Flat Roof Replacement in Anoka, MN: Trinity Episcopal Church
Minnesota commercial roofs must withstand heavy snow, freezing temperatures, spring moisture, summer heat, and powerful storms. When Trinity Episcopal Church in Anoka, MN, needed to replace its aging flat roof, the church selected Englund Roofing for a complete commercial roofing upgrade. The Flat Roof Replacement in Anoka included removal of the existing ballasted EPDM system, installation of additional insulation, and replacement with a 60-mil RhinoBond TPO roofing system backed by a 20-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Removing the aging ballasted EPDM roof
The original roof used a ballasted EPDM system. This type of roofing uses river rock or other ballast to hold the membrane in place rather than relying solely on exposed fasteners.
Although ballasted systems have been used successfully on commercial buildings, they can become difficult to inspect and maintain as the roof ages. The weight of the ballast can also make repairs and future roof work more challenging.
For this Anoka Trinity Episcopal Church project, our crew carefully removed the ballast and tore off the existing EPDM membrane. We then prepared the roof area for the new commercial roofing system.
Improving energy performance with R-30 insulation
Before installing the new membrane, Englund Roofing added 2.6 inches of high-quality insulation. This increased the roof assembly’s average thermal performance to approximately R-30.
Improving roof insulation can help a commercial building maintain more consistent indoor temperatures throughout the year. For a Minnesota facility, that can be especially valuable during cold winters and hot summer weather.
The new insulation also helped create a properly prepared surface for the TPO membrane installation.
Installing a 60-mil RhinoBond TPO Roofing system
The finished roof uses a 60-mil RhinoBond TPO membrane. RhinoBond secures the membrane to specially designed plates beneath the roofing material using electromagnetic induction welding.
This installation method helps limit penetrations through the waterproof membrane while creating a secure attachment system for the roof assembly.
TPO was a strong fit for this flat roof replacement because it offers several benefits for commercial buildings in the Anoka and Twin Cities area:
- Cold-weather flexibility: TPO membranes are designed to remain flexible through temperature changes and freezing conditions.
- Reflective surface: The white membrane helps reflect sunlight and can reduce heat absorption during summer.
- Puncture and tear resistance: A 60-mil membrane provides a durable layer for a demanding commercial roof environment.
- Heat-welded seams: Hot-air-welded seams join membrane sections into a continuous watertight surface.
- Secure attachment: RhinoBond technology attaches the membrane without relying on exposed fasteners through the membrane field.
Flat Roof Replacement with a 20-year manufacturer’s warranty
The completed roofing system includes a 20-year manufacturer’s warranty. Warranty terms and coverage depend on the final roofing assembly, installation requirements, inspections, and manufacturer conditions.
For Trinity Episcopal Church, the warranty provides an additional layer of confidence in the new commercial roof system.
Commercial roofing in Anoka and the Twin Cities
This project demonstrates how a complete flat roof replacement can improve a building’s durability, insulation performance, and long-term maintainability.
Englund Roofing provides commercial flat roofing services for churches, offices, facilities, and other buildings throughout Anoka and the Twin Cities area. If your commercial roof is aging, leaking, difficult to maintain, or inadequately insulated, a professional roof inspection can help determine whether repair, restoration, or replacement is the right option.
Contact Englund Roofing to schedule a commercial roof inspection in Anoka, MN, or the surrounding Twin Cities area.
Flat Roofing FAQ section
What is a ballasted EPDM roof?
A ballasted EPDM roof uses heavy rock or another ballast material to hold the roofing membrane in place. When the system reaches the end of its service life, replacing it typically involves removing the ballast and existing membrane before installing the new roof assembly.
Why was TPO selected for this project?
TPO offers a reflective surface, heat-welded seams, and resistance to common commercial roofing stresses. Its flexibility and weather-resistant design make it a practical option for many flat roofs in Minnesota.
What does 60-mil TPO mean?
The term “60-mil” refers to the nominal thickness of the TPO membrane. A thicker membrane can provide additional resistance to punctures, tears, and job-site wear, although the overall roof assembly and installation quality are also important.
What does R-30 insulation mean?
R-30 describes the approximate thermal resistance of the roof insulation assembly. Higher R-values generally indicate greater resistance to heat flow, but actual energy performance also depends on air sealing, HVAC systems, building use, and other factors.
How long is the roof warranty?
The roofing system installed at Trinity Episcopal Church includes a 20-year manufacturer’s warranty. Exact coverage is governed by the manufacturer’s warranty document and applicable maintenance and inspection requirements.