Case study: Inside the new Air Force Visitor Center

By Jesse Sanchez.

The new Air Force Visitor Center blends bold design with cutting-edge, weather-resistant roofing.

A striking new addition to the skyline along I-25, the Air Force Visitor Center in Colorado Springs captures the spirit of aviation with its bold, B-2 bomber-inspired design. But beyond its sleek exterior, the structure represents a feat of engineering and innovation, particularly in the robust Elevate roofing system designed to withstand the region's unpredictable weather.

The challenge

Completed by  Elevate licensed contractor and Hall of Fame member, Douglass Colony Group, the roofing installation for this high-profile project posed unique challenges. The combination of flat and sloped metal deck sections required precise alignment to maintain a watertight seal. The project also unfolded during Colorado’s harsh winter months, introducing additional obstacles related to freezing temperatures and unpredictable snowfall.

Aaron Harvey, construction executive at Douglass Colony Group, explained that installing commercial roofing in extreme cold presented significant challenges. In low temperatures, adhesives become challenging to mix and apply, while membranes lose flexibility, making installation more difficult. To address this, the team utilized heated enclosures, commonly known as hotboxes, to maintain roofing materials at the necessary temperatures before application, ensuring proper adhesion and performance.

The solution

To address these challenges, the team selected an Elevate UltraPly™ TPO roofing system — a high-performance solution known for its resilience against wind uplift, punctures and severe weather. The gray-colored membrane aligned seamlessly with the center’s aesthetic goals while providing superior protection against Colorado’s notorious hailstorms.

The installation also incorporated Elevate ISOGARD™ polyiso insulation, a material with the highest R-value per square inch, offering 40% better thermal performance in cold temperatures compared to competitors*. This, combined with V-Force™ vapor barrier membrane and a layered insulation assembly, ensured optimal energy efficiency and long-term durability.

The full system installed also achieved Factory Mutual's rigorous Very Severe Hail (VSH) rating, one of the highest levels of hail resistance certification provided by FM Approvals.

Project highlights

The project, running from November 2023 to May 2024, showcased the capabilities of modern roofing materials and expert craftsmanship. The integration of a tapered insulation system enabled efficient drainage while ensuring  flush connections to the parapet walls.

Beyond meeting technical specifications, the project held deeper significance as a contribution to a landmark structure representing the Air Force's legacy. The team took great pride in playing a key role in bringing this vision to life, ensuring the final product not only met performance expectations but also honored the institution it was built for.

The final product stands as a testament to meticulous planning, innovative solutions and precise execution, reinforcing the importance of durable and adaptable roofing systems in high-profile projects. With a 25-year full system Red Shield™ Warranty, the Air Force Visitor Center is now equipped with a roofing system designed to last, ensuring both protection and performance for decades to come.

Discover how innovative roofing solutions and expert craftsmanship came together to create a resilient, high-performance system for the Air Force Visitor Center — learn more today!

*The thermal performance of ISOGARD polyiso insulation is up to 40% better than major competitors when tested by an independent third party in cold temperature 40°F (4°C) applications according to ASTM C1289 standards. The increased R-value per inch means better thermal performance from the same roofing systems using the same amount of insulation compared to leading competitive products on the market today.