The Georgia Aquarium

Seaman Corporation

The Georgia Aquarium, the world’s largest, encompasses 505,000 square feet of covered space and holds eight million gallons of fresh and salt water. While the scope of the project was certainly remarkable, the 27-month construction timeline was perhaps even more astonishing — not to mention challenging.

To facilitate the timely completion of various activities essential to meeting the aggressive project schedule, a FiberTite-approved two-ply asphalt BUR system was installed over a lightweight concrete deck. This temporary roof allowed for expedited construction and the associated roof traffic as construction continued at the space-constricted worksite.

For this extraordinary structure’s finished roof, the roofing membrane selected needed to be exceptionally reliable as well as aesthetically pleasing. Ultimately, a high-strength, puncture- and tear-resistant FiberTite Fleece Back membrane was selected.

“A key consideration in the selection of the FiberTite membrane was its high quality, cost effectiveness and its ability to be installed in hot, steep asphalt,” said Doug King of American Roofing Sales Inc. “In addition, the FiberTite membrane could be supplied in a light gray color that complemented the building’s gray wall panels.”

According to Jerry Beall, product manager at Seaman Corporation for FiberTite Roofing Systems, the formula used for FiberTite roofing membranes is unmatched in the industry. “From our densely knit fabric to our proprietary coating, FiberTite roofing membranes are truly unique,” he said. “In fact, FiberTite’s formula with DuPont™ Elvaloy® was used as the benchmark for ASTM D6754-02. FiberTite membranes are reliable, durable and stand up to just about anything while remaining flexible for years — even decades.”

During the project, King collaborated with representatives from Seaman Corporation, the manufacturer of FiberTite located in Wooster, Ohio; TVS & Associates, one of the premier architectural firms in the United States; Brasfield & Goorie, a highly experienced general contractor; and Dixie Roof Decks Inc., a 30-year roofing contractor from Lawrenceville, Ga., with a reputation for installing high-quality roofing systems on high-profile, important commercial/industrial projects throughout the Southeastern United States.

For more information, visit www.fibertite.com.