Orange County Convention Center North-South Re-Roofand Solar Upgrade
| Project Background | |
|---|---|
| Location | 9800 International Drive, Orlando, FL |
| Owner | Orange County |
| Architect/Roof Consultant | ARC |
| Manufacturer & Rep | Johns Manville – 80 mil PVC RhinoBond System |
| Distributor & Rep | Beacon |
| Roof Size | 1,374,000 SF |
| Building Height | 80–100 ft (varies) |
| Warranty | 25-Year Johns Manville Warranty |
| Workforce | 30–40 crew members daily |
| Timeline | February 2024 – April 2025 (Completed months ahead of schedule) |
From Conception to Completion
The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) is a vital hub for our community — one of the largest convention centers in North America, hosting over 1.7 million visitors annually and generating more than $4 billion in economic impact.
In early planning, it became clear our North-South Building, with more than 1.37 million square feet of roof area, required a full roof system replacement to maintain weather-tight integrity and long-term performance. Simultaneously, our sustainability goals called for expanding our on-site renewable energy generation without adding physical footprint
Through a competitive public bidding process, we selected Advanced Roofing Inc. and Advanced Green Technologies for their ability to deliver an integrated roofing and solar solution that met our technical specifications, scheduling restrictions, and high-profile operational demands.
Challenges
- Operational Constraints: With back-to-back conventions year-round, daytime roofing activities during major events were prohibited.
- Height & Access: Multiple roof elevations ranging from 80 to 100 feet.
- Scope Integration: Coordinating roofing, solar, HVAC, plumbing, and safety system upgrades simultaneously
- Safety & Compliance: OSHA compliance for all trades in a high-traffic public facility.
Tear-Off & Installation Procedures
The project began with complete removal of the existing single-ply roofing membrane and associated components down to the deck. Crews implemented staged tear-off procedures, working in manageable sections to maintain watertight integrity at all times.
From the deck up, the installation included:
- Substrate Preparation: Inspection and repair of any deck irregularities.
- Thermal Insulation: Installation of2″ Johns Manville ISO insulation boards, mechanically attached to the deck for securement and thermal performance.
- Membrane System: Application of an80 mil Johns Manville PVC RhinoBond® fastened system. This induction-welded attachment method reduced membrane penetration, improved wind uplift resistance, and expedited installation over large areas.
- Flashing & Edge Metal: Precision installation of all flashing details, parapet caps, and edge metal in compliance with ES-1 standards.
- Roof Drainage Upgrades: Replacement of over 300 roof drains and installation of new overflow scuppers to improve stormwater management.
Solar Integration
Once the roof membrane was complete, crews installed a 2.3 MW DC rooftop solar array using Hanwha Q CELLS modules and SolarEdge inverters with optimizers. A custom combiner box configuration was engineered to allow efficient DC transmission across 700–800ft spans, minimizing voltage drop and optimizing energy performance. The system powers the OCCC’s HVAC, concourse lighting, and critical infrastructure 24/7
Multi-Trade Coordination
This project also included:
- HVAC upgrades and installation of 130+ rooftop fans.
- Plumbing improvements, including full drain replacements.
- Fire alarm and lightning protection system enhancements.
Advanced Roofing acted as the single point of coordination for all trades, overseeing subcontractor hiring, scheduling, inspections, and quality control.
Safety Program
Given the size and complexity, safety was paramount
- Fall Protection: Wall Guardian clamps for full-perimeter fall restraint.
- Training: OSHA 10/30 training, fall protection, ladder safety, and equipment operation for all crew members.
- Site Logistics: Separate access points for trades to minimize conflicts, and strict barricade systems to separate work areas from public spaces
- Weather Readiness: Daily weather monitoring to ensure exposed areas were always temporarily sealed before potential rain events
Community Sustainability Impact
In partnership with IDEAS For Us, 5,800 decommissioned solar panels from a prior installation were redistributed to 120+ Florida households and nonprofits through “The Great Solar Giveaway,” avoiding thousands of pounds of e-waste
Results
Completion Ahead of Schedule: Delivered in April 2025 — months early.
Zero Event Disruptions:
Night/weekend shifts and out-of-sequence planning kept OCCC fully operational.
Night/weekend shifts and out-of-sequence planning kept OCCC fully operational.
Increased Renewable Energy:
More than doubled solar capacity without expanding the footprint.
More than doubled solar capacity without expanding the footprint.
Long-Term Value:
25-year warranty roofing system with improved thermal performance and stormwater management.
25-year warranty roofing system with improved thermal performance and stormwater management.
Completion Ahead of Schedule: Delivered in April 2025 — months early.
Zero Event Disruptions:
Night/weekend shifts and out-of-sequence planning kept OCCC fully operational.
Night/weekend shifts and out-of-sequence planning kept OCCC fully operational.
Increased Renewable Energy:
More than doubled solar capacity without expanding the footprint.
More than doubled solar capacity without expanding the footprint.
Long-Term Value:
25-year warranty roofing system with improved thermal performance and stormwater management.
25-year warranty roofing system with improved thermal performance and stormwater management.
Why This Project Stands Out
As Capital Planning Manager, I can attest that this project exemplifies the highest standards of roofing craftsmanship and innovation. From precision tear-off procedures and expert installation to advanced solar integration and flawless coordination in a high-profile, fully operational environment — this project sets a benchmark for large-scale public works execution in the roofing industry
