Normandy High School

The Normandy High School building, constructed in Parma, Ohio in 1968, is more than a landmark. It’s also a pilots’ navigation aid, recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Two large domes, visible from the street and unmistakable from the air, serve as guideposts for pilots flying into Cleveland Hopkins International Airport just ten miles away. One dome covers an auditorium and the other a gym. The domes’ distinctive “Patina Green” is an official color used by the FAA both for navigation and also appears in their agency logo.

The challenge

When it came time to restore the domes and the flat roof classroom wing of Normandy High School, GAF Coatings Pro+ Contractors* West Roofing Systems, Inc. faced structural and aesthetic challenges. Both sections of roof are SPF, and a significant amount of the foam had become saturated — possibly indicating a leak, and certainly reducing the foam’s insulation capability — and needed replacement

West Roofing Systems also needed to match the precise Patina Green of the domes in order to preserve the FAA’s navigation details. The shape of the domes and unrailed edge also presented a potential hazard to the roofers. The 3rd floor classrooms required a 100% safety monitor and warning line system, while the dome required 100% tie-off and the use of a manlift.

Finally, the whole project faced an immovable deadline: the start of the new school year.

The solution

West Roofing Systems, Inc. has worked with the Parma City School District since the 1980s, collaboratively maintaining between 10 and 15 school roofs each year without disruption. Mutual respect and a long, successful track record positioned West Roofing to make a comprehensive restoration recommendation that fit within the school’s budget and long-term plans.

While a full-tear-off was a possibility, West Roofing Systems recommended a more cost-effective and less wasteful solution: repair and recoat featuring GAF High Solids Silicone.

First, West Roofing inspected the roof in the company of a school representative, identifying approximately 5,760 square feet of saturated SPF on the domes and classroom wing flat roof that needed to be removed and replaced. After the repair, West Roofing removed loose granules, did a complete power wash, masked all of the rooftop mechanical equipment, and encapsulated the vertical walls of two penthouses with new spray foam.

Following successful adhesions tests, they applied a base coat of GAF High Solids Silicone to achieve a dry-film thickness of 15 mils. Once cured, they applied a top coat of High Solids Silicone — in white for the classroom wing and custom-matched Patina Green for the domes — to achieve a dry-film thickness of another 15 mils.

The flat-roof classroom wing received ceramic granules for added UV, impact, and slip resistance for other trades’ foot traffic.^†

Throughout the project, West Roofing carefully minimized potential overspray, since the school was open for sports and faculty business in the summer. The resulting roofing system is fire rated Class A per UL 790, and the owner was granted a 20-year, NDL, NPR, Renewable Warranty.

† GAF warranties and guarantees do not provide coverage against traffic except where GAF walkways are applied. Refer to GAF.com for more information on warranty and guarantee coverage and restrictions