Marshfield High School
Preserving History with Modern Roofing Performance
by Melissa Hubbell, Marketing Communications Manager, Duro-Last
Located in the heart of Coos Bay, Oregon, Marshfield High School has served the community for more than a century. Originally constructed in 1908, the historic art deco campus is home to more than 1,000 students a year and features four distinctive buildings that have become recognizable landmarks throughout the region.
In 2018, the school district received grant funding to complete seismic upgrades across portions of the campus. As part of the project, the existing roofing systems on the 17,000 sq.ft. auditorium and 23,000 sq.ft. gymnasium were scheduled for replacement. HGE Architects Inc, also based in the Coos Bay area, requested bids for the project, and Northwest Building Specialists of North Bend, Oregon, was selected to install a custom-fabricated Duro-Last® Roofing System.
The project presented two extremely different roofing challenges. The auditorium featured a built-up roofing system with tapered slopes along the perimeter, while the gymnasium was constructed with large bowstring trusses that created a distinctive barreled roof visible from the ground. The aging standing seam roof on the gymnasium developed leaks over time, requiring a roofing solution that addressed the building’s structural requirements while preserving its architectural character.
Working closely behind the general contractor performing the seismic improvements, the Northwest Building Specialists team completed a full tear-off of both existing roofing systems before installing new materials. Coordinating with the ongoing structural work required careful planning and communication to maintain project momentum while keeping the construction schedule on track.
For both buildings, the team installed four layers of Duro-Guard® ISO insulation and DensDeck® coverboard. The auditorium received a custom-fabricated white Duro-Last 60 mil membrane mechanically fastened over the insulation system, and the barreled gymnasium roof utilized a custom-fabricated gray Duro-Last 60 mil membrane. Custom-fabricated stack flashings, curb flashings, and parapet wall membrane helped streamline installation and deliver consistent watertight protection throughout the project. Vinyl-coated drip edge from EXCEPTIONAL® Metals completed each roof system with an attractive, durable perimeter termination.
“The general contracting crews had a hard time staying ahead of us because we worked so efficiently,” said Mike Wallace, President of Northwest Building Specialists. “The custom-fabricated deck sheets from Duro-Last allow us to move quickly, especially on tricky projects like the barreled roof, rolling out exactly as needed for easy fastening. It’s a solution that is second to none in the industry.”
Because of the height of both buildings, Northwest Building Specialists utilized boom trucks to safely transport materials to the rooftops. Despite the project’s logistical and architectural complexities, the roofing work was completed in approximately ten weeks during summer break, allowing construction to be finished without disrupting students, faculty, or school activities. Beyond delivering a watertight roofing system, the project provided the district with long-term peace of mind backed by the performance of a custom-fabricated Duro-Last Roofing System and the protection of a 20-Year NDL Warranty.
“In addition to the security that the 20-Year NDL Warranty from Duro-Last has provided the district, school leaders and community members couldn’t be happier with how this project turned out,” said Andrew Locati, Senior Architect for HGE Architects. “Wallace and his team at Northwest Building Specialists worked seamlessly with the crew that was making structural upgrades, and the new roofing systems eliminated the issues they had previously been experiencing. We couldn’t have asked for a better outcome.”
Today, Marshfield High School’s renovated auditorium and gymnasium continue to support students and the surrounding community with roofing systems designed to deliver lasting performance while complementing the historic character of one of Coos Bay’s most recognizable campuses.
