Flex PVC Roofing Systems Aid Redevelopment in Northern Ohio Town

A northern Ohio town is undergoing a major downtown revitalization, transforming its historic district while preserving architectural elements that reflect the community’s early 20th-century heritage. A key piece of this transformation is the installation of high-performance PVC roofing systems supplied by Flex Membrane International Corp. (Flex), a producer of thermoplastic membranes.

These modern roofing systems are playing an important role in protecting a wide range of rehabilitated structures throughout Mansfield, Ohio’s downtown Carrousel district. The area consists of dozens of aging commercial buildings, many of which had previously received ground-level repairs without comprehensive investment in the building envelope or structural systems above. As the scope of redevelopment expanded to include full-building renovations, the condition of the existing roofs emerged as a critical barrier to further progress.

Address, Assess, Upgrade

To address this challenge, the developer, Carrousel Properties, engaged Vodika Roofing of Fremont, Ohio to assess and upgrade the roofing infrastructure across multiple buildings. The company brought significant industry expertise to the project through its leadership team, including company president Mike Vodika, boasting over 25 years of experience in commercial roofing. The contractor performed comprehensive condition assessments to guide roofing design and material selection.

PVC membranes from Flex were selected early in the process based on key performance criteria. Considerations included long-term serviceability, material availability, fire resistance classification, a proven track record of weathering performance and recyclability at the end of its service life. PVC roof membranes were identified as meeting all these criteria.

As a result, Vodika Roofing consulted with Scott Henderson, the area sales representative for Flex Membrane International. Reliable material delivery was a key requirement. Flex was able to meet all logistical demands, enabling the roofing crews to maintain progress across several job sites simultaneously without interruption. A 25-year warranty from the supplier on the roofing materials aligned with the developer’s long-term vision for durability and low lifecycle maintenance costs. The decision to use Flex’s MFR PVC 60 mil white membrane was based on domestic manufacturing and the inherent fire resistance of PVC roofing membranes.

Vodika Roofing chose a mechanically fastened system, attaching the membrane directly to the structural deck. The existing roof coverings were removed to expose the wood plank decking, with any damaged or deteriorated sections replaced. A minimum 1” layer of polyisocyanurate insulation board was then installed as a thermal barrier. The MFR PVC 60 mil membrane was fastened through the insulation to the wood deck using barbed membrane plates and extra heavy-duty fasteners.

Structural and Safety Considerations

As older, deteriorated structures often pose potential dangers, safety remained a primary focus throughout the project. Crews adhered to full fall-protection protocols, with tie-off compliance enforced across all rooftops. The entire project was completed with no reported injuries, a reflection of the contractor’s emphasis on job site discipline and planning.

Historical Integration and Community Impact

John Luedy, projects and assets manager at Carrousel Properties, was pleased with the protection these modern roofing materials were able to provide to preserve the buildings’ historic integrity. He described the projects as both technically rewarding and personally meaningful. “Throughout this process, we’ve learned so much about the town’s history,” he says. “Restoring and preserving these buildings is something we’ve come to take real pride in.”

Many of the buildings restored during the redevelopment were originally constructed in the early 1900s and featured traditional masonry, arched fenestration and handcrafted wood detailing. Restoration teams worked from historical photographs and relied on traditional materials and techniques to reconstruct architectural features.

Because the new PVC roofing systems are not visible from street level, the historic aesthetic of the downtown was maintained, while the buildings benefited from cutting-edge roofing technology. By preventing water intrusion and stabilizing the building envelope, the new roof systems allow interior rehabilitation efforts to proceed safely and sustainably.

Local residents have taken notice of the overall downtown restoration. A nearby antique shop employee has seen the progress of the overall revitalization effort from his window. “In the end, it’s going to be wonderful,” he says. “The beautification and everything is going to be wonderful.”

The successful use of PVC roofing systems in this redevelopment highlights the role modern roofing technology can play in advancing historic preservation. Vodika Roofing’s expert installation of Flex Membrane’s materials met the project’s demanding performance standards while supporting long-term preservation goals. Aligned with Carrousel Properties’ broader vision for revitalization, the roofing work demonstrates how today’s envelope solutions can extend the life and utility of historic buildings without compromising their character.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jacob Marquard is marketing manager at Flex Membrane International Corp., Reading, Pennsylvania. For more information, go to flexroofingsystems.com.