Location: Fremont, Ohio
Facility Type: Historic -Presidential Library & Museum
Size: 22,000Sqft
System: TaperedPolyiso+ 50 mil Fleece-Adhered Duro-Last System
Completion: Following storm damage in 2023
Warranty: 20-Year NDL Material & Labor Warranty
Project Overview
This project involved a full roof tear-off and replacement at the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums—the very first presidential library in the United States. Built in 1916, this landmark in Fremont, Ohio houses irreplaceable historical archives, artifacts, and personal collections from President Hayes himself.
What began as a routine repair escalated into a full tear-off project after a fallen tree during an August windstorm created a significant breach in the roof, soaking the insulation and substrate below. With public safety, priceless contents, and historical integrity on the line, this was a job where precision, protection, and planning were critical.
Scope of Work
Emergency Response & Assessment
- Responded same-day to storm damage caused by a fallen tree
- Secured and temporarily waterproofed structure to prevent further damage
- Revised project from partial repair to full tear-off due to water saturation
Roof Tear-Off & Replacement
- Removed EPDM rubber membrane and compromised insulation
- Installed tapered polyiso insulation to improve drainage performance
- Fully adhered 50 mil Duro-Last fleece-backed membrane
- Integrated new parapets and wall terminations for a watertight enclosure
Drainage Engineering
- Collaborated with Duro-Last engineers to create a customized tapered system
- In some areas, applied up to 9 inches of additional insulation to achieve proper slope
- Resolved extensive ponding issues that affected 80% of roof wings
Challenges & Solutions
Challenge
- Priceless, irreplaceable artifacts inside
- Ponding across 80% of roof area
- Storm-related structural damage and scope shift
- Public safety and heavy foot traffic at a high-profile site
Solution
- Maintained watertight tie-ins at all stages of work; used real-time weather tracking; sequenced installs to protect museum contents at all times
- Engineered custom tapered insulation system with Duro-Last to divert water to drains efficiently
- Rapid response to emergency leak; adjusted project plan and mobilized for a complete tear-off
- Developed a low-footprint staging area; rerouted pedestrian traffic around work zones; maintained visitor access during all phases
Results & Community Impact
The success of this project was about more than installing a new roof—it was about preserving a national treasure. The museum remained operational and safe during construction, and its collections stayed dry and secure despite the unpredictable weather and scope changes.
With the new roofing system in place, the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center now enjoys enhanced energy efficiency, dependable drainage, and a long-term warranty that ensures protection for decades to come. This project was an honor to complete, and our team took that responsibility seriously—delivering results that matched the historical significance of the building itself.