Denver, Colorado (5/26/2004) --- A Johns Manville UltraGard® EPDM roofing system was selected for the new Wisconsin Exposition Center at State Fair Park in West Allis, Wis. because of its performance, cost-effectiveness and ability to be installed during the winter months. The entire building, including the 200,000 square-foot roofing system, had to be completed in 10 months.
“We wanted a roof that could be completely sealed with a minimum number of seams and installed in less than ideal conditions,” said Robert Cooper, design principal with Eppstein Uhen Architects Inc. of Milwaukee. “We’ve had good luck in the past with EPDM on large roof installations and it works well for winter installation.”
The roof was a key component of the design. According to Cooper and project manager Mark Lewandowski, the building was designed to evoke the nostalgic feel of traditional farm buildings while at the same time the needs of a contemporary exhibition facility. Since rural America’s farm buildings were not air-conditioned, it was important that the roof was designed to hide 14 large air-conditioning units.
“We used 20-foot sloped metal roofs, one above the other to mask the air conditioning units that were set on the EPDM roof in the center to reduce the apparent size of the building. The UltraGard roof system facilitated installation of the roof top units and has performed well,” Lewandowksi said.
Winding Roofing Company Inc. of Milwaukee, under project manager Bob Blizzard, mechanically attached the Johns Manville UltraGard® EPDM membrane over JM polyisocyanurate insulation, which was screwed to the metal deck. The 14 air-conditioning units, each the size of a semi-trailer, were flashed with EPDM. The system carries a 15-year guarantee.
“The most challenging aspects of this project were the magnitude, the tight schedule and the winter conditions,” said Toby Whipple, who is in charge of sales and estimating for Winding Roofing. “Mechanically attached EPDM was much easier to work with during the bad weather.”
J.H. Findorff & Son, Inc. of Milwaukee, the general contractors, selected Winding Roofing for the project based on a bidding process. “We’ve worked with Winding Roofing in the past,” said Mike Timmers, project Engineer for J.H. Findorff. “Every time they’ve done a great job—on time with no problems.”
Winding Roofing Company, Inc., which has been in business since 1873, installs all types of commercial and industrial roofing systems.
A market leader with over 96 years experience, Eppstein Uhen Architects, Inc. is best known for packaging inspired design and meticulous attention to detail with exceptional service for clients across the country. Registered in 44 states and the District of Columbia, the firm specializes in several distinct markets: corporate office, educational, senior living, health care, residential, retail, public, industrial, hospitality, parking structures and interior design. For additional information, please visit Eppstein Uhen Architects’ website, www.eppsteinuhen.com.
Johns Manville, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is a leading manufacturer and marketer of premium-quality building and specialty products. In business since 1858, the Denver-based company has sales in excess of $2 billion and holds leadership positions in all of the key markets that it serves. Johns Manville employs about 8,500 people and operates 43 manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe and China. Additional information can be found at www.jm.com.
