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.
