Project profile: Girdler Elementary School

By Duro-Last.

This 66,000-square-foot project is a prime example of using Duro-Last products to create a sustainable and safe roof.  

Over in Girdler, Kentucky, one elementary school was facing some challenges. The staff at Girdler Elementary School began noticing wear on their roof, including drainage issues and ponding water. So, they started looking for a contractor to help them replace their roof and protect their facilities. The last time they had gotten a new roof was more than two decades ago and it had been a Duro-Last membrane. Wanting their new roof to last equally as long, they partnered with JBK Commercial Roofing to replace it with another, new, high-performance Duro-Last system.

The project began with the removal of the existing Duro-Last membrane, which was carefully stripped from the roof and prepared for shipment back to Duro-Last for recycling. “We diverted 6,600 pounds of material from the landfill, repurposing it into commercial-grade vinyl flooring,” explained Gary Peters, general manager at JBK Roofing. “The school board was thrilled to see this kind of environmental stewardship in action.”

JBK collaborated closely with Duro-Last’s Engineering Services team to design a tapered insulation system to resolve the drainage problems. “The old roof didn’t have the slope to move water efficiently, which led to standing water in valleys,” Gary said. The new design incorporated tapered Duro-Guard® ISO tapered insulation, directing water to strategically placed drains despite the irregular layout of the roof.

Once the insulation installation was complete, Duro-Tuff 60 mil charcoal and white membrane was induction welded to the surface, creating a watertight finish over the entire 66,000-square-foot roof. Finally, custom Duro-Last components including gutters, downspouts, 2-Piece Snap-On Compression, termination bars and flat copings completed the installation. Additional features such as roof drains, ROOF-TRAK III walkway pads and Knucklehead extensions enhanced functionality and safety.

Working while school was in session required careful coordination. “We maintained clear communication with the staff at Girdler Elementary to ensure our work didn’t disrupt the school day,” Gary said. The crew of eight-to-12 workers carefully staged materials to keep pathways and playgrounds clear, ensuring the safety of students and staff throughout the project’s 45-day duration.

Sustainability was a standout feature of this project, which is why it is featured as one of Duro-Last's 2024 sustainability awardees. To commemorate the recycling effort, Duro-Last and JBK presented the Knox County School Board with a plaque featuring a piece of recycled vinyl flooring. “This project goes beyond providing a roof — it’s about making an impact for future generations,” said Tim Melton, director of facilities for Knox County Public Schools.

After passing Duro-Last’s rigorous inspection process, the project was awarded a 20-Year NDL warranty, providing peace of mind for the school district. “This roof brings the entire building under one cohesive system, resolving drainage issues and preparing the school for decades of use,” Tim added.

Make sure to watch this video to learn more about this project and to see the roof for yourself!

Original article and photo source: Duro-Last