20 Years Strong: The Enduring Legacy of the Chet Holifield Federal Building
The Chet Holifield Federal Building, a striking architectural landmark in Laguna Niguel, CA, continues to impress two decades after its 2003 renovation. Originally designed by renowned architect William L. Pereira, this iconic building underwent a significant transformation to ensure its longevity and functionality.
One of the most critical aspects of the renovation was the installation of a new, expansive roof covering 480,000 square feet. Given the building’s sensitive operations, including the IRS and National Archives, the project demanded a roofing solution that could be installed quickly, cleanly, and without disrupting daily activities.
Polyglass USA, in collaboration with Western Roofing Service, provided the ideal solution: a polymer-modified low-slope self-adhesive membrane system. This innovative technology eliminated the need for hot asphalt or mechanical fasteners, resulting in a faster, cleaner, and more efficient installation process.
One of the most significant challenges was the near-zero slope of the existing roof deck. To address this, a tapered polyisocyanurate system was installed, followed by a cover board, both bonded with low-rise foam adhesive. This created a solid foundation for the two-layer Polyglass membrane system, consisting of Elastoflex SA V base/interply membrane and Polyflex SA P APP mineral cap sheet.
The successful installation of this roofing system was a testament to the expertise of Western Roofing Service and the quality of Polyglass’ products. The project was completed on time and within budget, with minimal disruption to the building’s occupants.
Fast forward 20 years, and the Chet Holifield Federal Building’s roof continues to perform exceptionally well. Despite significant foot traffic and the installation of a rooftop solar panel system, the Polyglass SA membranes have remained intact and watertight.
A recent assessment by Atlas Consulting confirmed the roof’s outstanding performance. The bonded roof tests, infrared thermography, and visual inspections all indicated that the roof system was in excellent condition and had a projected lifespan of another 30 to 35 years.
The success of the Chet Holifield Federal Building project highlights the durability and reliability of Polyglass’ self-adhesive membrane systems. This project serves as a powerful example of how innovative roofing solutions can contribute to the long-term sustainability and performance of iconic buildings.
By the Numbers
Location:
24000 Avila Rd.
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Size:
480,000 square feet
Product Spotlight
Elastoflex SA V
Elastoflex SA V is a high-performance, self-adhered base sheet that delivers exceptional waterproofing performance and durability. Its innovative adhesive technology ensures a strong bond to a variety of substrates, making it ideal for low-slope roofing applications. The product’s flexible nature allows it to accommodate thermal movement and expansion, minimizing the risk of cracking and leaks.
Polyflex SA P
Polyflex SA P is a premium, self-adhered APP modified bitumen cap sheet that offers superior weather resistance and a classic aesthetic finish. Its unique formulation provides excellent resistance to UV radiation, ozone, and extreme temperature fluctuations. The product’s self-adhering technology simplifies installation, reduces labor costs, and minimizes disruption to building occupants.
