Springfield Roofing recently completed a metal retrofit roof for Short’s Brewing Company’s production facility in Elk Rapids, Michigan.
As a company known for crafting bold, creative beers, ciders, and seltzers, Short’s required a roofing solution that could keep up with the demands of its busy production environment. To meet these needs, we installed an upgraded system that offers long-lasting protection, enhanced energy efficiency, and performance specifically tailored to the facility’s unique layout. As a result, operations can continue running smoothly—regardless of the season.
The Short’s Brewing Company production facility originally had an exposed fastener metal roof with minimal insulation, which led to significant ice buildup in the winter. Additionally, due to the building’s design, there was no practical way to bring in large production equipment without major structural modifications. Inside, conditions were equally challenging—workers dealt with dim lighting and a constantly dripping ceiling caused by condensation.
We started with a complete evaluation of the facility and their specific needs. From there, we designed a solution that required us to build an 18′ x 18′ hatch on the roof to allow large equipment to be easily moved in and out of the production facility. This hatch was incorporated into a Springfield metal retrofit system.
We began with a full evaluation of the facility and its specific needs. Based on our findings, we designed a solution that included building an 18′ x 18′ hatch in the roof. This allowed large equipment to be easily moved in and out of the production area. The hatch was integrated into a custom Springfield metal retrofit system.
To address lighting issues, we installed 27 Apollo® Solar Light Pipes across the roof for daylighting—creating a brighter, healthier workspace for the brew staff. Next, we added insulation shaped to fit the profile of the existing metal roof. We also installed an additional layer of insulation board to help eliminate interior condensation.
Finally, we covered the roof with a custom-fit PVC membrane from Duro-Last and installed a lifeline fall-prevention system, ensuring safe roof access for future maintenance.
The hatch proved to be a successful addition to the brewery renovation, as it provided an efficient way to replace tanks and other large equipment. Additionally, the fall-protection system offers the brew staff a safe and convenient way to access the hatch in all weather conditions. Meanwhile, the Light Pipes were a big hit throughout the entire processing area, and their previous condensation issues have been completely resolved.
Over the years, our partnership with Short’s has grown. We’ve supported them with solar installation at the brewery, added daylighting at the brewpub, and completed numerous other renovation projects.
Additionally, Springfield Roofing completed a metal retrofit for the Stanwood Eagles Aerie in Stanwood, MI—a community-focused project similar in scope to our work at Short’s Brewing Company. Both facilities needed long-lasting, energy-efficient solutions tailored to their unique operations.
Looking for a metal retrofit roof for your facility? Contact Springfield to schedule a free roof inspection.
