Historical Site Roofing

The Merion Golf Club

In the winter of 2005-2006 we were contacted through a former client regarding a very unique project. Merion Golf Club was requesting reroofing of its entire complex. Now, that’s no small task in itself, especially given the expansive older architecture (some of it dating back to 1824) which had to be very carefully addressed. But the real twist was in the schedule under which it was to be completed. The officials at Merion were asking that the project be started in late January ‘06 and completed by mid March of ‘06, 1 month before their season opened.

Over the years Merion Golf Club has held more USGA championships than any other venue. It was the crown jewel of the pro tour in the 1930s and 40s when the likes of Bobby Jones and Ben Hogan (the first generation of golf superstars) were busy writing their legends. The history at Merion is so thick you can cut it with a one iron (and Hogan did just that on the 18th hole). It is easily the most revered course in this country. We knew the site was nothing less than golf’s hallowed ground to be respected from all angles throughout this massive project.

This would require precision coordination between our roof tear off crews, roofing crews, sheet metal roofing crews as well as scaffolding and debris removal contractors. The backdrop to this organizational challenge was of course sub freezing weather generating snow, ice and bone chilling wind. If it snowed we removed it from the roof. If it there was ice on the roof (and scaffolding) we carefully removed that too. If the wind howled causing dangerous flesh killing wind chills we added more clothing. No if, ands, or buts…..the job had to be done and done on time.

The roofing at Merion was of course designed to meet with the very highest of performance and aesthetic standards. To satisfy that demand Cooper Roofing Corporation provided Certainteed’s Grand Manor shingles including their 50 year ‘approved applicator’ warranty (not every roofing contractor can provide this service). Along with the shingle surfaces were large areas of low slope roofing where standing seam metal roofing was specified. Only lead coated copper sheet metal was used on both the shingle roof built in gutters and low slope roofing. Firestone EPDM (rubber) roofing was utilized also.

The shingle tear off included removing 3 layers of asphalt shingles and one layer of wood shingles. Under all those layers of roofing were only intermittent strips of lath over which we had to attach new solid plywood sheathing. We also incorporated an innovative ventilation system, which we designed ‘on the fly’, to provide for much needed roof ventilation while meeting the shingle manufacturer’s requirements (without the ventilation the 50 year shingle warranty would be void).

In March of 2006, less than 3 months after starting, this massive project was completed as specified….despite winter’s worst! If you have a project (big or small) with a demanding schedule please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Cooper Roofing Corporation - 610.275.7663 (ROOF)