Gallery: Geneva's Unitarian Church Goes Green
The Unitarian Church of Geneva,Illinois, a non-profit organization, was
established in 1843. The ensuing years have taken their toll on the building. The church was in
need of major repairs. Because the church is recognized as a historical site, they were eligible
for government funding. Applications for grants through the State of Illinois, City of Geneva, and
the County of Kane were filed. They received a total of five million dollars to completely restore
the church to the original 1843 condition.
Roof replacement was one of their priorities. They were seeking a product that was not only
durable, but also environmentally friendly. Over a year was spent researching various roof
systems. The roof material finally decided upon was Enviroshake.
It is a unique environmentally friendly composite, ninety five percent of which is derived
from reprocessed industrial polymers, fibers, and rubber. Popular Mechanic’s Magazine chose
Enviroshake as one of 15 best picks from the 2004 International Builders Show. This is truly
a green roof system. This roof has a look similar to aged wood shakes, however, it does not
support the growth of moss or algae and will not split or curl as it ages.
Affordable Roofing was chosen to do the roof replacement. This entailed removing
all the existing roofing, repairing any damaged wood and installing the Enviroshake system. The
project was made more challenging due to the fact that renovations to the grounds, foundation,
siding, and windows below the roof had already been completed. Extra precautions were necessary
to protect this new work. All went well. The old roofing was removed and replaced with no damage
to the building or landscaping. Continuing their efforts to be environmentally responsible,
church members even recycled the old cedar shakes and made them into mulch. The completed project
exceeded expectations. The church had successfully recreated the historical look of the 1800’s
while keeping the work as “green” as possible.
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With the old roof coming off, barriers were
built to protect the building and landscape below.
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Tear-off nearing completion. Note the kick-out ramp
especially constructed for this job to protect the building and landscape.
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Wood being separated from other debris. The wood will
be ground up into mulch later on.
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The tear-off is complete. You are viewing the north side
of the Geneva, IL Unitarian Church.
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Enviroshake bundles stocked on our truck. First we unload the
'laddervator' which will convey the bundles to the roof.
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Roy Carrillo, steep slope mechanic, carries a bundle of
Enviroshake to the laddervator.
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Underlayment in place and flashing complete.
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Another view of the underlayment on the south side of
the Geneva, IL church.
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The Enviroshake is now loaded on the roof and ready for
installation. Safety harnesses will be used from this point on.
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Bottom starter course detail. Heavy gauge metal edge flashing
and gutter straps in place.
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Shake liner every row with underlayment over decking.
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Another view of the of Enviroshake installation in progress.
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Progressing up the roof and working around one of the steeples. You
can see our laddervator in the foreground.
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Closer view of the flashing and Enviroshake around the steeple.
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Another view, facing west, and a chimney on the north side of the
Geneva, IL church.
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Wide view from the ground shows progress being made. Beginning to
look like a shake roof now.
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Enviroshake is installed on North side of the Geneva, IL church.
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South side of the Geneva, IL church. Note the beautiful landscaping
around this area. All of the old roof was hauled to the north side during tear-off to
avoid any mishaps.
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Detailed view of the steeple and north side of the Geneva, IL church.
