Building a Long-Term Roof and Enclosure Strategy Across an Urban University Campus

Technical Assurance has partnered with Case Western Reserve University since 2003 to support the performance and long-term management of building enclosure assets across its Cleveland campus. In 2013, the university expanded the relationship with a comprehensive roof assessment encompassing approximately 100 academic and residential structures and 1.7 million square feet of roof assets.

The initiative was developed in response to premature roof failures and the need for a more proactive approach to capital renewal. Technical Assurance documented roof conditions and deficiencies across the campus, then used the resulting data to prioritize projects for planning, budgeting, and remediation.

Turning Campus-Wide Assessment Data Into an Ongoing Roof Program

Following the initial assessment, Technical Assurance worked with CWRU to implement a campus-wide Roof Asset Management Program. Through ON-PNT®, condition data and key performance indicators provide a consistent framework for managing roof assets and tracking program performance.

The program extends beyond assessment and capital planning to ongoing roof maintenance, reporting, emergency and non-emergency leak response, repair planning, roof replacement design, and construction management. This approach has allowed CWRU to move from reactive roof management toward a planned lifecycle strategy.

Extending Service Life and Reducing Total Cost of Ownership

The long-term program has produced measurable improvements in roof portfolio performance. CWRU’s roof portfolio service life has increased substantially, while ongoing repair and preventative maintenance have generated millions of dollars in projected Total Cost of Ownership savings.

Prioritized needs identified through the program also move directly into implementation. Technical Assurance provides roof replacement design, bid services, project management, construction administration, and quality observation as CWRU replaces failed roof sections based on condition, need, and available capital funding.

Expanding the Partnership Beyond Roofing

Technical Assurance’s work with CWRU has also expanded to façade, window, and other building enclosure systems. Services have included assessments, restoration design, bid management, construction administration, and quality observation for work involving masonry, sealant joints, windows, stone, and skylights.