Commercial Roofing Project for Minerva Valley Telephone Company

Project Overview

Type of Project: Commercial Roof Replacement and Solar Panel Detach & Reset
Client’s Initial Challenge or Need: Minerva Valley Telephone Company needed a full roof replacement on their commercial building. The main challenge was ensuring the work was done to the highest standard, especially since the roof housed an existing solar energy system that needed to be carefully removed and reinstalled without damage or leaks. They were counting on our team to handle the complexities of both roofing and solar logistics.
Location: Zearing, Iowa
Timeline:
– Initial Contact: December 2022
– Project Started: June 2023
– Project Completed: June 2023

Client’s Goals and Concerns

Our client, a vital part of the local community, had a few key goals. First and foremost, they wanted a new roof that would last for many years, providing peace of mind. Their biggest concern was the existing solar panel array. They needed an expert team that could smoothly disconnect the panels, replace the roof underneath, and then perfectly re-install the system so it worked just as well as before. They also had concerns about potential issues discovered during the tear-off, such as any hidden wood rot, and of course, a clean job site.

Our Approach and Solutions

Our solution started with careful planning. A commercial roof with solar panels isn’t just a roofing job – it’s two specialized projects combined. We spent months coordinating the schedule to ensure the solar removal and re-install were handled by certified experts at the exact right time. We partnered with a trusted local solar company to ensure the process was seamless.

To build trust, we made sure to communicate every step. For instance, when our crew found about five sheets of wood (OSB) underneath the old roof that were rotted out, we immediately called the manager to get approval to replace them. That’s just part of our commitment to quality – we don’t just cover up a problem; we fix it right. We also performed multiple site inspections, catching small details like one tiny nail that had “shined” through a shingle and a couple of small holes from the initial solar racking – we fixed every little thing before we finished.

Materials/Systems Used: We installed Owens Corning TruDefinition Duration shingles in Teak. These are heavy-duty, beautiful shingles with a great warranty, perfect for handling Iowa’s unpredictable weather.

Implementation Process

The project followed a detailed plan to handle the solar panels:

Key Steps:

Detach Day (June 12): Our solar team arrived and carefully disconnected and removed all the solar panels and components, making sure to protect the equipment.

Roofing Day (June 13): Our main roofing crew, led by Armando, performed the full tear-off. This is when they replaced the five sheets of rotted OSB, making the roof deck solid again. They then installed the new Owens Corning TruDefintion Duration shingles in Teak and flashing.

Quality Check & Prep (June 14): Before re-installing the panels, one of our team members did a magnet sweep for stray nails and a full physical walkthrough. We corrected a few minor items, including a slight paint touch-up and swapping out one shingle.

Re-Installation (June 14-15): The solar crew returned to re-attach the racking and wiring. They had to stop one afternoon because the new shingles were getting too hot in the sun, and they didn’t want to accidentally scar them. We all agreed to stop early and come back the next morning. It’s better to take an extra few hours than rush and damage the new roof.

Final Completion (June 16): The job was completed with a new roof and detached and reset solar system.

Before & After

The building went from an aging roof structure to a stunning, modern look that now offers superior durability. The rich, deep Teak color of the new Owens Corning Duration shingles gave the commercial building a significant upgrade in curb appeal.

The decision to go with the Duration line of shingles means the client now has a high-performance roof with a wind resistance that’s among the best in the industry. The most important upgrade was the structural work – replacing the rotted wood underneath was a critical fix that ensures the new roof is safe and sound for decades. The solar panels were put back in the exact same spot, but the whole system is now sitting on a new, rock-solid foundation.

Results and Outcomes

Tangible Results: The Minerva Valley Telephone Company now has a fully integrated system – a beautiful, warranted roof protecting their assets, with a seamlessly functioning solar array generating power on top.

Client Reaction/Quote: We were thrilled when the client let us know that the were “very happy with everything and clean up was great!” Our Heartland Roofing, Siding, and Solar team works hard to ensure every project is not only done right, but also left clean and tidy for our client’s peace of mind.

Adherence to Timeline/Scope: Despite a few minor schedule shifts due to weather and the need to be extra cautious with the hot shingles, the project finished right on the final revised schedule. Everything in the agreed-upon scope – the full roof replacement, the OSB repair, and the solar detach and reset – was completed to a high standard.

What Set Us Apart

Unique Challenges: The biggest hurdle was the solar array. For a successful project, we had to be experts in not just roofing but also the delicate and specific needs of a commercial solar system.

At Heartland Roofing, Siding, and Solar, we show up, and we plan. Our detailed, multi-month planning process to coordinate the solar team with the roofing crew is what separated us. Many companies can do a roof; few can manage a complex, multi-trade project like this and ensure every team works together. We also believe in full transparency. When we found a flaw (like a shiner nail or the small racking holes), we didn’t hide it; we pointed it out and fixed it immediately. It’s that level of honesty and attention to detail that our Iowa neighbors expect and deserve.

Lessons Learned: The project reinforced the value of scheduling flexibility, especially when dealing with specialized equipment and new materials in hot weather. We’ll always prioritize the integrity of the new shingles over rushing the job.