Port Authority Warehouse A

The View: Port Authority Warehouse A

High-Wind Roofing Protection Built for Long-Term Performance

After experiencing severe wind damage on three separate occasions, Port Authority Warehouse A needed a roofing solution capable of withstanding the demanding conditions along Lake Erie. Warren Roofing worked closely with the owner for more than two years to develop a standing seam metal roofing system designed to meet stringent wind uplift requirements while accommodating a future rooftop solar installation.

Despite challenging winter weather, evolving project requirements, and complex structural considerations, the team successfully delivered the project on time and within budget.

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The Job

High-Performance Standing Seam Metal Roof Replacement

The Port Authority Warehouse A project involved replacing a roofing system that had suffered repeated wind damage with a more resilient, long-term solution.

Warren Roofing collaborated with the owner and design team to develop a standing seam metal roof capable of meeting demanding wind uplift requirements while supporting future solar infrastructure.

The installation included 65-foot standing seam metal panels, custom-fabricated purlin extensions, and additional perimeter reinforcement. Each component was carefully considered to address wind and snow loads while preparing the structure for future rooftop improvements.

The Challenge

Engineering For Extreme Winds & Winter Conditions

Located along Lake Erie, the warehouse faces significant exposure to high winds. After three previous instances of severe roof damage, the primary challenge was developing a system that could meet the necessary wind uplift requirements and provide reliable long-term protection.

The project also required accommodating a future solar installation, introducing additional structural considerations. As construction approached, updated solar requirements called for further reinforcement and adjustments to the original installation plan.

Adding to the complexity, crews worked through one of the region’s most challenging winters, navigating freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall, and high winds. Maintaining progress while adapting to unpredictable weather required careful scheduling, flexibility, and consistent coordination.

The Team

Commercial Roofing & Sheet Metal Crew

Project Manager:

John Vetrovsky

Key Contributors:

Nick Treadway
Johnathan Tromler
Brian Seward

Project Scope: Standing Seam Metal Roof Replacement & Structural Reinforcement

Project Environment: Lakefront Industrial Warehouse

The project’s success depended on close collaboration between Warren Roofing’s field crews, the design team, construction manager, and other trades. As requirements evolved, the team worked together to implement solutions without compromising the schedule or quality of the installation.

The Process

Custom Solutions & Coordinated Execution

Executing the installation required careful planning, specialized equipment, and ongoing collaboration.

The team utilized an oversized crane to hoist 65-foot standing seam metal panels onto the roof, strategically positioning materials for efficient installation. Custom-fabricated purlin extensions were incorporated to help the system meet the required wind uplift performance criteria.

As additional details emerged regarding the future solar installation, crews adapted the structural reinforcement approach to accommodate the updated requirements. Unforeseen perimeter conditions also required additional reinforcement, which the team developed and installed while maintaining project momentum.

Throughout construction, Warren Roofing coordinated with other trades to manage overlapping schedules and changing site conditions. Despite significant winter weather challenges, the team maintained progress and delivered the completed project within the established timeline and budget.

Safety Approach

Protecting Crews Through Fall Prevention & Weather Awareness

Safety was a primary consideration throughout the project, particularly given the elevated work areas and unpredictable winds coming off Lake Erie.

Scaffolding was installed along the gutter edge, while perimeter barricades provided protection at other exposed roof edges. Crews were required to maintain 100% tie-off until the appropriate safety systems were in place.

Weather conditions were continuously evaluated, with daily work activities adjusted based on wind, snow, and temperature. This flexible approach allowed crews to prioritize safe working conditions while continuing to make progress whenever conditions permitted.

Sustainable Performance

Responsible Materials & Infrastructure Ready For The Future

Sustainability was incorporated into the project through responsible material management and long-term infrastructure planning.

Approximately 95% of the existing roofing system was recycled, significantly reducing the amount of demolition material sent to landfills. All new materials were also compliant with Build America, Buy America (BABA) requirements.

Additionally, the new roofing system was designed to accommodate a future solar installation, helping prepare the facility for potential renewable energy improvements without requiring another major roofing overhaul.

The Results

A Resilient Roofing System Delivered On Time & On Budget

After years of recurring wind damage, Port Authority Warehouse A now has a standing seam metal roofing system designed to address the facility’s demanding environmental conditions.

Through custom structural reinforcement, careful installation, and coordination with the project team, Warren Roofing delivered a solution engineered to meet wind uplift requirements while accommodating future solar infrastructure.

Despite unforeseen design adjustments and exceptionally difficult winter conditions, the project was completed on schedule and within budget.

The owner, design team, and construction manager all expressed strong satisfaction with the outcome, recognizing the team’s ability to overcome complex challenges and deliver a high-quality finished product.

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