Utilizing an Existing Roof for New Life

Our core focus at Triton is roof restoration. We take existing roof assets and add value to them with new seamless, durable rubber membranes rather than wasteful, disruptive and costly tear-offs. Over the last few years, we’ve worked alongside Hanging Gardens, based in Milwaukee, to take restorations one step further and convert existing roofs into green, vegetative roofs. Hanging Gardens is a supplier of green roof technologies and designs complete green roof systems.
One of our latest joint projects was in De Pere, Wisconsin, a suburb of Green Bay. The City Hall had a worn-out, mechanically-attached EPDM roof in need of repairs and replacement. They were also interested in the long-term benefits of a green roof. A structural analysis was done and confirmed the roof deck and structure could hold the added weight of a green roof. So rather than go the traditional route of tearing off the old roof, installing new expensive insulation and membrane, and putting on a green roof, Hanging Gardens informed them of the TRITOflex restoration option. It made perfect sense.

After a good pressure wash, TRITOflex was spray-applied by Zander Solutions, a Certified Triton Applicator, to 90 mils (2.2 mm) dry in one coat over the existing 9,000 sq. ft. EPDM roof. EPDM rubber is naturally a long-lasting, strong material. With the addition of TRITOflex on top, not only did it save the city money, but provides them a “bullet-proof” roof for decades. TRITOflex is impermeable and will withstand ponding water indefinitely, making it the ideal solution to keep a building watertight with a green roof over top.

The total system included the ILD electronic vector mapping leak detection system, drainage mat, filter fleece, growing medium, and sedum mats. You can see various phases of installation in the photos below. There is also a video taken by the local new station showing some of the green roof here: http://fox11online.com/news/local/green-bay/de-pere-city-hall-installs-green-roof. Here’s another hybrid green roof we did with Hanging Gardens in Milwaukee, on a new construction project here. This one included a revolutionary growing medium called the WaterGrip Brownie, another company we are excited to work alongside.

Benefits of a green roof versus a traditional roof include:

  • Reduces stormwater runoff and improves water quality
  • Reduces energy consumption
  • Promotes biodiversity
  • Helps reduce air pollution and improves air quality
  • Increases overall roof life

If you’re interested in learning more, I’m happy to provide additional information!