Project Type: Commercial

When a large industrial warehouse building in California’s Central Valley recognized its single-ply roofing system was worse for wear and continuing to decline, it was time to take action.

As the home base for a third-party logistics provider that specializes in comprehensive, food-grade supply chain solutions, from precision packaging and “club pack” assembly to nationwide transportation coordination for the consumer healthcare, food and beverage industries, a reliable roof was a requirement. This sizable roof restoration project called for trusted experts and proven products.

That’s when Barrier Specialty Roofing and Polyglass USA teamed up to restore the roof using Polyglass’ PolyBrite 90 Series silicone restoration system.

About Barrier Specialty Roofing Company

Barrier Roofing is a Fresno, California-based national leader in commercial roofing, solar and specialty coatings, with a four-generation history of excellence. Barrier specializes in high-performance solutions for commercial buildings, including polyurethane foam, cold storage insulation and energy-efficient “cool roof” systems. By combining cutting-edge technology with rigorous craftsmanship, the firm expertly manages millions of square feet of project space annually for clients across the Western U.S. and beyond.

Technical Solution

On the massive industrial building’s existing roof, Barrier observed seam and weld fatigue; membrane weathering and surface degradation; fasteners and plates that had backed out of the roof; flashing failures around rooftop equipment, skylights and system terminations; and membrane damage from screws, nails and fasteners.

To address these issues without a full tear-off, Barrier turned to Polyglass’ PolyBrite 90 Series silicone restoration system, a fluid-applied approach designed to extend the life of an existing roof rather than replace it.

Installation Process

Adhesion Testing and Surface Preparation

Barrier started the installation process by performing adhesion testing, producing pulls exceeding 6 lbs., which confirmed the roof’s suitability for direct-to-substrate installation of the fluid-applied restoration system. Next, all surfaces were thoroughly power washed to ensure proper adhesion for the layers that followed.

Seam and Penetration Reinforcement

The seams, skylights, HVAC curbs and penetrations were reinforced with 6″ PrimePoly Fabric embedded in PolyBrite 90.1 or PolyBrite 93 mastic, strengthening the roof’s most vulnerable points against future weathering and mechanical stress.

Final Silicone Coating Application

The entire roof was then coated in a single pass at 2.5 to 3 gallons per square, achieving a minimum dry film thickness of 35 mils across all areas, forming a seamless, weather-resistant membrane.

Project Benefits

According to the pros at Barrier Roofing, the PolyBrite 90 Series silicone restoration system provided several advantages that support a long-term, renewable roofing strategy rather than a cyclical tear-off and full roof replacement model, including:

• Eliminating the need for a roof tear off
• Ability to leave the existing roof membrane in place
• Minimal impact on building operations, and quick installation
• Being more cost effective than roof replacement
• Reduced impact on the landfill

At completion, the customer had the reliable roof it required, and the Barrier Roofing and Polyglass USA partnership delivered a seamless, high-performance restoration.

Partnership Excellence

“It was our pleasure to offer our client the PolyBrite silicone roof coating system. As always, the attention to detail that Brady Kolden and the Polyglass team bring to our projects is second to none. They are there to answer questions and assist when needed, helping ensure we deliver a roofing solution that truly fits our customer’s needs,” shared Barrier President Blair Cunnings.

By the Numbers

Location
2035 E. Annadale Ave. Fresno, California

Size
400,000 square feet

Product Spotlight

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 keeps the surface cool, providing protection from ultraviolet sun and other weather exposures.

PolyBrite 93

A silicone flashing compound designed for use at various flashing and through-roof penetration conditions. Recommended for seal joints, seams, flashings and through-roof penetrations. Can be applied over conventional BUR, smooth and granulated modified roof membranes (primer may be required), wood, concrete and most metal roofs.

PolyBrite Prime Polymesh

A stitch-bonded polyester for use as a reinforcement in liquid-applied roofing; one of the strongest materials available to the roofing industry. Stitchbonding offers an unusual combination of high-strength properties with good elongation for excellent thermal stress force accommodations.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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