MAX PVC Roofing System for Fremont Beef Cold Storage Facility in Nebraska

Project Overview

Located in Fremont, Nebraska, the Fremont Beef facility is a USDA-regulated meat processing and cold storage operation that plays a critical role in the regional food supply chain. The facility includes extensive cold storage areas, active processing lines, and rooftop equipment associated with exhaust, grease, and ammonia systems. Maintaining uninterrupted operations was a top priority throughout this commercial roofing project.

Installed by JR & Co., an Elevate Master Contractor that recently merged with its sister company formerly known as JR Roofing, the reroofing project covered more than 81,000 square feet across three roof areas. The existing roofing system had reached the end of its service life and required a complete tear-off down to the deck. To meet the demanding requirements of a food processing and cold storage environment, JR & Co. selected the Elevate MAX PVC commercial roofing system.

Elevate MAX PVC was chosen for its exceptional resistance to grease, harsh chemicals, and biological materials commonly found in meat processing facilities. The MAX PVC roofing membrane provides enhanced durability against punctures and tearing, with extra thickness over scrim and high-strength, weft-inserted reinforcement to support long-term performance. These attributes are especially critical in areas with large numbers of rooftop penetrations for industrial equipment. The membrane’s flexibility allows for efficient detailing around complex flashings, and heat-welded seams form a continuous roofing system engineered for reliable performance in a highly regulated cold storage facility.

PROJECT IMAGES

THE CHALLENGES

The project required a full roof replacement while the facility remained fully operational. Fremont Beef continued active processing throughout construction, with strict USDA requirements governing interior protection, cleanliness, and work coordination. Any disruption to operations or risk of contamination was unacceptable in the USDA-regulated environment.

The roof design incorporated a high density of penetrations supporting exhaust systems, refrigeration equipment, and ammonia lines—each requiring coordinated detailing to support long-term system performance. Multiple roof areas were also located above cold storage spaces, placing added emphasis on moisture control and vapor management.

JR & Co. worked closely with Fremont Beef’s facility team to carefully sequence work areas and coordinate phased shutdowns where necessary. Production lines and freezer zones were temporarily adjusted to allow roof work to proceed, while interior protection measures ensured continued operations. Clear communication and detailed planning were essential to keeping the facility running safely and efficiently throughout the reroofing process.

ROOFING SYSTEM SOLUTION

JR & Co. installed an adhered Elevate MAX PVC commercial roofing system designed with conditions like food processing and cold storage facilities in mind. The new roofing system was backed by a 20-Year Elevate Red Shield^™ Warranty with No Dollar Limit coverage for warranted conditions.

Installation sequence:

Full tear-off of the existing roofing system down to the deck across all roof areas
Installation of V-Force™ Vapor Barrier Membrane
Two layers of ISO 95+ GL insulation, adhered to the deck to achieve required thermal performance
ISOGARD™ HD cover board, adhered for added durability and puncture resistance
60-mil Elevate MAX PVC membrane, fully adhered with PVC LVOC bonding adhesive and welded seams
Elevate Edge Metal and fascia, including Flash-Thru Drip Edge
PVC walkway pads installed in high-traffic areas to protect the membrane around rooftop equipment and service paths

The Elevate MAX PVC membrane was selected for its resistance to grease, chemicals, and exhaust commonly present on food processing rooftops, along with its flexibility for detailing around complex penetrations.

PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS

The new roofing system helps provide long-term reliability for a facility that operates year-round under demanding conditions. The Elevate MAX PVC membrane delivers enhanced protection against chemical exposure and moisture intrusion, while the fully adhered roofing assembly supports consistent performance across both cold storage and processing areas.

“This project had a lot of moving parts, and every penetration was critical,” said John Koster, General Manager at JR & Co. “We had to stay on schedule, protect ongoing operations, and make sure the system was installed exactly right. Elevate MAX PVC made that process more straightforward, and the support from Elevate gave us confidence throughout the job. We’re proud of how our team managed the complexity and delivered a roof system that Fremont Beef can rely on.”

Following completion of the primary reroofing scope, Fremont Beef has since engaged JR & Co. to evaluate additional roof areas for future upgrades. This continued engagement demonstrates the facility team’s confidence in the JR & Co. installers and the long-term performance of the Elevate MAX PVC roofing system.