Large-Scale Roof Recycling at Distribution Center

Summary

When a 559,000-square-foot distribution center in San Marcos, Texas, required a new roof, the project team did more than replace the existing membrane, they helped the environment! Through Sika’s Roof Recycling Program, an estimated 175,000 pounds, or 87.5 tons, of retired membrane were diverted from landfill and recycled into new Sika roofing membrane.

A major Southwest supermarket chain operating more than 455 stores across Texas and Mexico has made sustainable roofing a longstanding priority. The company has regularly selected Sarnafil PVC roofing membrane for its reliability, durability, and energy efficiency for their Distribution Centers. Additional considerations include solar readiness, fire resistance, and access to Sika's Roof Recycling Program. 

The San Marcos facility is in a region prone to severe hail. In 2009, a major hail event with 4-inch hailstones struck the original Sarnafil roof. Over approximately 15 years, the roof also withstood more than 13 significant hailstorms with hailstones measuring up to 1.25 to 1.5 inches. After this sustained exposure, the owner elected to replace the roof and again selected another Sarnafil PVC roof system. 

The Project

Sarnafil S 327, in 80-mil EnergySmart White is the thickest membrane in the Sarnafil line, was selected for the reroof. During design, the project team learned about Sika’s established take-back recycling program for retired PVC membranes. In keeping with the owner’s sustainability goals, participation in the Roof Recycling Program was incorporated into the project specification as a requirement. Sika is the only commercial roofing company in the United States to receive certification from UL Environment relating to the recycled content of its roofing membrane products. These products contain an average of 10 percent recycled PVC from pre- and post-consumer sources. 

Merit Roofing, a longtime Sika Elite Authorized Applicator, was awarded the project. Brent Cannatelli, Executive Vice President of Merit Roofing, shared the following:

Merit Roofing used the pallets shipped with the new membrane and managed the on-site collection and preparation of the material for recycling. This coordination was central to the successful execution of the recycling process. 

Results

Based on the roof area, an estimated 175,000 pounds, or 87.5 tons, of retired membrane were diverted from landfill and recycled into new Sika roofing membrane. The project demonstrates how a large commercial reroof can align a manufacturer, building owner, and roofing contractor around a measurable waste-diversion objective and create a positive and immediate impact on the environment.

Sika has been recycling PVC roofing membrane at the end of its service life for decades, and this project ranks among the company’s largest single source recycling efforts completed to date.