products and exceptional field support at all times.

Product Information

Mapeproof™ AL Pro: A pre-applied waterproofing membrane that forms a strong adhesive seal to safeguard underground structural elements against water infiltration and horizontal water movement. It features easy-to-form self-adhered side laps, high hydrostatic head resistance, and excellent chemical resistance to protect against gas vapor intrusion.

Mapedrain™ HS: A durable, high-capacity drainage mat that provides hydrostatic relief and prevents the passage of sand or soil particles, while serving as a protective shield for Polyglass below-grade waterproofing membranes. It diverts water away from waterproofing systems and stands up to backfill pressure.

Mapethene™ HT60: A self-adhered waterproof membrane designed for use in elevated decks and below-grade structures, featuring a formula that combines a rubberized adhesive with an HDPE layer to prevent gas, water, and moisture infiltration. It’s easy to apply, highly flexible, and offers excellent protection against chemicals and gas vapors.

Mapeseal™ GC: A fast-curing, single-component waterproofing membrane that can be applied to green and damp concrete. It’s a cold-fluid-applied membrane that can be used on both horizontal and vertical surfaces, as well as for green concrete applications.

Mapeproof™ Liquid Membrane: Polyglass offers a wide variety of waterproofing membranes ranging from fluid applied membranes, sheet membranes and bituminous membrane solutions. Contact us today to learn more about our range of innovative, high-performance construction waterproofing solutions for your project.

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Foam Roof System Saves Texas Warehouse from Extensive Tornado Damage

On October 20, 2019, 10 twisters touched down along the storm line of North and Central Texas, making it one of the costliest tornado events in Texas history.  While, thankfully, there were zero fatalities reported, there was extensive damage to building structures.  These tornados resulted in over $2 billion of insurance claims.  One particular building that took direct hits from the EF-2 tornado, was a wholesale depot warehouse in Garland County. This 1,000,000 sq. ft. horseshoe shaped depot was in the path of the tornado’s 2.48 mile trek through Garland.

California-based roofing contractor, Barrier Specialty Roofing & Coatings, was enlisted by SPAN Construction to assess the extent of the damage to the warehouse roof. Blair Cunnings (CEO/President of Barrier) together with Brady Kolden (Business Development Manager for Polyglass Roofing & Waterproofing Systems) wanted to find out how the tornado affected the million square foot depot & what repairs needed to be made.

Roof Inspection and Tornado Damage Assessment

According to Blair Cunnings, “We conducted a job site evaluation with Span Construction and Polyglass to confirm the extent of the roof damage. We wanted to see for ourselves how much of the roof needed to be replaced or repaired, and what roofing/coating system would be the most prudent in this situation.” The team found that 700,00 square feet of the metal roof held up under the force of the tornado’s strong winds, due to the existing polyurethane foam & Polyglass silicone coating system on the warehouse roof.  This meant that only 300,000 square feet needed to be repaired on a one million square foot job.

Blair went on to say that “the majority of the metal roof held up under the force of the strong winds, because the foam self-adheres to the roof, adding extra compressive strength.” Brady Kolden noted that “while the building sustained damage from flying debris, the roof’s structural stability helped protect & save the majority of the building.  This meant there was no need to tear all down and the owner could rebuild and refurbish, which lead to major cost savings.”

In addition, the building owner had been able to keep operations going for two more years after the tornado hit in areas of the building where the roof had remained undamaged.

Warehouse Roof Restoration and Repair Project Details

The eight-month roof repair project began in October 2020, and was completed in May of 2021.  Important to note, is that the complexity of the project was heightened due to the COVID-19 pandemic (supply chain demands), time of year (weather) and working around other trades on the project.  “Our contractors were challenged with keeping the roof dry and coatable during the cold/wet months, while also keeping water out of the building so other trades could complete their work simultaneously.”

First, SPAN Construction began with replacing all the structural metal deck on the damaged 300,000 square feet of the warehouse.  Then, Barrier Specialty added 3 inches of polyurethane roofing spray foam and silicone coating to the deck to match the existing undamaged areas and make the deck a roof.  Finally, Barrier chose Polyglass’s PolyBrite® 95 silicone roof coating to refurbish the entire one million square feet of roof.  This product was chosen because of its durability, longevity, ease of application, and the 20-year warranty given by Polyglass on the entire system.

George Goddard (President of SPAN Construction) said that “due to the complexity of the damage done by the tornado to the Garland, Texas warehouse, repairs were extensive and required a total team effort from all the companies involved; Polyglass, Barrier Roofing, and SPAN Construction.  Polyglass and Barrier listened to our concerns, addressed them, and worked with our local team daily to ensure they our customer had a quality roofing system.”

Product Information

Contact us today for more information about Polyglass’ range of modified bitumen roofing and waterproofing membranes and roof coatings for low-slope and steep-slope applications!