BLUE BELL, Pa. — Universal Supply partnered with Bucks County-based contractor Eiseman Construction on a $14-million project to replace the original cedar roofing in a 171-home community in Montgomery County, Pa. with a synthetic material that mimics the look of cedar while increasing the fire safety and longevity of the roof.

The homeowners’ association of Whitpain Farm, a premier 55-and-over community in Whitpain Township, Montgomery County, selected Eiseman for the job after reviewing proposals from many area contractors. Headed by Principal Melissa Eiseman, the woman-owned company began onsite work on June 6.

“We are excited to partner with the Whitpain Farm HOA leaders, property managers, suppliers, and manufacturers on this comprehensive project,” Eiseman said. “A home is usually one of a family’s largest financial assets, and we are honored to be entrusted with this project. This replacement project will give the homes of Whitpain Farm beautiful new roofing that meets the highest standards for aesthetics, safety, and resale value.”

Universal Supply Co., a division of US LBM, is supplying Eiseman Construction with materials for the project. Eiseman and her team collaborated with Universal Supply’s outside sales representative Dave Jones and Darren Dimedio, Universal’s product line manager for lumber, to ensure a steady supply chain of materials needed for the job, including an estimated 21,000 sheets of plywood.

“For us, it has been a privilege and an honor to see Eiseman Construction grow over the years and to see Melissa take the company to the next level,” said John Gorczynski, vice president, exterior building products, for US LBM. “Effective collaboration between suppliers and contractors is important, particularly these days with so many supply chain issues plaguing the industry. We are thrilled to be working closely with Eiseman Construction, which is one of the most professional companies I’ve worked with in more than 30 years doing business in this industry.”

The project at Whitpain Farm is the first large-scale installation in the Northeast of the roofing material made by Aurora, Colo.-based manufacturer, CeDUR. Company president Barry Gleichenhaus touted the many benefits of the synthetic roofing system, including significantly lower maintenance, improved fire rating, strong impact resistance, and durability.

“CeDUR shakes are molded from natural cedar shakes and are designed and engineered to look just like hand-split, solid wood, cedar shakes,” Gleichenhaus said. “A CeDUR synthetic roof gives a home classic wood beauty without the constant maintenance and fire dangers inherent in real wood, enhancing the home’s curb appeal and property value.”

Whitpain Farm HOA president Dick Lean said the roof project represents a significant investment for the gated community on Butler Pike and will add greatly to the value of the homes.

“This community is now 38 years old, and it was definitely time to upgrade our roofing material to something that looks great and offers better fire and hail protection and, therefore, insurability,” said Lean. “We are glad to be working with Melissa and her crew and are particularly excited to be one of the first neighborhoods on the East Coast to install CeDUR shingles, which last forever and look like real cedar.”

The project team also includes representatives from Doylestown-based Bustamante Engineers, and property management company FirstService Residential, which manages Whitpain Farm and its 121 acres of rolling landscape and thousands of mature trees, in addition to the roofs and exteriors of all 171 homes.

Originally a farm dating back to the 1700s, Whitpain Farm also features a pool, tennis courts, and the Manor House, an 18th century mansion that hosts a variety of social activities.