When a commercial building owner in High Point, NC needed to add a commercial kitchen, the existing EPDM ballasted roof was still in serviceable condition—but it lacked the necessary roof curbs for new HVAC and exhaust equipment. Rather than replacing the entire roof system prematurely, we designed and installed multiple custom roof curbs to support the kitchen expansion while preserving the functional membrane beneath.
This project on Regency Drive demonstrates an often-overlooked aspect of commercial roof modifications: adaptive installations that extend roof life while accommodating tenant improvements or equipment upgrades.
Why High Point Commercial Buildings Need Custom Roof Curbs
Commercial kitchens require substantial rooftop penetrations for makeup air units, exhaust hoods, and HVAC systems. In High Point’s climate, where thermal cycling and UV exposure already stress roofing membranes, improperly installed curbs accelerate failure through water infiltration, membrane tearing around flashing, and compromised insulation layers.
On this aged but functional EPDM ballasted roof, we carefully marked curb locations to avoid existing seams and drainage paths, then cut precise openings through the membrane and ballast layer. Each curb was structurally integrated with the roof deck, sealed with compatible EPDM flashing, and detailed to shed water away from penetrations—critical in ballasted systems where water migration under the membrane can go undetected for years.
What High Point Building Owners Should Know About Roof Modifications vs. Replacement
Not every tenant improvement requires a full roof replacement. When the base membrane remains watertight and the insulation layer is dry, strategic modifications like curb installations offer a cost-effective path forward. We assessed this roof’s condition, confirmed minimal ponding water and no widespread membrane deterioration, then proceeded with targeted cuts rather than a complete tearoff.
This approach saves substantial capital expense while meeting code requirements for new equipment. We’ll continue scheduled maintenance on this roof—monitoring seams, clearing drains, inspecting curb flashing—until the membrane naturally ages out, at which point replacement becomes the better investment.
The photos document our methodical process: the original ballasted surface, precision cutting during installation, and finished curbs properly flashed and sealed. Each curb now provides a watertight, code-compliant platform for kitchen equipment without compromising the underlying roof assembly.
Why Sunny Sky Roofing for Commercial Roof Modifications
We’ve completed hundreds of commercial roofing projects across the areas we service, and we understand when modification makes more financial sense than replacement. Our technical approach preserves your roofing investment while enabling necessary building improvements.
If you’re planning tenant improvements, equipment upgrades, or additions that affect your commercial roof in High Point or the surrounding Triad area, contact us for an honest assessment. Call (336) 523-2103 or reach out through our contact page to discuss your project requirements and explore the most cost-effective path forward.
