In 2023, CFE, Inc. received a call from Mark J. Sobeck Roof Consulting, Inc. notifying them about an upcoming roof project at UPMC Cole Hospital in Coudersport, Pennsylvania. The hospital’s existing roofs were actively leaking — problematic for any facility but critical for a hospital.
Mark J. Sobeck Roof Consulting, Inc. set the date for the pre-bid on two roof areas on Building D of the hospital, and after the proposal submission process, CFE, Inc. was awarded the project. Headquartered in Elmira, New York, CFE, Inc., a subsidiary of Evans Roofing Company, Inc., is a full-service roofing and wall systems contractor serving commercial, industrial and institutional clients across the country.
“We were definitely excited to hear the news that we were awarded this project,” says Bob Pringle, vice president of Evans Roofing Company. “We have worked with Mark J. Sobeck Roof Consulting, Inc. on previous projects and have had only positive experiences due to their roofing experience and knowledge.”
The next steps for CFE, Inc. included scheduling the internal handover meeting to discuss the project in its entirely prior to beginning work at the hospital. “The internal handover meeting involves all stakeholders within CFE, Inc. discussing the project requirements, the hospital protocols for contractors, the scope of work including all details, manufacturers’ materials for the new roofing assembly, subcontractors and financials,” notes Pringle. “In addition, corporate Environment, Health and Safety will discuss site-specific safety, health and environmental protocols.”
The Roof Systems

Atop UPMC Cole Hospital Building D, both existing roof assemblies included a lightweight concrete deck, Zonolite, and two-ply gravel built-up roofs. A thorough investigation determined that there were asbestos base flashings that needed to be addressed and abated per state and federal requirements. CFE, Inc. is licensed and certified to remove asbestos, so there was no need for an asbestos abatement subcontractor to perform this work.
The scope of work included removing the existing roofs down to the concrete deck, which would then be inspected by the consultant prior to the installation of the new roof assembly. The new roof system included a 6-mil vapor barrier, two layers of 2-inch coated glass facer ISO, and Carlisle’s 90-mil EPDM, with sacrificial slip sheet and stone ballast. Installing new edge metal completed this project, which qualified for a 30-year manufacturer’s warranty to the owner.
CFE, Inc.’s Elmira, New York operation was selected for this project, which was scheduled to begin in late November. “So, after all our checks and balances prior to starting this project were completed, we realized we were looking straight into the Northeast late fall/early winter weather working with an adhered EPDM system,” notes Justin Luckner, Northeast Business Development for Evans Roofing Company, Inc. “Mother Nature was kind at the start of the project — however, we knew as a contractor located in the northeast this would not last too long.”
Safety First
A site-specific safety plan was generated by CFE, Inc. Elmira project manager Christian Cornwell, with support from the corporate Environment, Health and Safety Team. A temporary OSHA-compliant perimeter guardrail system was installed prior to loading the roof area. Next, the project materials were delivered and the roofs were loaded and secured.
“The team’s dedication to safety was evident in their approach to this project,” says Wes Mozgawa, corporate safety manager. “With a functioning hospital and an intensive care unit beneath this roof and working around existing biohazard exhaust stacks, direct communication with all parties was critical when performing the roofing work.”
Teamwork between the contractor and the roof consultant was also critical. “CFE, Inc. was extremely appreciative to not only be awarded this project but to once again work with Mark Sobeck and his team on another project,” notes Pringle. “During our work there were minor issues that needed to be addressed by a roof consultant. With Mark J. Sobeck Roof Consulting, Inc. on site, we were able to work together in offering the client solutions.”
Winter weather conditions posed perhaps the biggest challenges on the project. “As time moved forward, Mother Nature was becoming less cooperative,” Luckner says. “Constant weather checks, keeping materials warm prior to installation, and ensuring the nighttime tie-ins were checked for watertightness were all critical in continuing the work.”
“Our team went above and beyond to ensure the successful completion of this project for the hospital,” says Cornwell. “Working over the intensive care unit as the rain changed to snow presented unique challenges that the team faced head-on. Our company developed a specific plan, executed it flawlessly, and delivered a top-quality product by prioritizing safety and customer satisfaction as the foundation for our success.”
TEAM
Roof Consultant: Mark J. Sobeck Roof Consulting, Inc., Luzerne, Pennsylvania, marksobeck.com
Roofing Contractor: CFE, Inc., Elmira, New York, evansroofingcompany.com
MATERIALS
Membrane: 90-mil EPDM, Carlisle SynTec Systems, carlislesyntec.com
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