Metal Retrofit Roof Project

Bulmann Dock and Lift - Boyne City, MI

Completed Bulmann Dock and Lift metal retrofit roof in Boyne City, MI

Commercial Metal Retrofit Roof in Boyne City, MI

Springfield Roofing recently completed a metal retrofit roof for Bulmann Dock and Lift in Boyne City, Michigan. This project required a long-lasting, energy-efficient roofing solution designed to meet the needs of a high-performance manufacturing facility. Bulmann is a Michigan-based company known for engineering premium dock and lift systems that combine innovation, strength, and simplicity for waterfront living.

Project Details

Before picture of Bulmann Dock and Lift before a metal retrofit in Boyne City, MI

scope of work & The Challenge

When you think of northern Michigan, you think of the great outdoors and life on the lake. It is truly a lifestyle, and that is the foundation the Bulmann’s built their business on.  

Bulmann Dock & Lift is a family owned and operated boat lift, dock, and lakefront accessories manufacturing company located in Boyne City, Michigan. Through a rapidly growing network of dealers and customer needs, Bulmann Dock and Lift is able to serve the greater Midwest Region. That being said, Bulmann needed to ensure their production facility continues to meet the standards of the products they manufacture.  

The Boyne City facility, a metal commercial building, was continuously causing headaches for team members. From watching inclement weather to heat loss and water management, it was time for the team to explore a solution that would minimize disruptions and future headaches and maximize efficiency and quality.  

Bulmann Dock and Lift before a metal retrofit roof in Boyne City, MI
Bulmann Dock and Lift in Boyne City, MI metal retrofit roof in progress

Why a Metal Retrofit Was the Right Choice

Before starting the project, a comprehensive evaluation and inspection of the existing building structure was conducted to identify specific needs and challenges. Then a proposal was crafted and presented to the Bulmann team to ensure clarity and transparency of the project. Springfield focused on educating Bulmann about the retrofit’s benefits and process, maintaining open communication to facilitate informed decisions and a clear understanding of the project’s scope and expected outcomes.  

The Bulmann metal retrofit re-roof included the following:  

  • Removing any debris and attaching any loose metal decking 
  • Insulate between the metal decking’s ribs with new custom fit EPS styrene flute filler 
  • Install one layer of 1.5” polyisocyanurate insulation board 
  • Install 50 mil Duro-Last mechanically fastened and hot air welded membrane 
  • Add new double coated fasteners, edge detail, and custom manufactured penetration flashings 
  • Encapsulate the top of the parapet wall 
  • Install 45 lineal feet of vinyl coated metal retainers to protect heat stacks that exit the wall and the HVAC units on the ground from sliding snow 
  • Install a stainless-steel Springfield Ladder Rest™ 
Bulmann Dock and Lift in Boyne City, MI completed metal retrofit roof
Bulmann Dock and Lift in Boyne City, MI completed metal retrofit roof

Bulmann Dock & Lift Impacts & Outcome

The project manager at Bulmann praised the Springfield team for their exceptional service, noting their accommodating nature, punctuality, and seamless integration into the project without causing any business disruptions.  

Following the completion of the Springfield metal retrofit, Bulmann Dock and Lift has experienced significant improvements and cost savings across various aspects of the business: 

  • Energy Savings: The insulation added with this membrane system has improved the energy efficiency of the building. This enhancement has led to a substantial reduction in the need for space heaters in areas like their engineering department, thereby conserving energy and providing a more comfortable working environment.  
  • Enhanced Protection: The retrofit has resolved previous issues where water infiltrated the building and accumulated. The new system effectively channels water away, preventing interior water damage and exterior pooling.  
  • Risk Reduction: The retrofit has effectively eliminated the hazardous practice of employees having to manually remove ice from the metal roof, a task that previously posed significant safety risks.  
  • Equipment Longevity: The addition of gutters has addressed the issue of ice runoff, which previously resulted in damage to ground-level HVAC units during Michigan’s harsh winters. This change has led to fewer repairs, contributing to overall cost savings.  

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Looking for a metal retrofit roof for your facility? Contact Springfield to schedule a free roof inspection.