Kemper System names Albany Egg project of the year, roof installation

Albany, NY The Egg, the performing arts center in the city’s historic Empire State Plaza, was named “Project of the Year” by Kemper System America, Inc. for a challenging roof restoration and installation of a new ‘Cool Roof’ last year.

The Egg is home to two theaters totaling 1,432 seats, so a durable and dependable roof system was essential. The building is now protected with a cold liquid-applied reinforced membrane system known as Kemperol Reflect 2K FR, with a Solar Reflectance Index of 110, and the white matched to the original aesthetic of the roof. Originally built in 1978, the massive shell sits on a pedestal anchored to a reinforced concrete beam that extends six stories below the Plaza. The building is managed by New York State’s Office of General Services (OGS) which overlooks the plaza from their adjacent office space on the 35^th floor.

“We want to recognize the outstanding efforts of those involved in restoring the integrity of this cultural landmark and preserving it for years to come,” said Kemper System director of sales Joe Hoekzema. “In addition to OGS, this included Bell & Spina Architects – Planners, PC of Syracuse, N.Y.; Titan Roofing Inc. of Springfield, Mass.; moisture mitigation specialists AC Tech of Norfolk, Va., and manufacturer’s representative Building Envelope Technologies of Syracuse, N.Y,” he said.

When the existing 55,000 s/f roof began showing signs of wear in 2017, Bell & Spina investigated and developed specifications. The firm is an approved New York State vendor with over 30 years’ experience in building envelope rehabilitation and restoration. 

“We selected the Kemperol system for four main reasons,” said Bell & Spina principal Dennis Spina, AIA, RRC, REWC, REWO. “One was geometry: The roof goes from completely flat to a 6.5/12 pitch. So this one liquid-applied membrane system could protect the roof area and waterproof around gutters and areaway openings. Second, we liked that it was a ‘no odor’ resin system because there are air intakes on the roof. We also wanted a monolithic look since the roof is visible from offices above. Finally, we liked the history and longevity with the Kemperol product, and the fact that it could be recoated.” 

For over 60 years, Kemper Systems has been and continues to be a global industry leader in cold liquid-applied, reinforced roofing and waterproofing. Today the company’s full range of building envelope solutions protect against weather, preserve the integrity of surfaces, and enhance the energy savings, comfort and value of buildings. 

This encompasses Kemperol reinforced membrane systems, the company flagship for exterior and interior waterproofing, Roof Guardian elastomer-based roof coatings, COELAN traffic coating systems, Wall Guardian fibered acrylic air barrier, HeatBloc-ULTRATM radiant heat barrier and GreatSeal construction sealants.