How We Re-Roofed Vandervest Harley Davidson

Green Bay, Wisconsin

The Vandervest Harley Davidson store in Green Bay, Wisconsin, is not just another retail space. It's a sanctuary for bike enthusiasts, a wedding venue, and much more—a space that holds iconic motorcycles and also hosts life's most treasured moments. With so much riding on this large commercial building, every element, including the roof, needs to be in pristine condition. That's where we, Badgerland Restoration & Remodeling, stepped in. Our recent project at this super store was nothing short of transformative, focusing primarily on a complete commercial roof replacement along with replacing 18 custom skylights. Here's how we achieved it.

The Challenge: A Multilayered Roof and a Multifunctional Space

From our initial inspection, we realized this was not going to be a run-of-the-mill job. The existing roof was comprised of multiple layers of various types of shingles, including cedar and shake. To make matters more complicated, the large number of custom skylights embedded into the roofing surface required special attention for removal and replacement. Plus, the roof needed to be updated to meet current building code standards, which meant installing new plywood throughout. Below this complex rooftop was an interior loft area used as a wedding venue, complete with ornate chandeliers and a layout that needed to be protected from falling debris and dust throughout the renovation process.

Protecting the Venue: Our Initial Steps

The very first order of business was to safeguard the interior loft space from the inevitable mess that accompanies roofing projects. We took extensive measures to cover and protect everything from the glistening polished floors to the ornate chandeliers. Special tarpaulins and coverings were strategically placed to ensure that the area remained as pristine as possible.

Rolling up Our Sleeves: The Re-Roofing Process with GAF Timberline HDZ Shingles

Once we had taken steps to secure the interior, we embarked on the challenging but gratifying process of replacing the massive roof. Off came the layers of cedar and shake shingles, to be replaced by new, durable materials. For this project, we chose top-of-the-line GAF Timberline HDZ shingles in the color Weatherwood, a decision influenced by both quality and aesthetics.

GAF is one of the most reputable shingle manufacturers in the USA, with over a century of experience in the roofing industry. They offer a wide variety of roofing materials that are renowned for their durability, efficiency, and aesthetic value. GAF's commitment to quality aligns with our own, making them an ideal partner for this extensive renovation project.

The real feather in our cap, however, is that we are a GAF Certified Master Elite Contractor, a designation that only 2% of roofing contractors in North America can claim. Achieving this status requires a commitment to ongoing professional training, a stellar track record, and high customer satisfaction rates. As a Master Elite contractor, we are uniquely qualified to offer and install GAF's top-tier products, and this certification allows us to provide our clients with the Golden Pledge Warranty, a non-prorated 50-year warranty that is America’s most comprehensive for asphalt roofing. This covers material, labor, and installation, offering our customers peace of mind for decades to come.

Hiring a contractor with GAF Certified Master Elite status offers multiple benefits, including a higher level of confidence in the quality of work and materials. The certification also ensures that all installation procedures meet the stringent standards set by GAF, giving you peace of mind that you're not just getting a new roof, but a durable, long-lasting roofing system, installed by certified experts.

During this re-roofing phase, extensive cleaning was a top priority. This was especially important due to the number of large skylights, as dust and debris were far more likely to accumulate. The team worked diligently to ensure that every corner and crevice was debris-free before moving on to the next stage.

The Icing on the Cake: Why We Chose Custom Velux Skylights

One of the most unique aspects of this project was replacing the 18 custom skylights that are an integral part of the Harley Davidson store's design. Given the store's multifunctional space, the skylights not only needed to be durable but also aesthetically pleasing. After thorough consideration, we decided to install custom Velux skylights.

Founded in 1941, Velux is an industry leader in manufacturing high-quality skylights, sun tunnels, and roof windows. With a reputation for innovation and reliability, Velux offers a range of products that blend functionality with style. Known for their energy-efficient designs, Velux skylights come with advanced features such as Clean, Quiet & Safe glass that reduce exterior noise, have superior water resistance, and are extremely easy to maintain. These features were particularly aligned with the needs of a busy, high-footfall area like this large commercial store.

What makes Velux skylights stand out is their meticulous attention to detail in design, durability, and energy efficiency. The triple pane glass they offer is insulated for both thermal and acoustic comfort, keeping the indoors cozy and quiet. Moreover, Velux skylights are built to last, with robust frames and materials that can withstand extreme weather conditions, essential for the variable climate in Green Bay.

Our team of expert installers worked carefully to fit these custom Velux skylights into the newly renovated roof. We took measures to ensure that the installation process went seamlessly, blending the structural and aesthetic elements into one cohesive design. The result is a roof that not only protects but illuminates the space beautifully, enriching the ambiance of the Harley Davidson store's multifaceted venue.

By combining Velux's state-of-the-art skylights with GAF's industry-leading roofing materials, we ensured that this Harley Davidson store in Green Bay not only meets but also surpasses modern building standards. These selections, backed by our GAF Master Elite certification, provide a high level of assurance that the renovation will stand the test of time.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, this wasn't just about replacing shingles or installing skylights. It was about enhancing a space that embodies the spirit of an iconic brand and serves as the backdrop for significant life events. We are proud to say that we rose to the occasion, meeting the challenges head-on and exceeding expectations. Like a well-oiled Harley Davidson bike, we believe in the power of precision, quality, and a job well done.

This beautiful Harley Davidson store in Green Bay now boasts a robust, beautiful roof with skylights that elevate its architectural appeal. Not only is it compliant with all modern building codes, but it also comes with the security of an unparalleled warranty. The interior loft, once vulnerable to the dust and debris of our operation, remains as immaculate as ever—ready to host the next big event or joyful wedding celebration.