Roofing credit

Brattleboro Development Credit Corp., Brattleboro, Vt., is a private, nonprofit economic development organization serving southeastern Vermont. It is one of 12 Certified Regional Development Corporations that assists and supports startup companies, growing companies and global businesses in the region.

When the roof system on the organization’s facility began to fail, management called on the team at Certified Roofing Systems, Newton, Mass., for help.

“I met representatives from Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation during a trade show,” says Dion Gaines, president of Certified Roofing Systems. “They told me about the issues they were having, and we had a productive conversation about potential solutions that led to a site visit. From there, the project opportunity developed as we assessed their needs and presented our approach to address their roofing challenges.”

Prep and safety

The original 303,000-square-foot roof system consisted of EPDM membrane and polyisocyanurate insulation over a metal roof deck.

“The membrane had aged significantly, with visible deterioration as a result of exposure and time, which contributed to various issues the client was experiencing,” Gaines says.

The Certified Roofing Systems crew recommended a silicone roof coating on top of the EPDM membrane, leveraging the existing roof system.

“We performed selective repairs, especially where damage or buckling insulation was evident,” Gaines explains. “This method was more cost-effective and environmentally friendly while still providing a strong foundation for the silicone coating.”

To ensure the safety of rooftop personnel, the crew followed Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines for working on a large commercial roofing project.

“As part of our setup, we used a warning-line system,” Gaines explains. “For areas closer to the roof edge, we used harnesses. The setup also included fall-protection systems and flags to clearly mark safe zones. This setup minimized risks while allowing efficient material handling and movement on the roof.”

Installation

After completing repairs, the Certified Roofing Systems crew applied GacoFlex™ S4200 White Elastomeric Silicone Roof Coating, primarily using squeegees and rollers for precision and control.

“We were also prepared with our Graco® GH 933 Big Rig Gas Hydraulic Sprayer to enable strategic application as needed across the large roof,” Gaines explains. “This approach ensured an even, high-quality finish with a coating thickness exceeding 38 mils, enhancing the roof’s durability and weather resistance.”

Team members followed Gaco’s ASP-S4200-34-20 application specifications.

“This adherence to specifications allowed us to secure a 20-year GacoFlex Roofing System Warranty for the client, which includes comprehensive coverage for leak repairs, protection against permanent ponding water and transferable terms. This added long-term value provided peace of mind for the property owner.”

The crew worked between September and November 2024 when fluctuating weather required frequent adjustments to the work schedule.

“We managed by conducting repair work early in the day and resuming coating applications once the roof dried,” Gaines says.

Working during peak foliage season had its pros and cons.

“The timing provided a stunning rooftop environment to work in,” Gaines says. “However, when the wind picked up, falling leaves would sometimes disrupt our workflow by landing on the freshly applied coating, which required us to temporarily halt application to maintain quality.”

Supply chain issues also presented a challenge.

“But careful planning and early orders helped keep the project on track without significant disruptions,” Gaines says.

Despite weather and supply delays, the project was completed within the planned timeframe.

“Our team typically ranged between five to 10 experienced crew members, including technicians specializing in silicone applications,” Gaines says. “I was fortunate to work alongside my executive team—my big brother, Brent Gaines, director of operations at Certified Roofing Systems; Ryan John, executive manager for Certified Roofing Systems; and our foreman, Luis Myancela—whose dedication and expertise were instrumental in delivering the project’s high standards.”

Mission accomplished

The scale and complexity of restoring Brattleboro Development Credit Corp.’s roof make it a stand-out project for the Certified Roofing Systems team. Applying silicone coating over a massive roof area required precise planning, specialized equipment and an expert team who demonstrated skill while providing a cost-effective, environmentally conscious solution for the building owner.

“This was a unique project in terms of sustainability because we were able to restore the roof instead of replacing it,” Gaines says. “Knowing the project resulted in significant cost-savings for the client was definitely the most rewarding part. It was also extremely satisfying to support an organization that does such impactful work in the community.

“I genuinely appreciate the client’s vision and values and felt proud to deliver a high-quality, long-lasting roofing solution that aligns with their mission and helps them allocate resources more effectively.”

CHRYSTINE ELLE HANUS is Professional Roofing’s associate editor and an NRCA director of communications.