Western Specialty Contractors’ Chicago Facades Branch recently completed a roof recovery project on the Millbrook Business Center at 485 Half Day Rd. in Buffalo Grove, IL. Roof recovery, also known as roof restoration, is a cost-effective, environmentally friendly process of repairing or improving an existing roof system without a full replacement.
The five-story Millbrook Business Center, completed in 2001, features 133,267 square feet. Located within a 70-acre business park campus, the building is in proximity to the Metra rail line and 30 minutes away from O’Hare Airport.
Upon initial review by Western’s roofing experts, the building’s aging EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) roof was showing signs of stress and leaking during rain events; exposed flashing at the parapet walls was damaged from isolated membrane shrinkage caused by the material’s aging, poor installation or excessive UV exposure.
“Roof shrinkage often results in the pulling of flashing at curbs, penetrations and walls. This leads to splits and cracks that allow moisture in, which usually results in leaks. Performing a moisture scan determined that a roof restoration option was the most appropriate solution,” said Western Project Manager Andrew Fisher.
Recovering/restoring a roof is generally more affordable than a full replacement for several reasons:
- Reduced waste: Reusing existing materials reduces landfill waste
- Faster installation: Recovering a roof can be completed more quickly than a tear-off and replacement
- Less disruption: There’s less mess and inconvenience associated with a roof recovery
- Potential for improved energy efficiency and drainage
Western’s roofing experts removed the building’s existing EPDM field membrane and flashings and replaced it with a 20-year-warranted EPDM membrane, secured with the repurposed river-rock ballast. Any moisture-damaged insulation boards in the existing assembly were replaced with like-and-kind materials. All new fully adhered EPDM flashings were installed throughout the curbs, penetrations, and walls. At the upper roofs with standing-seam metal panels, Western applied a 10-year warranted coating assembly to inhibit rust and greatly extend the life of the metal panels. The lightning protection system was also restored throughout. Western removed the existing copper system and replaced all components with new aluminum materials as required for compliance with current UL and NFPA Standards.
During initial roof inspections, it was discovered that three existing roof safety anchors were marked “Do Not Use.” Western Specialty Contractors partnered with SkyClimber Access Solutions to repair and replace the failed safety equipment during the roof restoration process.
“Roof anchors are crucial for worker safety when accessing building facades and working on rooftops. These anchors, designed to support a significant load, must be installed correctly and meet OSHA standards to prevent falls. The installation process involved securing and welding the anchors to structural roof components below the roof deck,” said Fisher.
Western completed the project in a month and within budget, to the satisfaction of Millbrook Properties, the owner.
“The client continuously gave us rave reviews for our high level of communication throughout the project timeline,” commented Fisher. “Effective communication between contractors and clients is crucial for project success, fostering trust, reducing costs, and enhancing overall project perception. By ensuring clear and consistent information exchange, it helps avoid misunderstandings, delays and safety hazards. The property manager said this was one of the smoothest and well-managed construction projects she has ever experienced!”
Have a project you need completed? Contact the Chicago branch today https://westernspecialtycontractors.com/chicago-branch/
About Western Specialty Contractors
Family-owned and operated for more than 100 years, Western Specialty Contractors is the nation’s largest specialty contractor in masonry and concrete restoration, waterproofing, and specialty roofing. Western offers a nationwide network of expertise that building owners, engineers, architects, and property managers can count on to develop cost-effective, corrective measures that can add years of useful life to a variety of structures, including industrial, commercial, healthcare, historic, educational and government buildings, parking structures, and sports stadiums. Western is headquartered in St. Louis, MO, with 30 branch offices nationwide and employs more than 1,200 salaried and hourly professionals who offer the best, time-tested techniques and innovative technology. For more information about Western Specialty Contractors, visit https://westernspecialtycontractors.com.