The Cleveland Museum of Natural History has been known as one of the finest natural history museums in North America for more than 100 years, with the museum hosting more than 375,000 total visitors during the year. Any construction project on-site requires careful coordination to prioritize safety and minimize disruption. As the museum prepared for a new building addition, they needed a roofing contractor who was up to the challenge.
The museum needed a cutting-edge roofing solution for its addition that would combine durability, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Warren Roofing® proposed a TPO (thermoplastic olefin) roof installation to achieve the project goals.
This project presented several challenging aspects that required careful consideration and strategic problem solving. One notable difficulty was the need to tie-in the new TPO roof membrane with the existing building, ensuring a seamless and watertight connection between the old and new structures. This posed challenges in terms of logistics and coordination.
There was also the craftsmanship challenge of integrating sheet metal to complement the extensive Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC) panels. Achieving a harmonious aesthetic blend between these different materials demanded a high level of skill and precision to maintain both the structural cohesion and visual integrity.
Project Manager: John Arsena
Leading Foreman: Gabe Klemola
Sheet Metal Foreman: Brenden Kutchko
The Status: Completed in October 2023
Our team successfully installed a new TPO roof spanning a 33,200-square-foot addition at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. The installation involved strategically tying our new membrane to the existing building in multiple phases. The comprehensive roof system comprised a vapor barrier, fully tapered polyiso, and the TPO membrane. The sheet metal integration was a crucial aspect of the project, requiring a seamless tie-in to complement the GFRC panels.
This meticulous coordination ensured not only the structural cohesion of the entire installation but also a harmonious aesthetic blend between the sheet metal elements and the GFRC panels. The careful attention to detail in the tie-in process speaks to the project’s commitment to achieving a cohesive and visually pleasing outcome, enhancing the overall architectural integrity of the museum. The successful integration of sheet metal not only contributes to the project’s functionality but also elevates the aesthetic appeal, creating a united and well-integrated exterior facade.
The implemented roof system has not only fortified the museum’s infrastructure but also significantly enhanced energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
The museum appreciated our commitment to excellence, which has played a pivotal role in preserving the integrity of its valuable exhibits and ensuring the long-term resilience of their institution. The client specifically commended the team’s meticulous approach to tying the new membrane to the existing building in multiple phases.
Our team’s success underscores our expertise and capabilities, and our ability to navigate complex tasks while delivering a high quality and visually appealing roofing solution.
