Maintaining a Pristine Image and Enhancing Efficiency: Upgrading the Roofs at Mercedes-Benz of Sugar Land

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 and Wall Solutions (SRWS) was selected by Mercedes-Benz of Sugar Land in September 2018 to provide a solution for upgrading their existing gravel built-up (BUR) roofing areas without disrupting the dealership’s ongoing operations.

Faced with the challenges of accessing multiple smaller roofs totaling approximately 15,536 square feet, including two with exceptionally high parapet walls, SRWS proposed a cold Fluid Applied Reinforced Roofing (FARR) system. Mercedes-Benz decided to implement this innovative solution on five of their smaller roofs as a pilot project. Their objectives were to evaluate the installation process’s impact on daily operations and to observe the energy-saving benefits of a white reflective roof.

The SRWS team began by meticulously cleaning and preparing the existing BUR surfaces, which included removing excess gravel and ensuring the roofs were dry. This was a significant undertaking, especially on the roofs with embedded gravel and a granulated cap sheet, all located on the busy front, left, and right sides of the dealership, which also housed numerous AC units and condensation lines.

During the preparation phase, SRWS identified areas where the granulated cap sheet had delaminated and performed necessary repairs by cutting open, drying, and patching these sections. Large roof penetrations received a reinforced layer of Western Colloid emulsion and polyester fabric. Additionally, all existing wooden risers for the HVAC condensation lines were replaced with new, coated blocks.

The chosen system was a seven-step Western Colloid application, featuring a flood coat of WC Emulsion, followed by two more coats of WC Emulsion with embedded polyester fabric layers, and finished with two top coats of WC Elastahyde White Acrylic Quick Set, with adequate drying time between each layer. To further enhance energy efficiency, SRWS also applied the WC Elastahyde White Acrylic Quick Set to the AC ducting.

The results were significant. Mercedes-Benz of Sugar Land now benefits from a new, sustainable, and energy-efficient roofing system with an added 235 dry mils of thickness and a ten-year renewable warranty. Post-installation temperature readings revealed a dramatic difference: on a sunny January day with an ambient temperature of 71 degrees Fahrenheit, the original gravel roof ranged from 105-109 degrees, while the coated roofs measured only 71-76 degrees – a temperature difference of approximately 33%. This substantial reduction in surface temperature is expected to lead to significant savings in utility costs and HVAC maintenance.

Despite facing challenges such as cold weather, rain, and the complexities of working at a high-end car dealership, Structure Roof and Wall Solutions successfully delivered a watertight, energy-efficient roofing solution, ensuring a happy client and a facility that upholds the prestigious image of Mercedes-Benz of Sugar Land.