New York
New York State Capitol Building
Restoring a historic landmark with modern roofing solutions
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Category
Roofing Solutions -
Completed
2024 -
Type
Government & Historic Preservation -
Size
100 squares
Challenge
A centerpiece in the heart of Albany since its completion in
1873, the New York State Capitol Building is listed on the
National Register of Historic Places, blending Renaissance Revival,
Romanesque, and Victorian architectural styles. Designed by several
prominent architects—including Thomas Fuller and Henry Hobson
Richardson—the building’s central courtyard features a distinctive
open-air passage and restaurant, roofed and clad with eye-catching
copper detailing. By 2023, the central courtyard’s roofing and
cladding required a replacement that would maintain the
building’s historical accuracy and ensure long-term
roof performance.
Solution
To support the restoration of this historic structure, Siplast provided the Paraflex Liquid Membrane System— a high-performance solution designed to deliver seamless waterproofing in even the most complex applications.
- Seamless waterproofing for a historic structure
The Paraflex System combined torch-applied and liquid-applied membranes to create a monolithic waterproofing barrier, addressing water infiltration concerns while accommodating the project’s intricate design. Backed by a 25-year guarantee*, the system offered long-term reliability for this iconic structure. - Engineered protection for long-term performance
Designed to integrate into a complex restoration, the Paraflex System supported the Capitol’s architectural goals while providing the durability needed to safeguard critical infrastructure—helping preserve the building’s legacy for generations to come. - Award-winning results
Completed in 2024 after 21 months of careful planning and execution, the $2.6 million restoration has earned widespread recognition, including Engineering News- Record’s Regional Best Project, and the NACIA Copper in Architecture Award.
The restored central courtyard now seamlessly blends the Capitol’s rich historic charm with modern roofing solutions, ensuring long-term structural integrity and waterproofing. The completed project preserves the original architect’s vision while enhancing durability, protecting one of New York’s most iconic buildings for generations to come.
Project team
- Ownership: Office of General Services
- Architecture: Bell & Spina Architects-Planners, PC
- General Contractor: VMJR Companies
- Subcontractor: Greenwood Industries, Inc.
- Fabricator and Installer: Greenwood Industries, Inc.
- Roofing Manufacturer: Siplast
Siplast Systems
* Available for qualified projects only. Additional requirements apply.
Contact Siplast for more information. Refer to sample guarantees,
available at siplast.com, for complete coverage and restrictions.
Paraflex
When project circumstances, local regulations, or a tight construction schedule make the application of roofing sheets difficult, Siplast offers a high-performance option: liquid-applied Paraflex Liquid Roof Membrane. Paraflex Liquid Membrane and Paraflex 531 Liquid Flashing are one component of the monolithic, reinforced roof membrane or flashing membrane.