At the University of Notre Dame, a roof is not just keeping out the rain; it is protecting one of the nation’s most respected campuses, every hour of every day. With more than 3 million square feet of low-slope roofing, failure is simply not an option.
“We can’t afford to replace roofs every 20 years or so,” says Tony Polotto, senior director of construction and quality assurance. “We need a solution that can go the distance.”
FiberTite’s Ketone Ethylene Ester (KEE) membranes have answered that challenge.
Before finding FiberTite, Notre Dame faced the same bind as many institutions: roofs that didn’t last. Cracks, leaks and premature failures drove up costs and disrupted campus operations.
Polotto recalls the moment leadership drew a line in the sand: “My boss basically said, ‘Go find me a roof that’s been on a building for more than 20 years and is still performing.’ That was the mandate.”
The right solution was not just about the cost. Notre Dame wanted proven performance, with more than reliability suggested through a warranty document. They needed real evidence that a roof could last for decades.
Polotto’s team started with research, first to identify potential solutions, and then to learn how they were produced and how they performed in the field.
That study resulted in a visit to Seaman Corporation, where FiberTite single-ply roof membranes are produced.
“We saw how it was built, and the difference in the scrim and material was obvious,” Polotto says. “You can see and feel the difference in the fabric. It is built to withstand the stresses of foot traffic, weathering and puncture.”
It was not just the construction quality that stood out. FiberTite’s KEE membrane also came with a proven track record, including installations that had been performing for decades. That history was the validation Notre Dame needed to move forward.
From that first roof installation in 2005, performance over the next few years was so consistent that FiberTite quickly became the campus standard for low-slope roofing. What started as an experiment became the foundation of a long-term strategy that’s still paying off today.
Twenty years later, and the results are clear. The university has installed approximately 2 million square feet of the KEE membrane so far and has not experienced a single system failure. Maintenance has been minimal, limited to minor activities.
“With FiberTite, our roof systems are no longer a worry,” Polotto says. “We have seen the proof for ourselves, and there is no looking back. It is no surprise; Notre Dame is a big fan.”
On paper, the investment in a KEE roof might be slightly more upfront than some alternatives. In practice, the university has saved millions by avoiding 20-year replacement cycles, reduced operational disruptions and enabled more predictable long-term budgeting.
“For us, the numbers tell the story,” Polotto says. “No failures in 20 years, and a system capable of lasting twice as long as the alternatives. The life cycle savings are clear.”
Notre Dame’s experience proves that chasing the lowest price can cost more in the long run. By investing in proven performance, the university has avoided disruptive replacements, doubled the service life of its roofs and gained greater control over budgets.
That performance has been matched by responsive service and support, giving the university confidence that needs will be addressed quickly if they arise.
