Roofers | INSIDER Magazine | Facilities & Services

Shop Spotlight: Roofers Are “Top Tier”

By Emma Westray
F&S Communications

Where would we be without roofs? They keep us safe from rain, snow and extreme temperatures. No one knows these benefits better than the roofers with F&S.

The team is responsible for keeping a roof over students’ heads, ensuring that students live comfortably in residence halls and apartments.

“Goodwin and Green apartments was our last project we finished. We finished that in the Spring. That was a pretty large project. We had to work with Verizon because we had to have them take equipment off the roof for us,” F&S roofers foreperson Shane Carr said.

“We did Pennsylvania Avenue Residence halls. That was another one that went well. We do Orchard Downs apartments through the wintertime. Those aren’t very big. Each one of those jobs goes great,” Carr continued.

Without the F&S roofers, student housing could experience leaks and structural damage. Damaged roofs also foster mold growth, putting students at risk of respiratory problems and infections.

The F&S roofers use top quality equipment to make sure the U. of I.’s roofs are strong. The equipment also makes repairs go smoother.

“One big project that we completed would be Illinois Sustainability. We use all the latest equipment to finish the roof. We don’t use glue or anything like that, so it’s really easy and quick. We use a peel and stick foam. We’ve taken a lot of labor out of it.” Carr said.

Foam adhesives used in roofing provide durability, water resistance, cushioning and extreme weather protection for flat, shingle and tile roofs. It also provides more even coating than alternatives like glue.

Current Projects

The F&S roofers are always busy. They’re currently repairing two buildings: Law Building and Sherman Hall. Law Building is an especially large project for the shop.

“We’re currently working on Law Building. That is our biggest project in the history of the shop, at around 660,000 square feet. We started it last November, but the winter shut us down. We continued it about three weeks ago to finish up the second phase. We had to break it down into two phases, because the job was so big,” Carr said.

See here how a fire impacted the work: https://fs.web.illinois.edu/Insider/2026/08/18/fire-cleanup-comes-quick/

“We’re also working on Sherman Hall right now. We’re almost finished with that, but we’ve had to work with the ironworkers to expose the outside wall. We’re working out of a man basket. We go about 15 stories in the air in it,” Carr continued.

Hard Work Pays Off

Although their team is small, the F&S roofers work hard to ensure campus buildings are top quality. The scale of the shop’s current and past projects shows that their work is trusted and valued.

“I think people would be surprised at the amount of work that we do with the few guys we have. We’re doing the largest projects in the history of our shop, and they’re only going to get bigger. We’re only going to get more. We also maintain campus. We have a lot on our shoulders,” Carr said.

The U. of I. provides many benefits to the F&S roofers that may not be offered at other places. These benefits include insurance, retirement funds, and paid leave. Carr said he also enjoys having the freedom to make decisions for his team.

“I like the consistency. I’m not micromanaged here. They allow us to run this shop how it needs to be run. I like that you get your vacation days, and you get good insurance. This is probably the top tier place to work if you want to be a roofer. The guys like that they’re getting paid every two weeks. They don’t get laid off. We’ve created a work schedule up to 2032. The guys like the consistency as well,” Carr said.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Teamwork is at the heart of the F&S roofers. They collaborate with other shops, but the roofers really shine when they work with their own team members.

“This shop would not be where it is if it weren’t for the guys out sitting at the table doing the work. They make this shop 100 percent. They’re the reason we get the spotlight in my opinion,” Carr said.

The F&S roofers do more than just repairs. They help keep campus safe from harsh weather conditions, and they also ensure the buildings look well-kept. With their help, U. of I. stays a place where people are happy to stay and learn.

Fire Cleanup Comes Quick

By Emma Westray
F&S Communications

On July 14, the roof of the Law Building caught on fire. Months of work was destroyed in one fiery blow. But when all hope seemed lost, University of Illinois F&S came together to pick up the pieces.

The fire started around 4 p.m. The Fire Department extinguished the flames in ten minutes, with cleanup starting soon after. At around 5:15 p.m., cleanup was complete and visitors could once again enter the building.

Before the fire, the roof was in the process of being renovated. Although the fire damaged parts of the roof, director of building maintenance and grounds Steve Bainbridge said the F&S roofers quickly picked up where they left off.

