PROJECT SHOWCASE

Flat Roof Tear-Off & Full Replacement

Built-Up Roof Removal • Deck Repair • Title 24 Cool Roof System

Project Overview

Project Type
Flat Roof Replacement

Scope of Work
Full tear-off, deck repair, foam coating with gravel ballast removal

Roof System
Title 24 Cool Roof System

BEFORE

The Problem — Aging, Failed Roofing System

This commercial flat roof had reached the end of its serviceable life. The existing built-up roofing (BUR) system — a multi-layer assembly of tar, felt, and gravel ballast — had deteriorated significantly over the years, leading to chronic leaks, standing water, and structural vulnerability in the underlying roof deck.

Conditions Found Before Work Began

Severely aged and cracked built-up roofing membrane with widespread blistering and alligatoring
Gravel ballast displacement and separation, exposing the underlying felt layers
Active moisture infiltration through failed seams, pipe boots, and edge flashings
Rotted and deteriorated plywood roof deck in multiple areas requiring replacement
Outdated and improperly sealed HVAC penetrations and vent pipe flashings
Evidence of long-term ponding water causing delamination of membrane layers
Safety hazards due to unstable footing from loose gravel and soft spots in the deck

The extent of the damage required a complete system tear-off rather than a patch repair — attempting to apply a new coating over the failed membrane would have trapped moisture and accelerated further deterioration.

DURING

The Process — Professional Tear-Off & Deck Restoration

The Tom Byer Roofing team mobilized with a full crew, service truck, and dedicated debris container. Safety cones and caution tape were deployed at street level to protect pedestrians and vehicles. The work area was draped with protective sheeting to contain debris and prevent damage to the building exterior during the tear-off phase.

Work Performed

Complete tear-off of the existing gravel ballast and built-up roofing membrane down to the structural deck
Thorough inspection of the entire plywood roof deck to identify soft, rotted, or structurally compromised areas
Removal and replacement of damaged plywood deck sections with new structural-grade plywood panels, properly fastened and secured
Installation of new pipe boot flashings around all penetrations to ensure watertight seals
Preparation and priming of the clean deck surface in advance of the new roofing system installation
All debris hauled away and disposed of responsibly — job site left clean and safe at the end of each work day

AFTER

The Result — A Title 24 Cool Roof System Installation

The completed installation showcases a pristine Title 24 Cool Roof System — one of the most advanced, energy-efficient, and durable flat roofing solutions available today. Compliant with California’s Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards, the brilliant white reflective surface is seamless, fully adhered, and provides a continuous waterproof barrier across the entire roof plane.

Completed Work — Key Highlights

Title 24 Cool Roof System installed — California’s energy efficiency standard for high-performance commercial roofing
Bright white reflective coating dramatically reduces heat absorption and lowers cooling costs
All pipe penetrations and HVAC curbs professionally flashed and sealed with matching white materials
Seamless surface eliminates the joints and seams where traditional roofs most commonly fail
New roof deck in excellent condition, providing a solid structural foundation for the new system
Clean, professional finish that enhances curb appeal and property value
Roof life expectancy extended by 20+ years with proper maintenance

Why a Title 24 Cool Roof System?

California’s Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards set the benchmark for high-performance commercial roofing — and the Title 24 Cool Roof System meets and exceeds those requirements. Applied as a spray polyurethane foam (SPF) that expands into a seamless, fully adhered membrane, this system delivers superior insulation (R-6.5 per inch), self-flashing around all penetrations, and a highly reflective white topcoat that can reduce rooftop temperatures by up to 80°F. The result is a dramatic reduction in cooling loads, lower energy bills, and a roof that can be re-coated and renewed indefinitely. For commercial property owners in California, it is the smart, code-compliant choice.

Ready for a Roof That Lasts?

Tom Byer Roofing Service has been protecting commercial and residential properties across Southern California for decades.