Your Tax Dollars at Work

The November/December issue of Roofing typically spotlights government and municipal projects. The thinking was to highlight this segment of the market during election season. But in election years, no matter which side of the aisle you’re on, it’s often hard not to become cynical. If the political commercials aren’t enough to drive you a little crazy, the self-interest of some politicians and the short-term nature of political thinking can be disheartening. With that said, it is reassuring that we can rely on one group that is dedicated to preserving critical infrastructure and making sure tax dollars are wisely spent — roofing professionals.

If you need proof, all you have to do is peruse the pages of this issue. In case study after case study, whether it involved new construction or reroofing, the goal was to provide the best roof system for the given structure and ensure the lowest life-cycle cost. Durability and resilience are also key considerations, as government and municipal buildings, including police stations, fire stations, and government offices, must function during storms and other emergencies — and often are counted on as places for displaced citizens to find shelter.

Roofs that meet a municipality’s budget and provide durability and low life-cycle costs can also be beautiful. In the case of Fire Station 2 in Prince Frederick, Maryland, and the Surf City Municipal Complex in Surf City, North Carolina, a standing seam metal roof was chosen to not only provide great aesthetics but stand up to hurricane-prone weather near coastal areas.

For another new construction project, the Bozeman Public Safety Center, which houses the Bozeman Police Department, a fire station, and municipal courts, weather was also a key consideration. The facility needed a roof system that would withstand the tough Montana winters, and a TPO system was specified and installed.

Reroofing occupied and active buildings can bring additional challenges. At historic San Francisco City Hall, flat roof sections below the landmark dome were replaced with a water-based, low-VOC system to minimize disruptions. The system is visually appealing, extends the life of the roof, and can be reactivated and resurfaced again. When the modified bitumen roof on City Hall in Newport News, Virginia, reached the end of its service life, Hound Roofing implemented a roof restoration plan featuring a fabric-reinforced, liquid-applied rubber coating. The result was cost effective, looks great, and offered a 20-year warranty.

The application also got a lot of attention from city employees. “Anybody who has anything to do with safety in the city is in that main building. They can look right out the window and see us on those annex buildings,” said Anthony Wilkerson, general manager of Hound Roofing. “If you can pass that test, you can pass any test.”