The Athens Community Center in Athens, Ohio, serves as a vital hub for the community. From hosting fitness classes, child care programs, and private events to providing a community art gallery, the center enriches the lives of residents across all ages. However, when leaks in the aging roofing system began threatening operations, facility leaders swiftly initiated plans to address the issue, prioritizing sustainability.

The City of Athens envisioned a roofing solution that would align with its sustainability goals. Leaders requested the recycling of the existing roof materials and the integration of solar panels to offset growing energy costs. These measures reflected the city’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions by 50% within the next decade.

Damschroder Roofing, utilizing Duro-Last’s Recycle Your Roof program, executed a comprehensive solution that met the city’s sustainability and functional goals.

• Roof Removal and Recycling:
  • 47,000 square feet of old membrane was removed and recycled into commercial flooring, walkway pads, and concrete expansion joints.
• New Installation:
  • 18,000 square feet of ½” DensDeck coverboard installed to support solar panels.
  • 60 mil Duro-Tuff® membrane mechanically attached for durability and energy efficiency.
• Safety Measures:
  • 12 tie-off points added to ensure crew safety throughout the installation process.
• Solar Expansion:
  • More than 1,300 U-Anchors installed to support 1,800 square feet of solar panels, contributing to offsetting approximately 80% of the facility’s electricity needs.

The Athens Community Center is a model for sustainable infrastructure. The project showcases how community-focused spaces can integrate environmental responsibility without compromising functionality. The success of this initiative emphasizes the importance of innovative solutions in achieving both operational and sustainability goals.