Rooftop Transformation in Lancaster, PA: Walk Pads for Outdoor Café Space

Reclaiming Rooftop Space for Employee Enjoyment

GSM Roofing helped reimagine a commercial rooftop in downtown Lancaster, PA, by installing a colorful, safe, and slip-resistant surfacing system. The goal: create an inviting café-style break area that encourages employees to gather, relax, and enjoy time outside.

The result? Over 1,500 square feet of rooftop space was transformed using 2” interlocking rubber rooftop tiles—a system designed specifically to protect the membrane beneath while delivering aesthetic appeal and reliable foot traffic durability.

Rooftop view showing a weathered TPO membrane with staining and leaf debris prior to GSM Roofing's installation of rubber paving tiles.

Rooftop with deteriorated black rubber mats and visible moss growth on TPO membrane before GSM Roofing began the roof deck upgrade.

Project Challenges

This rooftop upgrade presented several logistical and technical hurdles:

Navigating a Historic Urban Structure: Transporting hundreds of tiles through an older building in a high-traffic downtown setting required careful coordination and timing.
Membrane Readiness: Before the tiles could be laid, GSM Roofing conducted a full preventive maintenance inspection to verify the existing TPO membrane was in excellent condition and could support the added application without voiding warranty or performance expectations.

The Results

380 rooftop tiles installed
1,520 square feet of walkable rooftop surface created
Enhanced outdoor space for employee use without compromising the roof’s integrity
An attractive multi-color tile pattern that complements the building’s urban setting

Designed for Long-Term Durability

The rubber rooftop tiles selected for this project are engineered to withstand heavy foot traffic, weather exposure, and temperature changes—making them a smart choice for protecting the membrane below and ensuring a safer, low-maintenance surface.

In addition to improving aesthetics and function, this surfacing system provides:

Years of maintenance-friendly performance ensured this rooftop café space is not only beautiful and functional—but also protected for years to come.

Excellent slip resistance in both wet and dry conditions
Mechanical and thermal protection for the underlying roof membrane
Sound dampening benefits from foot traffic and rooftop noise
Years of maintenance-friendly performance

Why GSM Roofing?

This job was a perfect fit for GSM Roofing’s strength in tackling dirty, dangerous, or difficult projects. The client had a unique vision—to create a rooftop café that would improve the employee experience and potentially increase on-site office participation post-pandemic.

Our team brought the expertise and flexibility needed to turn that vision into a safe, beautiful, and functional space—on time and with the right materials for long-term performance.

FAQs

Can any flat roof be converted into an employee-use space?

In many cases, yes—but it depends on the existing membrane, structural support, and intended usage. GSM Roofing conducts thorough inspections to ensure suitability before installation.

Are rooftop walk pads a safe addition for commercial roofs?

Yes. The system installed is slip-resistant, weather-tested, and provides added protection for the roofing membrane, making it safe for regular foot traffic.

Do these systems require a lot of maintenance?

No. The rubber tiles used are low-maintenance and highly durable, designed to perform well in all seasons without deterioration.

Is the rooftop surfacing system covered under warranty?

Yes. The tiles installed for this project come with a limited lifetime warranty covering wear, structural integrity, and long-term resiliency. GSM Roofing only installs materials we trust to perform and last.

Interested in turning unused roof space into something remarkable? Whether it’s a rooftop patio, walk path, or outdoor workspace, GSM Roofing brings the expertise to deliver long-lasting, code-compliant solutions. Get in touch with us today.