Introduction
Pittston Area High School, located in Yatesville Borough, Pennsylvania, is an integral part of the Pittston Area School District. Serving approximately 3,300 students across 42 square miles, the district prides itself on academic excellence and forward-thinking facilities management. However, to maintain this level of academic achievement, students must be able to work in a safe, secure, and structurally sound environment. With that goal in mind, the high school underwent extensive renovations in 1997, including an EPDM roof restoration project that would later prove to stand the test of time.
The Challenge
The high school’s existing roof was nearing the end of its serviceable life. Leaving the roof to deteriorate further would have resulted in disruptions for both staff and students, as well as leading to increased costs for additional restorations in the future. The administration was faced with the choice of a full roof replacement for a higher price, or a more cost-effective alternative. Key considerations for the project included:
- Budget constraints and the redirection of funds toward educational initiatives
- The need for a durable, long-lasting solution
- A requirement for a 15-year labor and material warranty
The school district engaged Mark J. Sobeck Roof Consultants to assess the situation and recommend the best course of action. They chose to specify a reinforced fluid-applied Acrymax coating system, confident that this engineered coating system was the best choice for the school. David Maines & Associates, a commercial roofing contractor based in Lewiston, PA was awarded the contract for installation of the system.
The Solution
Based on the roofing consultant’s recommendation, the school district opted to use the recommended system for a fully reinforced elastomeric roof coating, specifically designed for single-ply membrane roofs like EPDM. This system provided several advantages:
- Cost-effectiveness: Acrymax’s EPDM roof restoration solution was significantly less expensive than a full roof replacement, saving the school district hundreds of thousands of dollars.
- Minimal disruption: The application process was completed without interrupting school operations.
- Sustainability: By restoring the existing roof rather than replacing it, the project reduced waste and environmental impact.
The Acrymax system for Pittston High School used a comprehensive approach to ensure maximum durability and protection for the students and staff. It began with a base coat of flexible elastomeric coating for an initial layer of waterproofing and adhesion. This was followed by a carefully embedded high-strength reinforcement fabric to support the system’s overall strength. The process was completed with three additional coats of high-strength elastomeric coating for exceptional weatherproofing and UV resistance.
Results
The Acrymax ARS-1SP-50XT system delivers outstanding performance and longevity. The roof coating system has provided excellent waterproofing and weatherproofing, which helped extend the roof’s lifespan and contributed to substantial cost savings for the school district. These funds were redirected toward the school’s educational programs, benefiting the students directly. The system has also fulfilled the requirement for a 15-year labor and material warranty, providing peace of mind for the school administration.
17 years after the initial EPDM roof restoration, in 2007, the roof continues to perform exceptionally well. This long-term success affirms the school district’s decision to invest in Acrymax’s innovative solution and showcases the outstanding value of Acrymax’s roofing coating system.
Conclusion
The restoration of Pittston High School’s roof demonstrates the long-term value and effectiveness of Acrymax’s elastomeric roof coating systems. Thanks to this choice, the school was able to save a substantial amount of money while simultaneously ensuring long-lasting protection for the facility.
