Case Study - Paramount Theatre, Seattle

"The Paramount's Gaco roof sings, dances and rocks, and is the essential ingredient in providing a home for the performing arts at our venue!" - Josh LaBelle, Executive Director

Problem: Rehabilitate 25 year-old built-up roof.

Solution: Gaco Western BUR-28-U/GS.

A Seattle fixture since 1928, the Paramount Theatre plays host to a wide variety of shows 300 nights a year. Recently restored to its original splendor, the interior of the theater sparkles with gold decoration and plush seating.

By the summer of 2004, the roof on the theater was also ready for renovation. Leaks had developed over the auditorium section, with one particularly determined leak over the stage area.

The tower roof, located over the main entrance, was in better shape. Although this section was not leaking, the existing roof system was old and needing repair.

In order to provide effective waterproofing, the new roof system needed to be durable and require minimal maintenance. Gaco Western specification BUR-28-U/GS met both of these requirements.

The first step was to prepare the existing substrate for coating with GacoFlex materials. Walker Specialty Construction, Inc. was selected as the applicator, and work began in August of 2004.

The existing 25 year-old built-up roof had been applied in wet weather, resulting in blisters between layers of tar and felt. Before installation work could proceed, blisters were cut out by hand to ensure proper adhesion of the applied coating.

The Walker crew also repaired a crack along the east side of the roof, first removing the flashing and then filling the gap with caulk. Neoprene sheet completed the repair and ensured against further leaks.

With the preparation work completed, GacoFlex E-5320 Epoxy Primer was applied over all roof surfaces. All metal flashing was replaced and taped using GacoFlex U-66 urethane coating and polyester tape.

Next, a base coat of GacoFlex U-66 urethane was spray-applied at a rate of 2.5 gallons per hundred square feet. GacoFlex U-66 urethane provides the ultimate in toughness and tensile strength as a basecoat.

When the base coat cured, the Walker crew sprayed GacoFlex S-1000 silicone topcoat at a rate of 1.25 gallons per hundred square feet. The superb weatherability of the S-1000 silicone topcoat ensures long-lasting waterproofing.

Work on both the auditorium and tower sections was completed in October of 2004. The Paramount was able to maintain a normal performance schedule throughout the installation process, without any loss in revenue due to the work on the roof.

There have been no problems with leaks since the work was completed. The installed GacoFlex roof system can be relied upon to protect the beautiful restoration work for many years to come.

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