“The fire burned through the top layer of the roof. Our shop responded and had the section torn off and replaced by 10 a.m. the next morning,” Shane Carr, foreperson said.

Bainbridge said the F&S response to the fire was swift. Damage was assessed and quickly dealt with.

“F&S began cleanup efforts immediately after the Fire Department cleared the site. Steam Distribution helped assess the situation, and electricians assessed the electrical systems to ensure they did not suffer any damage. Minor damage was caused by water infiltration from firefighting efforts,” Bainbridge said

Multiple shops’ expertise was needed to mitigate the damage done by the fire.

“Building service workers dried affected areas using fans, sheet metal deployed air purifiers, refrigeration deployed dehumidifiers, carpenters replaced damaged ceiling tiles, and painters repaired minor interior damage to drywall,” Bainbridge said.

Afternoon shift supervisor of the BSWs Yhara Boxley said that members of her team were some of the first people to report on the fire.

“BSWs Johnna Krutsinger and Ashley Daniels were leaving Art East Annex when they discovered the roof was on fire. Krutsinger ran into the building to pull the alarm, and Daniels called to let me know the building was on fire. After Daniels called me, I called the BSWs and told them there was a fire and to leave the building. I then called my boss as I was driving to Law Building to make sure everything was okay and the BSWs were safe,” Boxley said.

Read about Johnna’s response here: https://fs.web.illinois.edu/Insider/2026/08/18/thinking-of-the-people/

Boxley gave credit to the work her fellow BSWs did to help with cleanup efforts.

“Afternoon shift supervisor Aaron Brunkhorst went over after we had the clearance to go in the building and help the BSWs with cleaning up. Brunkhorst brought over a carpet extractor and a pump and dump, which cleans up the water. The BSWs also mopped and cleaned up water seepage,” Boxley said

The Law Building is now safe to enter, but some damage may still need to be addressed. The fire has not slowed the F&S roofers down. F&S will see any project through, even if a fire stands in their way.

Shop Spotlight: Roofers’ Safety in the Sun

When you’re serious about safety, you’ll find solutions for everything. Including the sun.

Roofers spend their working hours in the open, on top of a building rather than in it. So, when the F&S roofers shop was tasked with tearing off the old and laying the new, foreperson Shane Carr knew he’d have to address sun and heat safety. After all, the roof is 28,600 square feet on top of the Large Animal Clinic at the Veterinary Medicine complex.

While a horse neighed and a goat chomped on hay, nearby, a back parking lot was loaded with five semi-truck trailers worth of material to become the new roof. There were 183 giant bundles of insulation and 14 pallets of roofing membrane material and accessories.

Safety materials had to make their way up there, too. Inside the yellow safety railing installed along the entire edge of the building envelope so workers can walk around without being tied down to a point, there are tents, a giant fan, and coolers with water.

Each roofer was also encouraged to wear wide brim hats, sunglasses, hats, reflective arm sleeves, shirts and pants that keep UV rays out, keep the person cool and wick away sweat, three cooling vests, which bring the wearer’s core temperature down if someone overheats, hard hats for high sun that can save 20 degrees of heat, and cooling neck towels.

“We’re taking every measure to keep our people as cool as possible. We want cool equipment and cool clothing,” said Carr.

The roofers worked with efficiency, undeterred by the heat. As they tackled the task of removing the old roof, adding insulation, and installing the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) membrane, each member of the crew contributed, helping the job to progress smoothly.

Roof Removal

The crew tackled the removal of the old roofing system by carefully stripping away the layers to expose the underlying surface. They collected the debris into designated piles which were then transferred onto large tarps spread across the roof. These tarps, once filled, were then hoisted by a crane, which lowered the loads to the ground. There, the debris was deposited directly into a large dumpster for proper disposal.

To counterbalance the intense heat, the crew took frequent breaks in the shade, where they could relax and recharge. The cooler, stocked with ice water, provided much-needed hydration, while their cooling gear helped regulate their body temperature. These measures ensured that they remained comfortable and focused on their work.

