Central High School

• Client Type: Government / Education 
• Building Type: Historic High School 
• Service Provided: Full Roof Replacement + Structural Upgrades 
• Roof System: 3-Ply Hot Asphalt Modified Bitumen with Hybrid Flashing 
• Location: Jackson, MS

Independent Roofing was selected to lead a full-scale roofing renovation for the historic Central High School — originally built in 1888 and located in the heart of downtown Jackson. The project spanned over 42,000 square feet across 21 different roof levels and required careful attention to preservation, safety, and sequencing. The result was a durable, compliant roof system that honored the school’s architecture while protecting it for the future.

Challenge / Objective

The complexity of the Central High School project stemmed from:

• 21 distinct roof levels with varying access and conditions 
• An active facility with occupied areas during construction 
• Preservation of historic architecture and landscaping 
• Coordination of HVAC demolition and skylight replacement 
• Site safety, both rooftop and ground-level, on a large and high-traffic building

Notable Features

• 21 roof levels – staged and installed safely and systematically 
• Combination of historic preservation and modern roofing science 
• Hybrid flashing solution for durability and adaptability 
• Custom atrium skylight construction with interior finishing 
• Completed within 1 year, despite scope and complexity 
• Full 20-year material and labor warranty issued post-completion

Solution

Independent Roofing created a detailed phased plan to manage work areas efficiently:

• Installed OSHA-compliant flagging and safety barriers around all edges 
• Deployed safety monitors, fall protection, and PPE across all crews 
• Utilized a hot asphalt 3-ply Modified Bitumen system, featuring: 
  • ½” DensDeck Coverboard 
  • Fully tapered polyiso insulation 
  • Base layer polyiso 
• Added a hybrid flashing system using TPO on parapet verticals 
• Replaced multiple skylights and constructed a custom atrium skylight feature, including framing, glazing, and finish work 
• Staged crane and kettle areas with proper fencing and traffic control 
• Removed and installed roofing in same-day increments to prevent moisture intrusion