James Chen, proprietor of Eagle Rock Electronics Emporium, encountered a major challenge when his store’s outdated flat roof began showing signs of imminent failure. The 30-year-old built-up roof had reached the end of its serviceable life, with multiple patches and repairs no longer providing adequate protection.
The roof’s poor insulation led to skyrocketing energy costs, particularly during Los Angeles’ hot summers, while its deteriorating condition risked water damage to James’ valuable inventory of computers, televisions, and other electronic goods. With the rainy season approaching and his business’s 25th anniversary celebration on the horizon, James needed a long-term solution to protect his business, improve energy efficiency, and modernize his store’s appearance.
After a comprehensive on-site evaluation, we proposed a complete roof replacement using modern materials and techniques. Our approach included the following key elements, designed to address James’ immediate concerns while future-proofing his building:
Our team began by carefully removing the old built-up roofing material, taking precautions to protect the store’s inventory and maintain operations during the process. We thoroughly inspected the underlying structure, addressing minor deck repairs where necessary. We then installed a new, high-performance TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) membrane roofing system. This advanced single-ply roofing material offers superior durability, puncture resistance, and UV protection, making it ideal for Eagle Rock’s climate.
To address James’ energy concerns, we added a layer of polyiso insulation to significantly improve the roof’s R-value, boosting it from R-10 to R-30. This dramatic increase in insulation efficiency helps maintain a consistent indoor temperature, reducing the load on the store’s HVAC system. We also incorporated a reflective white TPO membrane, which boasts a high solar reflectance index (SRI). This feature reduces heat absorption by up to 70% compared to the old dark roof, helping to lower cooling costs during hot California summers and contributing to the mitigation of the urban heat island effect in Eagle Rock.
Thinking ahead, we installed a smart drainage system with tapered insulation to promote positive water flow and prevent ponding. We added overflow scuppers as a secondary measure to prevent water accumulation during heavy rains, a critical feature given the increasing frequency of intense storm events in Southern California. Anticipating James’ interest in sustainable energy solutions, we integrated reinforced roof sections and conduit pathways for potential solar panel installation in the future.
