Douglas County Justice Center

Key Points:

• Re-roofing of courthouse and county jail

• Challenges: Ballasted EPDM system, minimizing exposure, budget constraints

• Solution: Liquid coating over existing membrane, protective mat, reused ballast

• Success factors: Innovative approach, improved performance, long-term contract

The Douglas County Justice Center project presented us with the challenge of re-roofing a courthouse and county jail facility, a task that required careful consideration of security and operational continuity. The existing roof was a ballasted EPDM system, which added complexity to the project due to the presence of river rocks covering the membrane.

Our primary objectives were to minimize the facility's exposure to the elements during the re-roofing process, meet strict budget constraints, and improve the roof's puncture resistance. These goals led us to develop an innovative solution that avoided a complete tear-off of the existing roof system.

Instead of removing the entire roof, we proposed applying a liquid coating directly over the existing membrane. This approach allowed us to create a new, seamless waterproofing layer without exposing the sensitive areas of the courthouse and jail to potential water intrusion. We further enhanced the system by adding a protective mat over the new coating, significantly improving its puncture resistance.

One of the key aspects of our solution was the decision to reuse the existing ballast (river rocks). This not only reduced waste and costs but also maintained the roof's original design intent. The success of this approach was evident in the client's satisfaction, which led to a 5-year contract for ongoing work with Douglas County.

This project showcased our ability to develop cost-effective, minimally disruptive solutions for sensitive facilities. By thinking outside the box, we were able to deliver a high-performance roofing system that met all of the client's needs while setting the stage for a long-term partnership.