Insulation Installation

For the insulation install, the roofers began cutting rigid insulation boards to precise measurements, ensuring a snug fit. They laid the insulation across the roof surface, aligning them to create a continuous thermal barrier. Once the insulation was in place, they used a large roller to firmly press down on the boards, ensuring proper adhesion and eliminating any air pockets or gaps, and would shave off any imperfect bumps with a blade. The rolling process helped to compress the insulation evenly and securely against the substrate, optimizing the roof’s thermal efficiency and preparing it for the subsequent layers of roofing material.

Throughout the workdays, the crew held and maintained an upbeat atmosphere. They talked and joked, with country and classic rock music playing in the background. Laughs frequented between the crew and Carr, as well. Their friendly attitude and teamwork were just as evident as their skill and efficiency.

Sticky PVC

After insulation, the crew began the installation of self-adhesive PVC membrane by carefully unrolling the long strips of material and removing the layer protecting the adhesive. Each strip was aligned to minimize seams. The self-adhesive backing was activated by the crew pressing the membrane down, creating a strong bond with the underlying insulation. The crew also removed any air bubbles to ensure a tight seal.

Once the PVC was laid down, the edges of the strips were heat-welded to create seamless joints, providing enhanced waterproofing and durability for the finished roof. The roofers used specialized hot air tools to heat the edges of the PVC roofing material to about 1,100°F, then pressed them together to form a strong bond at the seams. These heat welds are stronger than the PVC membrane itself.

Despite the quick-moving pace, the quality of the roofer’s work never faltered. Each crew member held themselves and each other accountable, not only in their craftsmanship but also in their efforts to stay cool. Carr never missed an opportunity to compliment the crew’s work, constantly admiring their handiwork.

Building Tours with F&S Leaders

One of the primary and overarching priorities of F&S is to actively support the university’s core missions, which encompass education, research, and outreach. Central to this commitment is the continuous enhancement and upkeep of the facilities and grounds that make up the campus environment.

To ensure that this mission is diligently carried out, F&S leaders maintain a focus on the physical state of the university. They have been routinely embarking on campus-wide visits, engaging directly with the elements that constitute the university landscape.

During these visits, leaders engage in discussions with building managers, striving to gain insights into the maintenance requirements and conditions of various systems and structures.

As these site visits progress, the F&S team gains an in-depth understanding of the nuances and intricacies of each building. They are able to spot potential issues, ranging from minor concerns like water stains on the floors to more significant structural problems such as a damaged roof.

What sets this team apart is the diversity of expertise within its ranks. Comprising specialists in sustainability, building maintenance, transportation, utilities, and energy consumption, the team has a unique ability to analyze every aspect of the facilities.

These tours, beyond their immediate utility in identifying and addressing maintenance needs, also serve as opportunities for team building and camaraderie. By physically visiting the buildings on campus, the team gains a tangible connection to the outcomes of their efforts, seeing firsthand what the results of their work will look like. It’s a chance to witness how past projects have contributed to the betterment of the university’s facilities.

At Siebel

During one of these tours, the team went to the Siebel Center for Computer Science, where the building manager discussed a window that needed repair.

With meticulous attention, the F&S team assessed the situation and determined that immediate action was warranted.

In less than two weeks following this site visit, a dedicated team of roofers was dispatched to Siebel Center. They swiftly implemented a short-term solution to address the window issues, mitigating potential problems and enhancing the overall functionality of the building.

The leadership team’s active involvement in these building tours holds significance. Their direct engagement with the facilities on campus ensures that they remain attuned to the evolving needs and conditions of these structures. In turn, this commitment translates into a more conducive and reliable environment for the university’s core missions of education, research, and outreach.

Atop the Armory

Roofers added safety equipment to the Armory for future maintenance.

Safety is top of mind when you overlook campustown from the Armory roof.

In November 2022, F&S building maintenance, roofers, and sheet metal workers worked on new Armory safety measures. Workers can use these new features to maintain one of the most iconic roofs in the world.

The outside portion of the installation is an epoxy paint-coated weather-proofing collar. The inside is a steel plate for additional structural support to allow galvanized steel wire to pass to the outside.

So far, eight collars and 32 galvanized steel wire straps have been installed. A total of 56 collars and 224 cables will be installed in 2023.

