SureCoat Roof System Restores Failing PVC Roof on Albany General Hospital

The SureCoat Roof System restored the roof without the need for a tear off, eliminating the need to shut off a main air intake on the roof and ensuring continued air supply to operating rooms.

Albany General Hospital in Albany, Oregon had a 10-year old PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) roof that was deteriorating and spitting, allowing for water intrusion with each rain. The PVC system was an exposed membrane installed over a built-up roof with metal substrate and foam insulation.

During the manufacturing process of PVC membranes, plasticizers are added to lower the cold-flex temperatures and increase the durability.  Over time these plasticizers evaporate or migrate out of the plastic. This process is accelerated when the PVC material is exposed to UV, heat and thermal cycles.

As the plasticizers dry out of the PVC roof membrane, the roof loses its ability to move with the building and thermal cycling. The PVC then becomes brittle, cracks and separates beginning at the seams and areas of heavy wear on the roof such as ponds, waterways and drains.

The hospital’s roof showed signs of repair attempts at drains, waterways, crickets and seams that included caulking, acrylic and other temporary coatings that wore off after a few seasons. They needed to find a solution that would allow the roof to be restored without a tear off because day-to-day operations could not be disrupted or halted.

After reaching out to SureCoat the hospital was able to meet with their local approved contractor, Premium Roof Services. Together with a SureCoat Systems’ Product Specialist, Premium Roof Services was able to specify and execute a solution that addressed all the issues the roof had been experiencing. As an approved contractor, Premium Roof Services was able to offer the industry’s best roof warranty to the hospital. The project was done in phases with Phase 1 restoring a 15,000 square foot area and Phase 2 a 13,000 square foot area.

When the job was complete, the Plant Engineer at the hospital, Jeff Keen stated in his letter of recommendation: “With money always being an issue with any project, the SureCoat System came in under any of our complete re-roof quotes.  Even though we spent less money to have our roof repaired, we have a better warranty and a better quality product.  At our hospital we do our absolute best to try and not inconvenience the patients and staff.  Premium Roof Services and the SureCoat System fit directly into this category.”

 SureCoat Systems specializes in waterproofing systems for industrial and commercial flat and low-sloped roofing, exterior walls and concrete.  SureCoat Systems has developed an exclusive line of roof coatings and waterproofing products that conserve on energy and protect buildings from water intrusion. Learn more at www.surecoatsystems.com.