Helping a Roofing Contractor Live Up to Its Most Challenging Promises

The Velco Group, is a roofing contractor with over half a century of dedication to excellence, has built an impeccable reputation by taking on complex and specialty luxury home projects. Recently, the company was selected to meticulously installing a new slate roof on an extensive, mountain lodge-style estate in Texas. The project required a roofing underlayment product that could stand up to inclement weather and be installed under the pressure of a tight completion deadline. Plus, the product had to work on a roof with over 60 roofing slopes and a cone-shaped bay window.

This project demanded the exceptional customer service and relentless quality that The Velco Group is known for, as well as a roofing underlayment with a proven track record of protecting significant investments. This is where Polyglass USA’s Polystick MTS Plus Self-Adhered, High-Temperature Roof Underlayment, played a key role in effectively meeting these demands.

Polyglass USA’s Polystick MTS Plus Self-Adhered, High-Temperature Roof Underlayment, offered a robust solution to the numerous challenges of the project. Its exceptional waterproofing capabilities were crucial during the removal of the old roof, the installation of new siding, and the application of copper and slate roofing materials. The underlayment’s durability and reliability ensured the home remained protected from water damage throughout the renovation process, even under the pressure of harsh weather conditions including torrential rain.

The spectacular project earned a 2023 Golden Hammer Award for Outstanding Residential Slate Project from the North Texas Roofing Contractors Association (NTRCA). This prestigious award attests to The Velco Group’s expertise and the superior performance of Polyglass products, marking a significant milestone in the company’s history and further solidifying its reputation in the industry.

Eric Larsen, the director of operations for The Velco Group, expressed his satisfaction with Polyglass USA: “Polyglass products perform better for us than any other product we’ve used. We use them on our slate, tile, and metal installations.” This endorsement highlights the reliability and versatility of Polyglass products in a variety of high-end roofing applications.

By the Numbers

Location:
2003 Navasota Cove, Westlake, Texas

Size:
13,400 Square Foot Roof

Challenges:

  • Watertight Barrier: The project required a watertight barrier during the installation of new slate roofing over 40 days of intense rain. This was essential to prevent water damage during the lengthy installation process.
  • Complex Roof Structures: The Project required an underlayment product that could be installed around complicated roof structures.
  • Tight Deadline: The entire roof had to be completed promptly to meet the deadline for an important event at the home. This added significant pressure to ensure both quality and timely completion.

Product Spotlight

  • Polystick MTS Plus Self-Adhered, High-Temperature Roof Underlayment is a superior waterproofing underlayment designed for metal roofs and various other applications. It features a unique cavitated anti-skid top film surface, which can be exposed to the elements for up to 180 days. Withstanding temperatures up to 265°F, Polystick MTS PLUS is ideally suited for high-temperature roof covering systems like steel, aluminum, or copper panels.

Download Project PDF

Rehabilitating a Crown Jewel in Fort Worth

Bass Performance Hall in Forth Worth, Texas, is the crown jewel of a city that’s home to the third largest cultural district in the U.S. It’s also an important symbol in one of the most successful downtown revitalization efforts in the country.

Which is why when it came to putting a new roof on this high-profile project, every aspect had to be just so. Enter Zenith Roofing & Waterproofing and Polyglass USA – partners in rehabilitating this iconic live event venue.

With over 40 years of experience and a history of giving back to the community, Zenith brought its mantra of “Reputable, Relational, Restorative” to the project. And Polyglass USA brought its proven Polystick MTS PLUS product – along with impeccable service from representative Dylan Homa.

Overcoming Challenges to Bring Back the Shine

Due to the location of the hall and the fact that scheduled performances were taking place, the Zenith team had to get creative when it came to removing construction materials. The venue could not be fully shut down, nor could the surrounding streets.

With a little ingenuity, the team used a hoist to lower materials into a construction dumpster and haul it away immediately.

The fact that there was only a single route in and out of the building, and security required personnel to work in pairs, every move had to be strategically planned to make the most of the team’s time and efforts.

Of course the hall’s high-profile nature and its valued guests meant that the new roof had to be visually appealing and water tight.

Outstanding Referral and Award-Winning Work

In the end, the project was a resounding success, leading to this comment from Zenith’s Blaine Sibby: “Dylan Homa is a true asset to the Zenith team, and I am glad that he is our Polyglass representative. The Polyglass is tremendous on this type of job.”

And the completed project earned a 2023 Golden Hammer award from the North Texas Roofing Contractors Association (NTRCA).

Subhead: By the Numbers

Location:
Bass Performance Hall
525 Commerce St.
Fort Worth, Texas

Size:
11,500 square feet

Challenges:

  • Work had to take place around the event schedule at the hall, and without shutting down streets near the site.
  • Materials and trash had to be placed in a construction dumpster (and removed immediately) using a hoist atop the massive hall.
  • There was a singular route for the construction team to enter and exit the building.
  • Personnel movement was restricted due to security rules, requiring extensive planning for material and tool retrieval.

Subhead: Product Spotlight

Polystick MTS PLUS

Polystick MTS PLUS is a self-adhered high-temp waterproofing underlayment for metal roof coverings and various other applications. Leveraging ADESO® dual-compound self-adhered technology, Polystick MTS PLUS features a polymer modified bitumen upper compound and a proprietary self-adhesive SBS (elastomeric) compound on the bottom. A split release film that protects the self adhesive compound allows for easy application.

Polystick MTS PLUS features a cavitated anti-skid top film surface that can be exposed for up to 180 days. With a temperature resistance of up to 265°F, Polystick MTS PLUS is ideally suited for high temperature roof covering systems such as steel, aluminum or copper panels.

Download Project PDF

You’ve Got Specifications, We’ve Got Solutions!

Colonnade at Polo Park, a high-end retail and restaurant shopping center in Midland, Texas, was in need of a new roof – and that roof needed to meet some critical specifications, according to the contractor on the project. It must make the building’s flat roof watertight. The products used must include the same durability and robust waterproofing benefits as traditional torch-applied roofing solutions, without the need for a naked flame. The installation had to be done with minimal disruption to the shopping center’s tenants and customers. And the completed roof must be warrantied for 20 years.

Enter Champion Contractors & Services who saved the day, with help from Polyglass USA products.

Support That Stands Apart From the Competition 

After being contacted by Champion Contractors & Services and hearing about the goals of the project, Polyglass USA representatives hosted a demo of its self-adhered products for the Champion crew. The presentation covered all the details of installing a two-ply, self-adhered roofing solution at the shopping center.

Champion agreed that this approach would meet the building owner’s goals of installing a modern granulated built-up roof (BUR) with self-adhered products that would protect against water infiltration, UV radiation and extreme weather conditions.

Product selections were made and work began!

Today, Champion says the Polyglass self-adhered roofing membrane is showing exceptional durability and weather resistance – and is in fact exceeding expectations. Plus, the ease of installation and the product’s ability to conform with various roof shapes and contours made the job highly efficient, saving time and labor costs.

Here’s what Champion had to say about their decision to choose Polyglass USA: “The technical support and expertise offered by the Polyglass team were invaluable throughout the project. Their knowledge of roofing systems and willingness to provide guidance and assistance ensured a smooth installation process and a high-quality end result.”

Mission accomplished!

Location:

Colonnade at Polo Park

4601 N.Garfield St.

Midland, Texas

Size:

1,350 squares

165 squares for walls

Challenges: 

  • Installation without major disruptions to shopping center tenants and customers.
  • Roofing solution had to waterproof a flat roof that had assorted shapes and contours.
  • Roof has a high level of roof traffic.

Client requested use of “no flame” roofing products.

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.