Low-Slope Roofs

Installation of Largest TPO Roofing System in U.S.

St. Louis-based Bade Roofing Company recently completed a project to install the country's largest VersiWeld TPO Rib Profile roofing system manufactured by Versico Roofing Systems to date. This unique, 60,300-square-foot roof covers the Maryland Heights Community Center currently under construction in Maryland Heights, Miss.

Bade Roofing, in collaboration with general contractor K&S Associates and architect Cannon Design of St. Louis, Mo., recommended the Versico VersiWeld TPO Rib Profile roof for the project for several reasons:

The new community center is adjacent to a busy highway and is highly visible. An aesthetically pleasing roof was a top priority.
The community center's roof needed to be durable to withstand St. Louis' harsh weather conditions, such as hail.
City officials wanted the roof to provide solar reflection and be energy efficient.

"We knew that the clear choice for the community center's new roof was the TPO Rib Profile roofing system from Versico," said David Bade, owner of Bade Roofing. "It met all of the specifications for the project and we knew from experience that the roof's durable decking with its contour rib profile and white, metal-look appearance would provide the functionality and statement piece that the City of Maryland Heights was looking for."

Bade crews began the mammoth roofing project in late November 2015 and, despite unpredictable weather conditions, was able to stay ahead of scheduled interior work.

The roof installation consisted of the following:

One layer of 5/8" secure rock
2" of ISO insulation which was mechanically fastened, then set in low-rise Foam-fast 100 adhesive
One layer of 1.5" ISO insulation
A 5/8" secure rock cover board
A 135-mil fleece-back white TPO roof system set in low-rise foam adhesive, including all flashing

In the final phase of the roof installation, Bade crews installed 27,000 linear feet or ribs that were spaced two feet apart on center and ran in straight lines along the length of the roof. An important element of the roof's design, the ribs give the roof the appearance of a metal roof and also aid in channeling rainwater to the drains. Bade crews used a special piece of equipment designed by Versico to weld both sides of the ribs to the roof's surface to create the contour rib profile.

The TPO roof's slick, white surface helps it reflect the sun and repel surface dirt, said Alan Schweiss, manufacturing rep. for Versico. He confirmed that the project was currently the largest TPO rib profile roofing system in the country.

"Some of the main benefits to using a TPO membrane for this type of application is its reflectivity, durability, its appearance and its price compared to other roofing systems," said Schweiss. "The TPO membrane has been shown time and time again to stay cleaner, longer and resist weather damage, even from 2-3-inch sized hail, plus it is more affordable."

Bade completed the roof installation in five months and within budget, resulting in a Versico 20-year total systems warranty with a 90 mph wind warranty on the roof.

When completed in late summer 2016, the new $30 million Maryland Heights Community Center will provide the following amenities: large gymnasium and event space, indoor leisure pool with lap lines, expanded fitness center with additional program space, preschool/babysitting areas, senior center, running track and meeting rooms.

For more information about Bade Roofing, visit www.baderoofing.com.