H.C. Anderson Roofing is your trusted roofing partner for large-scale commercial projects across Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. One of our recent jobs took us to Freeport, IL, where we were brought in as a subcontractor to handle a flat roof replacement at the Lincoln Towers, a high-rise residential complex.

Project Overview

Lincoln Towers is a 100-unit apartment complex located at 320 N. Harlem Ave in Freeport, IL. The property features two connected 9-story buildings. The scope included complete removal of the existing flat roofs and replacement with a TPO roofing system on both towers.

The Challenge

Flat roofs on high-rise buildings are constantly exposed to extreme weather conditions. This includes everything from high winds and precipitation to Illinois’ wide range of temperature extremes. The existing roofs on each of the towers had reached the end of their service life. They needed to be replaced to protect the interior from water leaks and maximize the overall energy efficiency of the property.

Our Process:

Existing Roof Removal

We began by removing all existing layers of the previous roofing system. This process requires a good deal of coordination on a high-rise property to make sure all the debris makes it safely to our dump trucks. It is also important we have a clear deck surface so that the insulation and membrane can be installed properly.

Vapor Barrier Installation

To protect against moisture intrusion and enhance energy performance, we installed a 725TR vapor barrier directly over the concrete deck. This material also protects the deck while it is exposed during the full installation process.

Cover Board Application

Next, we added a ½-inch DensDeck roof board. Adding this critical layer provides increased compressive strength to both the insulation and membrane layers. This is important to limit future damage from foot traffic and puncture events.

Tapered Insulation for Drainage

Our contract called for the use of ¼” tapered polyiso insulation to achieve an average R-30 thermal value. Compared to traditional flat polyiso board, the tapered system is better for directing stormwater to designated rain points. This is in addition to the standard insulation properties of polyiso boards to keep energy from escaping the building through the roof.

TPO Membrane Installation

For the final protective layer, we applied a 60-mil Versico TPO membrane using the RhinoBond mechanical attachment system. We recommend this type of installation because it reduces the number of fasteners penetrating the membrane, which helps minimize potential leak points. Another major benefit of mechanically attached membranes is their superior wind uplift protection.

Why TPO? Why RhinoBond?

Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) is one of the most popular commercial roofing materials today due to its excellent weatherability, energy efficiency, and reflectivity. Pairing this material with a RhinoBond attachment system offers a combination of roof strength, energy efficiency, and longevity.

Looking for a Commercial Roofing Contractor?

Whether you’re managing a high-rise residential building, industrial facility, or retail property, H.C. Anderson Roofing is ready to provide the best service and materials for your roof. Based in Rockton, IL, we serve businesses across Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin.