Herzog Roofing delivered a legacy project at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks, North Dakota, a total roof system replacement spanning nearly 300,000 square feet across 20 distinct roof areas. As one of the largest and most high-profile re-roofing efforts in the region, the project required the removal of approximately 3,000 squares of aging TPO and the installation of a premium Elevate EPDM system. Designed for temperature resilience and insulation from North Dakota’s cold climate, the system included a V-Force vapor barrier, dual layers of polyiso insulation, ISOGARD HD cover board and a 90 mil pre-taped RubberGard EPDM membrane, all topped with custom-fabricated Metal Era edge metal.
Throughout the two-year project, Herzog’s crew of nearly 25 roofers contended with high winds, extreme temperatures and a packed event schedule that included football games and concerts. Despite the challenging conditions, the team completed the job under budget and without disruptions to the venue’s operations. The project earned Herzog Roofing the Architectural Excellence Award at the 2025 Elevate Master Contractor award ceremony in Nassau, Bahamas.
The Alerus Center posed a unique set of challenges due to its scale, design complexity and location. The stadium’s original white PVC membrane had deteriorated, losing both its aesthetic appeal and performance.
Given the building’s high visibility from the interstate and its signature barrel roof design, the replacement system needed to deliver enhanced durability and a clean, modern look. Elevation changes of up to 100 feet across 20 roof areas, including 2,500 squares on steeply sloped barrel sections, added further complexity to material handling, access and safety planning.
Adding to the technical demands was the need to coordinate around the facility’s busy event calendar. The Herzog Roofing crew had to sequence and pause work frequently to accommodate major events while ensuring the roof remained watertight at every stage.
To meet the Alerus Center’s performance requirements and visual standards, Herzog Roofing partnered with Elevate to install a premium, fully adhered EPDM roofing system built for longevity and resilience. The assembly began with a V-Force vapor barrier, followed by two layers of three-inch Elevate polyisocyanurate insulation that were mechanically attached. An ISOGARD HD cover board was then bonded using ISO Stick Adhesive, adding thermal efficiency and impact resistance.
The top layer featured special-order 90 mil pre-taped EPDM membrane rolls (16-foot x 100-foot) for faster installation and improved waterproofing. For perimeter integrity and aesthetics, Herzog’s team custom-fabricated and pre-bent Metal Era edge metal in their shop to match the complex curves of the roofline.
The Alerus Center roof is backed by a 30-year Elevate Platinum Warranty and engineered to withstand wind speeds up to 90 miles per hour.
Herzog Roofing’s installation at the Alerus Center represents not only technical precision but also a model of logistical execution and environmental responsibility. Despite working at heights of up to 100 feet in extreme wind and heat, the crew completed nearly 300,000 square feet of roofing without a single safety incident and came in under budget.
Sustainability was also a standout element. Rather than sending removed insulation to landfill, Herzog partnered with a local company to repurpose the material as below-grade fill, eliminating disposal costs and supporting a circular economy. The project’s combination of durability, efficiency and architectural enhancement earned Herzog Roofing the 2025 Elevate Architectural Excellence Award, a reflection of both the system’s long-term performance and the craftsmanship behind it.
“This was the biggest and most complex roof we’ve ever done, not just in size, but in scope,” said Josh Herzog, CEO of Herzog Roofing. “It was a legacy project for our team, and winning the Elevate Excellence Award made it all the more meaningful. We’re incredibly proud of the result and the partnership it took to get there.”
