Project Spotlight: Restoring The Roof on St. Matthew’s Church in St. Paul, MN

Englund Roofing was able to complete a full roof replacement and restore the church’s flat roofing, allowing it to defend the building for years to come. We backed the project with a 20-year manufacturer warranty, giving the St. Matthew’s community total peace of mind.

At St. Matthew’s Church in St. Paul, we encountered a common but complex issue found in many historic Twin Cities commercial buildings: system layering. The existing roof was composed of two failing systems—an original “hot roof” (built-up) topped with an aging, deteriorated TPO membrane.

The Problem: A “Roof Sandwich”

These layers were trapping moisture and adding unnecessary weight to the structure. To provide a permanent solution, a simple patch or overlay wasn’t enough; a complete “back to basics” approach was required.

• Location: St. Paul, MN
• Project Type: Commercial Flat Roof Replacement
• System: 60 Mil EPDM Ballasted Rubber

Our Process: Precision from the Deck Up

1. Full Multi-Layer Tear-Off

Our crew performed a comprehensive tear-off, removing both the failed TPO membrane and the original hot roof. We stripped the surface down to the structural cement deck. This is a critical step often skipped by generalists, but for a specialist, ensuring the structural substrate is clean and stable is non-negotiable.

2. Deck Inspection & Thermal Preparation

With the cement deck exposed, we conducted a full structural integrity inspection. Following the inspection, we installed new commercial-grade insulation. This wasn’t just about protection; it was about significantly improving the church’s thermal performance to handle Minnesota’s extreme 100 degree summers and -20 degree winters.

3. The Solution: 60 Mil Ballasted EPDM

We selected a 60 mil EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer) rubber roofing system for its legendary longevity.

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    The Ballast Advantage: By using a ballasted (stone-weighted) system, we provided the church with a roof that excels in UV protection and wind uplift resistance, all while maintaining a low-maintenance profile that fits a community budget.

The Result: Guaranteed Protection

The project was completed with a focus on long-term durability. By doing the hard work of a full tear-off and choosing high-performance EPDM, we were able to secure a 20-year manufacturer warranty.

St. Matthew’s Church now stands with a EPDM roof that is energy-efficient, structurally sound, and ready to withstand the next two decades of St. Paul weather.

Does your commercial building have hidden layers causing leaks? Contact the St. Paul Flat Roofing Specialists today for an expert evaluation of your structural deck. Check out our Google Business Page to see our Reviews.