Star Cinema Grill: 45,000 SF Over Mod Bit, and Not One Show Cancelled

The challenge

Each situation is different. While our process does not typically change, we often make adjustments in our plans when circumstances require that. While our process is usually considered non disruptive, we found out in this case that even the slightest noise can make an impact. Movie goers want quiet. Much to our surprise, we were notified that when we were moving our buckets of material, and placing them on the roof top, that due to their weight, it was creating enough noise so to be disruptive to movie goers.

Compared to traditional roofing, this is quiet, but even our process under these conditions interfered with the movie theater.

In order to accommodate our customer, we started early and stopped at 11:30 in the morning, when the first showings began. Since this process has flexibility, we were able to do the details, which required less movement of material, for the rest of the day. Additionally, we patched all existing leaks as temporary fixes to the existing problems they were having.

What we did

We restored the existing mod bit roof in place with a fluid-applied system, reinforced with fabric, across all 45,000 square feet. Every unit, curb, support and drain on that crowded deck was detailed into the system.

The choice to restore rather than replace was driven by the building's operation as much as by the roof's condition. A tear-off over a live auditorium means an open deck over a dark room full of equipment — not a risk worth taking when the existing membrane is sound enough to serve as a base.

The cost of restoration vs a new tear off was significant, and the cost to restore was lower than a single ply layover.

Why it matters

The theatre kept operating. Once we modified our approach, not a single showing was disrupted, no debris moved through public areas, and 45,000 square feet of roofing stayed out of a landfill.

One note on upkeep: a white roof only saves energy while it stays white. Houston air puts dirt on a reflective surface over time, so plan on washing the roof every four to five years to hold it at maximum reflectivity and efficiency.

Have a roof like this one?

Harvest restores commercial roofs across the Houston area — fluid-applied roofing and waterproofing over metal, single ply, modified bitumen and gravel-surfaced built-up systems. If your roof is aging and you want to know what it actually needs, we will come look at it.

Harvest · (281) 259-7099 · office@teamhis.com · harvestroofs.com