Commercial R-Panel Retrofit in Tyler, TX

Commercial R-Panel Retrofit in Tyler, TX

When Hex-Hide Industries reached out to us about upgrading their facility roof in Tyler, TX, they had one clear priority: long-term durability. Their building had an old tar-and-gravel roof with a low 1–2/12 slope, and years of harsh East Texas weather were beginning to take a toll. Their maintenance supervisor mentioned they had already completed partial replacements and planned to update the remaining sections as part of their long-term capital plan.

They didn’t want TPO or another membrane system — they wanted something stronger, lower-maintenance, and built to last through Tyler’s heat, storms, and humidity. A retrofit R-Panel metal roof system was the perfect solution.

For this 11,000 sq ft section of roof, our team installed a complete Standing R-Panel retrofit system designed to go on top of the existing gravel roof without the need for a full tear-off. This helps reduce disruption for the facility and protects operations inside the building.

Here’s what we delivered:

1. Structural Retrofit System

We installed and fastened horizontal metal channels across the existing roof deck to create a solid, level substrate for the new metal panels. This is crucial on low-slope tar and gravel roofs to ensure proper panel alignment, drainage, and long-term performance.

2. New 26-Gauge Galvalume R-Panel Roof System

We installed a heavy-duty 26 GA Galvalume R-Panel system, engineered to withstand Texas weather. This panel profile provides excellent water-shedding ability even on low slopes, and the Galvalume substrate offers outstanding corrosion resistance.

3. RTU Removal

During installation, we removed and disposed of a rooftop unit that was no longer in use. Clearing unused equipment helps improve drainage, reduce future leak points, and give the new roof system a clean, uniform finish.

4. Custom Flashing at Walls and Penetrations

Every vent, curb, and wall transition was fully flashed and sealed to commercial standards. Proper flashing is one of the most important factors in ensuring long-term performance of a metal retrofit system.

5. New Commercial Gutters & Downspouts

To support the new metal roof system, we installed approximately 375 linear feet of heavy-duty gutters and downspouts, improving water management and preventing backup along the low-slope edges.

Warranties Provided

We stand behind every project — especially major commercial upgrades like this. Hex-Hide Industries received:

• 10-Year Workmanship Warranty from Shepherd Commercial Roofing

• 50-Year Galvalume® Steel Substrate Warranty (McElroy Metal & U.S. Steel)

• 35-Year VistaCoat® Premium Paint Finish Warranty

These warranties help protect the client’s long-term investment and ensure years of reliable performance.

Why an R-Panel Retrofit? Benefits for the Client

Hex-Hide chose an R-Panel system for several key reasons:

Strength in Harsh Texas Weather

Metal performs better than membranes on buildings exposed to high winds, intense UV rays, and heavy rains.

Long-Term Durability

Galvalume R-Panels resist rust, cracking, blistering, and UV degradation — ideal for older industrial buildings.

Low Maintenance

Once installed, metal retrofit systems require significantly less maintenance than tar and gravel or single-ply systems.

Installed Over Existing Roof

This minimizes business interruption and keeps debris out of the facility’s operations.

Better Water Shedding on Low Slopes

Even with a 1–2/12 pitch, R-Panel sheds water efficiently when installed on proper retrofitted structure.

How Shepherd Commercial Roofing Served the Client

What mattered most to this client wasn’t just the material — it was having a contractor they could trust to communicate clearly, solve problems, and deliver a roof built for the future.

Here’s how we approached it:

• Collaborated with the maintenance supervisor to fully understand the building’s history and future plans

• Explained retrofit options and why metal was the most durable long-term solution

• Provided detailed photos, reports, and updates throughout the project

• Worked section-by-section to keep the client’s operations running smoothly

• Ensured every detail was installed to the manufacturer and industry standards

We treat every project like it’s our own building — quality comes first, communication follows right behind it.

Another Successful Project in East Texas

We’re proud to help Hex-Hide Industries extend the life of their facility with a durable, long-lasting R-Panel retrofit roof built to withstand decades of Texas weather.

If you manage a commercial property in Tyler, Dallas, or anywhere in DFW and need a long-term roofing solution, our team is here to help.

👉 Contact Shepherd Commercial Roofing for a professional evaluation!