2016
Miami, Florida
Sarnafil Roof Protects Miami's National Hurricane Center
As catastrophic hurricanes like Harvey, Irma, Maria and, most recently, Florence have shown, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Hurricane Center plays a critical role in protecting Americans by forecasting and tracking these massive storm systems. This Miami-based facility has to be functional at all times, even during a Category 5 hurricane. So when the building needed to replace its failing roof, it was crucial that the new roof be storm-proof and installed without disrupting the Center’s operations.
Owner
The National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Roofing Contractor
Advanced Roofing, Inc.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Architect
Rino F. Balatbat Architects, LLC
Federal Way, Washington
General Contractor
Venergy Group, LLC
Fort Pierce, Florida
Roofing System
Adhered Roof System using 60 mil Sarnafil G 410
EnergySmart Roof membrane in White
Project Size
24,700 square feet
A Deluge of Challenges
ARI faced several daunting challenges when installing the new roof, which was actually a two-roof system involving an SBS modified torched-down vapor retarder used as a temporary roof system with the separate Sarnafil system applied on top. Both systems had to be completed on a compressed work schedule, since the NOAA wanted the project to be completed in time for hurricane season. To accomplish this, ARI used two work crews for a portion of the roofing project. Lightning protection, metal, fall protection and waterproofing activities were done simultaneously to accelerate the project.
“It was obvious ARI is a very experienced contractor,” he stated. It was this professionalism that earned ARI third place in the Low Slope Category of Sika Roofing’s 2016 Project of the Year competition. Cooper credits some of the success of the job to the Sika Roofing representatives on the project.
“The technical representatives were there quite often and the sales representative helped us at the beginning of the project,” he stated. “All the reps are really great about being available.”
Tested by Mother Nature
As if on cue, weeks after the roof of the National Hurricane Center was completed, Hurricane Matthew slammed into Florida. Although the Category 5 hurricane had weakened to a tropical storm by the time it reached Miami, it was still a good indicator of the new roof’s performance. “Matthew was a good test for us, and the roof came through the storm with no damage,” White remarked.“ This roof is a Cadillac system with superior wind uplift,” Cooper said. “The roof is going nowhere. Even Irma, a Category 4 hurricane that made landfall in Florida in September of 2017, couldn’t put a dent in the new Sarnafil system despite carrying sustained winds of up to 112 miles per hour.” Download the full case study here.