The Roof Restoration Solution for the Fast Food Industry

In this case study, we discuss restoring a leaking fast food industry roof (modified bitumen, to be specific) using the Ure-A-Sil Roof Restoration System.

Research

Fast food restaurants present significant challenges for commercial roofing systems. Like most restaurants, this Wendy’s location had a great deal of rooftop equipment, which makes sense for business efficiency, but creates plenty of challenges for waterproofing. The equipment’s pipes and wiring from inside the restaurant are the most common spots for leaks to occur. These penetration points add stress to the roofing assembly.

The general rule of waterproofing: the fewer seams, the better the odds of keeping a roof dry. Non-roofing professionals must access the roof to perform maintenance, as well. Mechanical contractors are a common enemy of waterproofing due to foot traffic and tools damaging the roof.

The grease that is disposed of on the rooftop is hazardous to most roof systems on the market. Animal grease prematurely deteriorates the roof, which causes the system to break down well before the end of its warranty term. In most commercial roof warranties, this is a reasonable exclusion.   

Over years of research and working with chemists, our Ure-A-Sil system has been installed over several fast food restaurants. The Ure-A-Sil system will perform even for a restaurant that deposits grease on the rooftop. While we do recommend a regular maintenance program, grease is not an exclusion from the warranty.

Process

First, the roof was pressure-washed using EcoCleaner 925 to remove any grease, dirt, dust, debris, and loose coatings. Cleaning is critical with any roof restoration installation, but even more critical for a roof with built-up grease. If the roof is not cleaned well, the system will not adhere.

Next, Urethane Brush-Grade Urethane 522, a thick waterproofing mastic, was used to seal all seams, fasteners, penetrations, and transitions.

Once the problem areas and flashing details were addressed, a base coat of Aromatic Urethane 520 was applied.

Finally, the American WeatherStar Approved Contractor applied a top coat of Silicone 410 to complete the project.

Result

While the main objective of this project was to stop leaks, proper treatment of the seams and other flashing details ensure the long-term success of this newly-installed system.

Once completed, the roof received an additional 12 years of warranty to protect it from any future leaking problems. For this previously leaking fast food industry roof, the Ure-A-Sil System was a more cost-effective alternative to a full roof replacement.