For the Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant in Saginaw, Michigan, sustainability is built into their facility from top to bottom. When construction began on the new building in late 2010, owners JK&T Wings, Inc. selected local contractors that could provide long-lasting, environmentally conscious solutions for their newest franchise location. Sister companies Duro-Last®, Inc. and Protect-All® Flooring were selected by contractors as manufacturers of choice, ensuring sustainable products and installation.
Certified Duro-Last contractor Brandle Roofing & Sheet Metal Company out of Midland, Michigan oversaw the installation of the roof, opting to use a custom-fabricated 40 mil white Duro-Last membrane and accessories for the approximately 11,000 square foot project. Duro-Last Roof Trak® Walkway Pads were also placed in high-traffic areas for extra protection.
Matte black standing seam metal panels from EXCEPTIONAL® Metals, a division of Duro-Last, were used to cover the outdoor seating section of the structure. EXCEPTIONAL Metals also provided custom-fabricated scuppers along the perimeter of the roof for drainage.
"We do a lot of work on commercial spaces and Duro-Last is always a preferred product for us with these projects," said Geoff Brandle of Brandle Roofing and Sheet Metal. "They manufacture fantastic products that get the job done well, and stand behind them with unbeatable warranties. We've been installing Duro-Last for over 20 years and they’ve been great to work with in every aspect."
Through Duro-Last's custom-fabrication process, the flagship Duro-Last membrane is manufactured to the exact specifications of the rooftop. Up to 85% of the seams can be welded in a factory-controlled environment, eliminating most of the seaming done on-site, and dramatically reducing both rooftop labor and the potential for leaks. In addition to saving money on labor and unused scrap, Duro-Last white membranes reflect up to 88% of the sun’s UV rays, keeping the building underneath cool with less energy usage. These properties, along with a history of proven durability and a commitment to recycling Duro-Last roofing materials through a roof take-back program, earned the flagship membrane an NSF/ANSI 347 Platinum certification.
Inside the building, Cantrell Floor Installations out of Midland, Michigan was responsible for installing flooring materials that would withstand the demands of a busy restaurant while keeping sustainability in mind. Cantrell chose Protect-All Flooring materials from Oscoda Plastics® to take on the challenge in the restaurant’s most critical areas of operation – the kitchen, bar, and storage spaces.
Protect-All Flooring is a slip-resistant flooring manufactured from recycled content, including Duro-Last roofing materials that have reached the end of their lifecycle. Certified by the National Floor Safety Institute, the material helps reduce slips and falls, and is also resistant to mildew and other bacterial growth. It does not absorb water and is non-corrosive, even when exposed to chemicals, animal fats, or grease – making it a solution for commercial kitchens.
"I work with Protect-All products regularly," said Dave Cantrell, owner of Cantrell Floor Installations. "The product is remarkably durable and easy to work with. I like the functionality of it during the installation process - it’s hard to hurt or damage - and customers love the end result."
Using 5x8 sheets of ¼-inch thick flooring, Cantrell was able to complete the Protect-All installation efficiently, and restaurant managers were able to ensure the safety and comfort of staff with minimal ongoing maintenance requirements.
When implementing sustainable practices into commercial operations, it's important to look at all areas of the business, including the building itself. By utilizing both Duro-Last and Protect-All products from Oscoda Plastics, it is easy for restaurants to make a significant impact on their environmental footprint and their bottom line.