“This temporary anchor system is installed to keep our maintenance team safe and remain OSHA-compliant while conducting annual preventative maintenance and providing a rapid response to leaks or damage to the Armory’s barreled aluminum roof,” said Patrick Wood, F&S building maintenance special programs coordinator.

Praise the Roof

The Armory has gone through many phases, although its overall shape has defined its space on campus since long ago. From the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics:

Built in 1914, the Armory replaced the old “Military Drill Hall,” now known as H.E. Kenney Gymnasium Annex. It was designed by William Carbys Zimmerman. When completed the Armory was the largest free-span, no center support system structure in the world. The “drill hall” now referred to as the main floor, measures 200′ x 300′ with a ceiling height of 98 feet.

In 1927, a multi-story addition was built around the building adding classroom and office space. The addition, designed by Charles A. Platt, gave the Armory the look it has today, which matches the Georgian Revival style found in nearby buildings such as the Main Library, Huff Hall, and other campus buildings of the time.

From a 1958 roof replacement architectural drawing.

A Roof’s Truths

The Armory track and floor is 62,000 square feet of space.
The center of the arch is approximately 95 feet high.
It was considered the largest structure in the world without a center support at the time of construction; the most impressive three hinge-pin arch building in the world.
Used as a barracks for World War I for between 1,400 to 1,500 members of the Student Army Training Corps.
The building is currently the headquarter for campus ROTC units; the cadet regiment at the University of Illinois was then the largest in the country.
The military role is fundamental to the university. The University of Illinois was founded with a land grant from the Federal Government on the condition that instruction in military science and tactics should be given.
During World War II, the Armory was under armed guard 103 hours a week

Shops Soaring for Safety

The Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians (SPRAT) sets industry standards and awards certifications regarding rope safety. F&S roofers and sheet metal workers, which utilize ropes and access techniques to repair roofs or conduct building maintenance inspections recently learned some of these skills as part of a training course.

Ropes hung from the ceiling — Shane Carr: Heck, the live rescue photos taken for this story were intense. It took a lot of trust for Travis Houser to put his life in my hands that day. A gentleman from the Illinois Fire Service Institute even wanted to watch. I wished I owned my own rig, I would be climbing all the time as would anyone else if they had this knowledge.

Key tool used for rope skills and acces — Shane Carr: Heck, the live rescue photos taken for this story were intense. It took a lot of trust for Travis Houser to put his life in my hands that day. A gentleman from the Illinois Fire Service Institute even wanted to watch. I wished I owned my own rig, I would be climbing all the time as would anyone else if they had this knowledge.

Patrick Wood, coordinator of special programs, Building Maintenance, and Shane Carr, roofer foreperson, led the initiative and coordinated with a Chicago-based company, Elevated Safety, to identify equipment needs and provide SPRAT level 1 technician training to five F&S members. They are now working to begin a supplemental fall protection program specifically for rope access work on campus. SPRAT training allows the chance for more types of building inspections, window washing, and rescue operations. By providing this training to its members, F&S demonstrates its organizational emphasis on safety and increases the scope of work offered on campus. There are three levels to SPRAT training, and Carr is looking forward to growing his team’s capabilities. Mumford Hall and Freer Hall were mentioned as probable sites for use of SPRAT training techniques.

Roofer above on ropes; training professionals on the ground

One particular scenario teaches how to reach someone who has been stalled on the rope–possibly because of a life-threatening health problem–and move their body and harness to the helper’s rope in order to safely bring everyone to the ground. Training teaches new skills, but Carr hopes a situation for such a rescue will not come about. It’s complicated, takes great strength, and immense confidence.

“So let me tell you: I think it is a blast,” Carr said. “I always look forward to getting on the ropes. It is a workout but it is also a lot of fun. They call me the spider monkey because I love doing it and will be the first to go up. I have been asked if I would like to volunteer on a fire rescue service because I am SPRAT level 1 certified.”

He and the other trainees spend time on the ropes, but also with one another in challenging situations, which helps them enjoy shared work experiences.

“I have always been adventurous. I have skydived, done spelunking, and worked as an arborist climbing trees,” Carr said. “I think when working ropes you feel free. You are in complete control of your life at that point. You have to learn to trust the equipment and your skill-set or you will never be comfortable enough to work the ropes.”