Service

Roof Repair

Client

Senior Center

Year

2020

Introduction

A city‐owned facility—used as a Senior Center at the time of the project—faced a unique predicament. Although the building was slated for demolition and replacement within five to ten years, funding uncertainties meant the city needed a reliable roofing solution that could be extended to a 10‐ to 15‐year life cycle if necessary. Multiple structural and design constraints compounded this challenge.

Key Project Challenges

  1. Existing Roof System Removal: Due to the structure’s condition and cost factors, the old roof system(s) could not be removed.
  2. Severe Ponding: One wall area had suffered long‐term leaks because of standing water.
  3. Weight Limitations: Any new solution had to be minimally invasive, adding very little weight to the roof.
  4. Aged Metal Ductwork: A significant portion of the roof was covered by outdated ductwork that needed to remain functional until the building was ultimately torn down.

Collaboration & Evaluation

Recognizing the complexity, the city brought in a roof consulting firm that had previously worked with RMI. Together with city engineers and RMI representatives, they reviewed:

  • Existing Building Design
  • Forensic Evaluations
  • Roof System Specifications

Following this thorough assessment, the team concluded that the existing asphalt roof system would stay in place, while the severe ponding area would be addressed with multiple leveling coats of RMI‐Flex.

The RMI Roofing Approach

  1. Repairing Ponding Areas: Several leveling coats of RMI‐Flex were applied to mitigate the standing water problem.
  2. Ductwork Refurbishment: The aging metal ductwork was repaired and sealed with RMI‐Flex to prevent future leaks and corrosion.
  3. Applying RMI‐Flex Across the Roof: Once repairs were complete, RMI‐Flex was installed over the entire roof surface to form a cohesive, watertight membrane.
  4. White Coating for Visibility: At the city’s request, RMI White Plus was initially used to coat the entire roof and ductwork, providing a reflective finish and improved aesthetics.

Adapting to Ponding Conditions

About a year after installation, the RMI White Plus showed signs of delamination in severely ponded areas. To address this, the team replaced the coating in those sections with RMI‐Thane, known for its high resistance to continuous ponding. RMI‐Thane’s moisture‐bonding properties ensure a strong bond between the Flex layer and topcoat, further reinforcing the roof’s integrity.

Results and Outlook

Despite the initial plan to demolish the building within 5–10 years, the city continues to operate the Senior Center, and the RMI system remains in service. This project underscores the flexibility and adaptability of RMI solutions, especially when budgets, timelines, and structural constraints are in flux.

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