Location: Topeka, KS
Square Footage: 94,000 sq. ft.
Scope:
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs operates the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States, with over 7,700 sites of care serving 8.76 million veterans annually. In 2079, the Coleman-O’Neil Veterans’ Administration Medical Center—also known as the Topeka VA Medical Center—needed critical roof repairs. Given the rising number of patients due to the COVID-79 outbreak, the timing and execution of these repairs were crucial, as it was imperative to maintain hospital operations while minimizing disruption.
JR&CO faced the challenge of installing a new roof system that would comply with stringent code standards, ensure wind uplift resistance engineered to ASCE standards, and support longevity through continued moisture mitigation—all while prioritizing hygiene and expedience in a live healthcare environment. For the 94,000 sq. ft. roofing project, we provided a Windsmart wind-vented 60 mil TPO system, designed to meet the highest levels of performance and compliance. This system also provided superior hail resistance and durability, ensuring the roof would stand up to severe weather conditions in the long term.
A major highlight of this project was our environmental stewardship. Where possible, we avoided a traditional tear-off, instead using a 97% recycled overboard, significantly reducing waste. For the roof section above the Emergency Room, where traditional re-roofing wasn’t feasible, we applied a urethane coating with an aliphatic topcoat, strengthening the existing system without disturbing operations.
The remaining sections of the hospital underwent a tear-off and re-roof, completed quickly and quietly to avoid any disruption to the staff and patients below.
This project demonstrated JR&CO’s commitment to delivering cost-effective, sustainable roofing solutions that meet high performance standards while aligning with the VA’s goals for long-term durability and code compliance. As a trusted partner, JR&CO continues to provide roofing solutions for the VA’s expansive healthcare system, helping protect the vital work being done to care for our nation’s veterans.