YWCA School Miami Gardens
RHI Roofing Takes Action to Replace Failing Roof at YWCA School in Miami Gardens, Florida
YWCA, the oldest and largest women’s movement, is a cornerstone of support for women and their families in our community. The YWCA School in Miami Gardens, Florida, is a vital institution that creates a safe and nurturing environment for young children. Recognizing the need to enhance the school’s infrastructure, Vercetti Enterprises, a renowned general contractor, engaged RHI Roofing to undertake critical enhancements to the school’s roofing system. This project aimed to ensure the safety, durability, and energy efficiency of the school’s facilities, ultimately supporting its students’ well-being and educational experience.
Project Scope of Work:
The YWCA School re-roofing project involved the comprehensive installation of a new GAF asphalt roof system, which included 13 roof sections totalling 166 squares. The previous roof, an 8-year-old modified hot-mopped system, had deteriorated prematurely due to a poor-quality installation, resulting in persistent leaks and water damage that affected the building’s interior since it was originally built. Given the presence of young children, minimizing disruption and ensuring safety were paramount.
RHI Roofing’s approach began with carefully removing the old roofing materials down to the concrete deck. The team applied a GAF Matrix primer to prepare the deck, followed by hot mopping in Type IV asphalt two layers of 2-inch poly-iso insulation, achieving an R-value of 22.8, which significantly improved energy efficiency. Hot mop Crickets between the drains and behind the RTU units were used to promote positive drainage.
The installation continued with a 95 Mils GAF Stratavent perforated base sheet, spot mopped to the insulation, and a full mopping of a 130 Mils GAF Ruberoid Mop Smooth ply sheet and 95 Mils GAF Mineral Surface cap sheet. Cant strips and 2-ply wall flashings were installed at all transitions, with counter flashing, coping caps, and drip edges installed. The new roofing system was meticulously designed to align with the building’s original design specifications, ensuring durability and insulation while accommodating the mechanical equipment located on the rooftop.
Overcoming Challenges:
The project’s success relied heavily on executing the work with minimal disruption to the school’s daily operations. Recognizing the need to minimize the impact of construction noises and odors from hot mopping asphalt, the roofing crew adopted a unique schedule, commencing work at 3 AM to complete the tear-off before the students arrived. Work was concluded by 1 PM each day, and weekends were utilized to address roofing areas facing the courtyard, reducing exposure during peak school hours.
RHI Roofing strictly followed safety standards by implementing comprehensive measures, including safety screens, guardrails, warning lines, and harness systems. Since the school remained fully operational during the week, enhanced safety protocols were essential to protect students and staff. A guardrail installed around the building’s perimeter provided crucial fall protection for workers, while safety screens around the parapet walls reduced dust and visual exposure for those inside the school. To address odor issues from the hot tar kettles, HVAC air intakes were covered with charcoal filters, and scheduled shutdowns were conducted. Additionally, granulated walk pads were installed in high-traffic areas to protect the new roofing system.
Project Results:
The YWCA School re-roofing project addressed the immediate need for a new, reliable roofing system and reinforced the school’s commitment to providing a safe and conducive learning environment. Completed on time and within budget, the project underscores RHI Roofing’s dedication to quality, safety, and community impact. The new GAF roofing system, backed by a 20-year Diamond Pledge NDL warranty and supported by annual maintenance from RHI Roofing, ensures the YWCA School can continue to serve its students and staff with confidence for many years to come.