Project Profile
R.B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museum, Fremont OH
A full tear-off and 50-mil Duro-Last fleece-adhered replacement at the first presidential library in the United States — completed after storm damage in 2023.
Location
Fremont, OH
Roof Area
22,000 sq. ft.
System
Tapered Polyiso + 50-mil Duro-Last
Warranty
20-Year NDL Material & Labor
Project Overview
Protecting A National Treasure
This project involved a full roof tear-off and replacement at the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museum — 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 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.
Watch the project: tree damage on a museum roof and the full tear-off that followed.
Scope Of Work
What We Delivered
01
Emergency Response & Assessment
Responded same-day to storm damage caused by a fallen tree, secured and temporarily waterproofed the structure, and revised the project from partial repair to full tear-off due to water saturation.
02
Roof Tear-Off & Replacement
Removed the EPDM rubber membrane and compromised insulation, then installed a fully adhered 50-mil Duro-Last fleece-backed membrane with new parapets and wall terminations for a watertight enclosure.
03
Drainage Engineering
Collaborated with Duro-Last engineers on a customized tapered polyiso system — applying up to 9 inches of additional insulation in some areas to achieve proper slope and divert water to drains efficiently.
04
Ponding Resolution
Resolved extensive ponding issues that had affected 80% of the roof wings, restoring dependable drainage across the entire historic structure.
Challenges & Solutions
Precision On A High-Stakes Historic Site
Challenge
Priceless, Irreplaceable Artifacts Inside
Solution
We maintained watertight tie-ins at all stages of work, used real-time weather tracking, and sequenced installs to protect the museum’s contents at all times.
Challenge
Ponding Across 80% Of The Roof Area
Solution
We engineered a custom tapered insulation system with Duro-Last to divert water to drains efficiently and eliminate long-standing ponding.
Challenge
Storm Damage And A Shifting Project Scope
Solution
We responded rapidly to the emergency leak, adjusted the project plan, and mobilized for a complete tear-off instead of the originally planned repair.
Challenge
Public Safety At A High-Traffic Historic Site
Solution
We developed a low-footprint staging area, rerouted pedestrian traffic around work zones, and maintained visitor access during all phases of construction.
Results & Community Impact
“It was about more than installing a new roof — it was about preserving a national treasure.”— Technique Roofing project team
The museum remained operational and safe during construction, and its collections stayed dry and secure despite 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.
- 22,000 sq. ft. full tear-off and replacement
- Custom tapered polyiso with up to 9" added insulation
- Ponding resolved across 80% of roof wings
- 20-year NDL material and labor warranty
Historic & Institutional Roofing
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