Case Study: Mercedes-Benz Dealership
Maintaining a Pristine Image and Enhancing Efficiency: Upgrading the Roofs at Mercedes-Benz of Sugar Land
Client: Mercedes-Benz of Sugar Land
Location: Sugar Land, Texas
Challenge: The luxury car dealership needed to upgrade approximately 15,536 sq ft of aging gravel built-up (BUR) roofs across multiple, hard-to-access areas. The primary challenge was to complete the project without disrupting the dealership’s daily high-end sales and service operations.
Solution: SRWS proposed and implemented a cold Fluid Applied Reinforced Roofing (FARR) system as a pilot project on five roofs. This innovative approach created a seamless, sustainable, and highly reflective surface while avoiding the noise and fumes of a traditional roof replacement.
Services: Fluid Applied Reinforced Roofing (FARR), Roof Restoration, Energy-Efficient Roofing
Project Overview:
The image of a luxury brand like Mercedes-Benz demands excellence in every detail, extending to the functionality and appearance of their facilities. Structure Roof & Wall Solutions (SRWS) was selected by Mercedes-Benz of Sugar Land to provide a modern roofing solution that would enhance energy efficiency and protect their investment, all while remaining invisible to their discerning clientele during the installation process.
Navigating Complex Site Conditions:
The project involved five smaller roofs, some with exceptionally high parapet walls, making access and material staging a complex logistical challenge. The roofs were located on the busy front and sides of the dealership and were crowded with numerous AC units and condensation lines. As a pilot project, the client’s objective was twofold: to evaluate the installation’s impact on daily operations and to measure the real-world energy benefits of a white reflective roof.
A Multi-Step, High-Performance Application:
The SRWS team began by meticulously preparing the existing BUR surfaces. This involved removing excess and embedded gravel, identifying and repairing areas where the granulated cap sheet had delaminated, and thoroughly cleaning the substrate. Key steps of the application included:
Reinforcing all large roof penetrations with a layer of Western Colloid emulsion and polyester fabric.
Replacing old wooden risers for HVAC condensation lines with new, fully coated blocks.
Applying a complete seven-step Western Colloid FARR system, which included multiple layers of asphalt emulsion and embedded polyester fabric.
Finishing with two top coats of WC Elastahyde White Acrylic Quick Set to create a durable, reflective, and seamless membrane.
Coating the AC ducting with the same reflective topcoat to further enhance energy efficiency.
Outcome:
The pilot project was a definitive success. Mercedes-Benz of Sugar Land now benefits from a new, sustainable roofing system with an added 235 dry mils of waterproof thickness and a ten-year renewable warranty. The energy efficiency gains were immediately apparent; post-installation temperature readings revealed a temperature difference of approximately 33% between the old gravel roof and the new coated surface. This substantial reduction is expected to lead to significant savings in utility costs and reduced strain on HVAC equipment, proving the value of the FARR system and leading to a very satisfied client.