Snyder, a leading commercial roofing and waterproofing company in the Pacific Northwest, is proud to have played a key role in the successful completion of the main terminal at Portland International Airport (PDX), a major milestone in Oregon’s largest public works project to date. This achievement is part of the ambitious PDX Next redesign and expansion initiative.
As a key subcontractor for Hoffman Construction Company and Skanska USA (Hoffman Skanska Joint Venture), ZGF Architects, and nearly 150 local partners, Snyder was instrumental in constructing the innovative roofing system central to the airport’s transformative design. Notably, 100% of the wood used in the roof was sustainably sourced within a 300-mile radius, thanks to partnerships with local tribes, family-owned farms, and the Nature Conservancy.
“For me, this is the most satisfying project I’ve been involved with in over 23 years at Snyder,” said foreman Victor Frias. “The coordination, communication, scheduling, prefabrication, and collaboration with multiple contractors on such a complex design have been incredible.”
The roof features a Siplast Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS) system with a vapor barrier, insulation, and cover board, installed using a mix of hot asphalt and torch-applied membranes. The undulating barrel design was chosen for its ability to withstand the Pacific Northwest’s challenging weather and ensure long-term durability. Covering more than eight acres and requiring 800,000 pounds of asphalt, the installation underscores Snyder’s dedication to quality and precision.
The project faced unique logistical challenges, including working within an active airfield. Snyder’s team prefabricated each 12,000-square-foot roof section on the ground, then transported them nearly three-quarters of a mile, lifted 80 feet into the air, and assembled them to form the completed roof structure. The complex design, with slopes ranging from 1/4:12 to 5:12 and thicknesses up to 26 inches (R-156), required expert precision and coordination.
Brad Harrison, Senior Manager of Engineering and Construction at the Port of Portland, described the process to pdxnext.com. “Every move was meticulously choreographed and executed in the middle of the night. Installing the roof in 18 sections, each weighing over 600,000 pounds and as large as a football field, was remarkable.”
Snyder’s leadership and expertise ensured the project stayed on schedule while upholding the highest standards of safety and efficiency. With this phase complete, Snyder looks forward to the full project’s completion in 2026. For more information about PDX Next, visit pdxnext.com. To learn more about Snyder’s commercial roofing and waterproofing solutions, visit Snyder Builds.