Why KVCC Chose Weather Shield Over Their Longtime Roofing Contractor
When you’re responsible for a facility as large and complex as a college campus, every building system matters—especially the roof. For Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC), choosing the right commercial roofing partner wasn’t just about replacing some old materials. It was about protecting students, staff, classrooms, athletic facilities, and long-term investments across more than 600,000 square feet of space.
At Weather Shield Roofing Systems™, we’ve helped commercial property managers and institutions navigate roofing decisions like this for over 40 years. So, when KVCC invited us to bid on their Texas Township Campus reroof project, we saw more than just another job—we saw an opportunity to solve a bigger problem and build a relationship rooted in trust and long-term performance.
What made KVCC reconsider their original roof plan?
Originally, KVCC had developed a reroofing scope with a competitor they had worked with in the past. Along with that contractor, their current service roofer was also being considered. At first glance, it looked like a typical contractor selection process.
But as we reviewed the plan, it quickly became clear: the original scope didn’t fully account for the unique challenges of the roof areas involved—particularly the gymnasium and indoor pool, which have very different roofing needs due to structure materials, humidity, usage, and foot traffic.
Rather than just quoting the same plan and trying to outbid others, we took a step back and asked the bigger question: Is this scope the best long-term solution for KVCC?
What was different about Weather Shield’s approach?
We approached the KVCC project like we do all of our commercial roofing projects—with a consultative, forensic mindset. Instead of focusing solely on pricing or speed, we asked, “What does this specific building need to stay watertight, energy-efficient, and problem-free for the long haul?”
Here’s what we did differently:
- First, we conducted a forensic roof evaluation. This allowed us to understand the real issues behind the roof’s deterioration.
- Next, we designed custom solutions, specifically tailored for KVCC’s needs. The proposed plan considered both sensitive environments of the roof. The indoor pool experiences high humidity, and the gym frequently has heavy foot traffic and equipment loads.
- Then, our team phased the project strategically. This ultimately reduced operational disruption and extended the usable life of existing roof sections.
- Finally, we applied our promise of more roof life to help KVCC get the most out of their investment—not just a new roof, but a long-term plan.
Why are roofs over pools and gyms more complicated?
If you’re managing a facility with specialized areas like indoor pools or gyms, you know these environments come with higher roofing risks:
- Pools create constant humidity. This can damage roofing systems not designed to handle trapped moisture and condensation.
- Gyms are in constant use and have increased interior traffic from students and spectators. This causes issues with installation timing as the gym is constantly being utilized and cannot have any “down time” for construction projects.
- These areas often have large, open spans with unique structural needs—which means not all roofing systems are appropriate or long-lasting.
This is why our team developed unique specs tailored to the needs of each roof section. The goal wasn’t just to “put on a new roof”—it was to make sure that each roof could handle the appropriate application, exposure, function, and foot traffic it would face every day.
How did Weather Shield earn KVCC’s trust?
When KVCC saw our proposal, they recognized the difference immediately. We didn’t just offer an alternative roofing system—we offered clarity, logic, and a commitment to helping them avoid bigger, costlier issues down the line.
By aligning our recommendations with their building usage, environment, and future maintenance needs, KVCC chose Weather Shield not only for the reroofing project, but as their ongoing service contractor as well. That means we now help manage their roof assets long-term—providing regular inspections, proactive maintenance, and 24/7 emergency support when needed.
What work did we actually do for KVCC?
In early 2025, we completed reroofing on six different roof sections, including the gymnasium and indoor pool areas. In late spring of 2025, we returned for targeted leak repairs as part of our ongoing service partnership—addressing minor issues before they became costly problems. Proactive attention prevents major expenses!
What are the results of KVCC?
Replaced an ineffective scope with a tailored, data-driven plan
Delivered long-term value through custom roofing solutions based on each section’s use and exposure
Minimized disruption to campus operations through smart phasing
Extended the life of existing roof assets
Built a lasting partnership—now serving as KVCC’s go-to service roofing contractor
And perhaps most importantly, we gave KVCC the confidence that their roof investments are protected—not just today, but for the long haul.
Why does this case study matter to other facility managers?
This isn’t just a story about a successful reroofing job. It’s a lesson on why a consultative approach to commercial roofing makes all the difference.
Too often, organizations move forward with scopes that seem “standard” or “safe,” simply because they were developed with someone familiar. But familiarity doesn’t always equal the right plan. In KVCC’s case, the original plan didn’t account for the specialized roofing needs of their gym and pool facilities—areas that, if treated like any other building section, would have resulted in premature failure or ongoing leaks.
At Weather Shield Roofing Systems™, we believe every roof tells a story. When we listen carefully, investigate thoroughly, and recommend wisely, the result is a smarter, longer-lasting solution that saves property owners time, money, and frustration.
Could this apply to your roofing project?
If you’re managing a large commercial facility, educational campus, or multi-building property, it’s worth asking:
Have your roofing scopes been tailored to your building’s unique use and environment?
Are your high-risk areas (like kitchens, pools, mechanical rooms) getting the right attention?
Is your contractor helping you plan for long-term savings—or just today’s fix?
If not, it might be time for a second opinion.
We’re not here to undercut your current provider or redo work that’s already well-planned. But if something doesn’t feel quite right—or you’re unsure whether your roofing system is truly protected—we’re here to help you look deeper.
With over 40 years of experience helping commercial clients protect their properties, Weather Shield Roofing Systems™ brings clarity, honesty, and results to every roof we touch.
We’re proud to have earned KVCC’s trust, and we’d be honored to earn yours too. If you’re ready to talk through your roofing needs—or just want a second set of eyes on an upcoming project—reach out to our team today. We’re here to help you protect your roof investment and avoid surprises down the line.
Troy McClure
Account Executive
Troy McClure has been part of the Weather Shield team since 2021, bringing a strong relationship-focused and consultative approach to helping clients manage their roof assets. With a background in risk management, he offers a unique perspective on addressing roof leaks, preventative maintenance, and roof design. Troy values being part of a team and culture at Weather Shield that works together to help both clients and team members thrive in work and in life.
