Project profile: Clement Elementary

By Duro-Last. 

Learn about B&M Roofing’s installation of a custom Duro-Last and EXCEPTIONAL Metals roof system on a local school.  

Autryville, North Carolina, nestled along the banks of the South River in Sampson County, receives precipitation for about 1/3 of the year. While this is not much in comparison to places like Hilo, Hawaiʻi that see precipitation for over 2/3 of the year, it was enough to be a problem for the local school, Clement Elementary. 

Clement had struggled for years with severe roof leaks that caused disruption to classrooms and safety concerns for teachers and staff. Maria Rose, plant operations manager for Sampson County Schools, explained, “It was a constant issue. Every time it rained, we’d patch it up, but the leaks would always come back.” After struggling with this for years, they finally received enough grant funds in 2024 to finance a full roof replacement, which was done by B&M Roofing (based out of Raleigh). 

The reroofing project at Clement Elementary was complex, combining Duro-Last single-ply membrane with standing seam roof panels and wall panels from EXCEPTIONAL Metals. "The previous roof had an EPDM system that had deteriorated over time, and it was clear a complete tear-off was necessary," said Alton Rogerson, operations manager at B&M Roofing. For the flat portions of the roof, totaling 15,000 square feet, the assembly was removed down to the insulation, leaving two layers of 1.5-inch ISO. New tapered Duro-Guard ISO crickets were installed to ensure proper drainage before adding SECUROCK half-inch cover board and fully adhered Duro-Tuff 50 mil white membrane. 

The standing seam portion, covering 52,000 square feet, added another layer of complexity. Not only did the team need to ensure proper tie-ins between the single-ply and standing seam sections, they also had to install 7,500 square feet of wall panels. The wall and roof systems required multiple connection points, demanding careful planning and installation.

“While waiting for the metal panel delivery, we focused on getting the single-ply portion done first to ensure the building was dried in,” Alton said. This sequence allowed B&M to install edge terminations and offset cleats in preparation for the standing seam installation. 

First, B&M Roofing applied to the deck EXCEPTIONAL HT Underlayment, a high-temperature, self-adhering underlayment designed to protect against moisture and high-heat conditions, before installing the EM LockSeam® panels. While some panels were shipped in by truck, many of the panels were roll-formed on-site and crane lifted to the roof because of their length, ensuring a custom fit and preventing the need for mid-panel seams. 

The project also involved logistical challenges, as the school’s layout restricted access to certain areas. Much of the building was bordered by playgrounds and wooded areas, making it difficult to move materials. “We didn’t have good access to the back of the building,” Alton said. “Most of the work had to be done from the front, so we used a crane to get the materials where they needed to be.”  

Working while school was in session required close coordination with the school’s administration. “They did an excellent job of minimizing disruption,” said Mark Hammond, executive director of auxiliary services for Sampson County Schools. “B&M Roofing kept noise down during class times and never used cranes or lifts during school hours, which was a huge concern for us with students on campus.” Additionally, B&M installed overhead protection around egress doors and rerouted students to ensure safe access to playground areas during the work. 

A special moment during the project occurred when the school’s principal approached B&M with a unique request. He asked if the students could sign one of the roof panels before it was installed, marking the project as a lasting piece of the school’s history. B&M Roofing accommodated the request and the signed panel was placed on the roof, creating a meaningful connection between the students and the new roof. “The principal was thrilled that we could make that happen and it’s something the kids will always remember,” Alton said. 

Beyond the logistical challenges, the project also included unexpected discoveries. Once the metal roof was removed, B&M found that several skylights were in much worse condition than initially thought. “It wasn’t just a flashing issue,” Alton said. “The skylights themselves were causing leaks.” To address this, B&M reinforced the skylights by installing hat channels and two layers of 3/4-inch plywood before covering them with ice and water shield and Duro-Tuff 50 mil blue membrane.  

The installation process took approximately 3 1/2 months to complete, with B&M maintaining a crew size of eight to 10 workers on-site each day. In the end, they provided Clement Elementary with a comprehensive roofing solution covered by a 20-Year NDL warranty from Duro-Last as well as the highest available single-source warranty for the standing seam panels. 

The transformation was immediately visible. The striking blue standing seam roof gave the school a fresh, modern appearance, greatly enhancing its curb appeal. “It looks like a brand new building,” Maria said. “The colors came together beautifully, and we’ve had nothing but positive feedback from everyone who’s seen it.” More importantly, the leaks that had caused so many problems for years were finally gone. “The principal actually joked that he could finally get rid of all the trash cans they’d been using to catch water,” Alton said. 

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Original article and photo source: Duro-Last