Case StudyKeeping One of the World's Busiest Airports Running During a Complete Roof Replacement
Overview
Replacing a commercial roof is challenging. Replacing one over an active terminal at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport while aircraft continue arriving and departing throughout the night is another challenge entirely.
As part of the T9–T17 concourse renovation, Watertight Roofing Services partnered with Turner Construction to replace an aging roof system without interrupting daily airport operations. Every night required precise coordination between contractors, airport personnel, airline operations, and safety teams to complete the work before the terminal returned to full operation each morning.
The result was a successful roof replacement that was completed safely, efficiently, and without disrupting operations at one of the world's busiest airports.
The Challenge
This wasn't a typical commercial roofing project. The T9–T17 concourse was undergoing a complete renovation, including interior improvements, exterior wall panel replacement, and a full roof replacement. Throughout construction, the terminal remained operational, meaning every phase of roofing work had to be completed overnight while maintaining strict airport safety and security requirements.
Unlike a traditional project, crews couldn't establish a permanent staging area or leave materials on site. Each evening, equipment was transported from an off-site laydown yard through multiple security checkpoints before work could begin. By sunrise, every tool, piece of equipment, and section of the work area had to be cleared so airline operations could continue uninterrupted.
- Working exclusively overnight
- Coordinating around active aircraft and gate operations
- Preventing roofing debris from becoming foreign object hazards
- Meeting airport-specific safety and security requirements
- Coordinating work across multiple trades throughout the terminal renovation
The Solution
Executing a project of this complexity required far more than roofing expertise.
Every night began with detailed planning sessions involving Watertight, Turner Construction, airport representatives, and other trades. Teams reviewed safety procedures, work locations, material staging, and nightly objectives before mobilizing, ensuring everyone understood both their responsibilities and how their work affected others.
Because traditional material handling wasn't possible on an active airfield, Watertight adapted its process. Roofing debris was carefully bagged and transported across the roof to a designated loading area, while guardrails with protective netting helped prevent materials from entering nearby taxiways and aircraft gates.
When unforeseen conditions surfaced—including decades-old utilities and infrastructure hidden beneath the roof—the team relied on proactive communication and coordination with other trades to resolve issues without delaying the project.
Collaboration at Every Level
Projects like this aren't completed by one contractor alone. Watertight worked closely with Turner Construction's dedicated superintendent, airport representatives, and dozens of subcontractors throughout construction. Weekly safety meetings brought together nearly 100 workers to review upcoming activities, coordinate schedules, and address potential conflicts before work began.
That level of communication allowed multiple trades to work simultaneously while maintaining safety, minimizing disruptions, and keeping the project moving forward.
The T11–T16 roofing replacement presented significant technical and logistical challenges due to complex existing conditions and the need to maintain uninterrupted airport operations.
Through close collaboration between WRS, TUJV, and the design team, the project was executed safely, efficiently, and without operational disruption. The team successfully delivered a high-quality roofing system with zero lost-time incidents, zero water intrusion events, and no impacts to facility operations. WRS demonstrated exceptional ownership and execution from buyout through closeout, playing a critical role in the overall success of the project.
The Results
The completed project replaced an aging roof system that had developed multiple active leaks while allowing one of the world's busiest airports to remain fully operational throughout construction. Through careful planning, close coordination, and a commitment to safety, Watertight successfully completed the work without disrupting airport operations or experiencing major project incidents.
The team's performance also strengthened its partnership with Turner Construction. In recognition of Watertight's work on the project, Turner presented the company with its Outstanding Subcontractor Performance Award, reinforcing the trust built throughout the collaboration and highlighting the team's commitment to quality, safety, and execution.
Project Highlights
- 51,000 total square feet reroofed
- 11 months of construction
- 250 overnight shifts completed
- T9–T17 concourse completed
- Approximately 85–100 workers participating in weekly coordination meetings
- Zero major safety incidents
- Recipient of Turner Construction's Outstanding Subcontractor Performance Award
- Additional work on Delta terminal awarded during the project
Built on Trust
Beyond the successful completion of the roof, one of the project's most meaningful outcomes was the confidence it built with Turner Construction. By delivering quality work under one of the most demanding logistical environments imaginable, Watertight strengthened an existing relationship and reinforced its reputation as a contractor capable of handling highly complex commercial roofing projects.
“The confidence they have now is that if they get a project involving roofing, they know they can count on Watertight. We're going to do what we say we're going to do, take care of our customer, and deliver quality work.”