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.