Aging Single-Ply Roof Threatens an Essential Remodel

Project Details

Location: Sterling, VA

Year: 2025

General Contractor: Remtek Services

Products Used:
Henry Pro-Grade®988 Silicone White Roof Coating
Henry Pro-Grade® 923 Butter Grade Silicone Roof Sealer

In the exotic and luxury car business, image is everything. When prospective buyers drive into a high-end luxury car dealership, they expect to enter a world that embodies elegance and a deep appreciation for the finer things, especially exotic automobiles.

Therefore, dealers must craft every detail to reflect their desired image and promote a personalized, sophisticated experience. From state-of-the-art showrooms to cutting-edge tech integrations, successful dealerships continuously invest in upgrades that enhance the customer journey.

When a MidAtlantic dealership decided to remodel their facility, they turned a critical eye toward their 42,000 square foot roof. While it wasn’t actively leaking, neither was the roof sparkling. The single ply TPO membrane roof started to show signs of wear and tear —hardly the image a premium brand wants to project. In addition, a deteriorating roof posed a long-term liability.

Searching for the Best Path to Roof Restoration

They considered replacing the roof but a tear-off and replacement, but the financial implications were steep.

Tearing off and replacing the roof would not only incur substantial capital expenses but also force a temporary shutdown that could potentially drive impatient customers to competitors. And the hefty replacement costs would limit the cash available to spend on the remodeling.

Fortunately, with the help of RemTek Services, they found a better way. RemTek conducted a pre-bid roof walk to evaluate the roof’s condition and identify vulnerabilities. The Henry-Authorized Roofing Contractor also conducted an infrared moisture scan and core sampling analysis.

Understanding the Roof’s Challenges and Options

RemTek determined the aging roof was prone to ponding and low spots due to sagging insulation. It was only a matter of time before it sprung a leak. Although a tear-off and replacement would provide long-term protection, it exposed the dealership to additional business and financial liabilities, including:

• Compliance with newer, more stringent building codes.
• Significant business disruption during demolition and installation.
• Hefty costs that were not budgeted in the remodel.
• Disruption to customers who could not receive service and support during the shutdown.

The roofing specialists considered a roof reskin which would replace the outer layer of the roof’s surface. However, this method would require additional roof penetrations, increasing the risk of future leaks.

The optimal solution? A high-performance roof coating system that would restore both durability and appearance without tearing off the existing roof.

Why Silicone Roof Coatings Proved the Best Fit

After weighing the pros and cons of acrylic and silicone-based roof coatings, the roofing specialists concluded silicone roof coatings would best support the dealership’s goals. Silicone excels in preventing ponding water, making it ideal for this roof’s condition.

However, the RemTek team didn’t stop there. They prioritized finding a system that would deliver the maximum protection and financial benefit for their investment.

So, they searched for a roof restoration system that could best support their client’s remodeling and financial goals while prioritizing a warranty. Henry emerged as the top choice for its proven performance, stellar reputation and the only manufacturer offering a 20-year warranty on its roof restoration systems.

The Henry silicone restoration system offered the perfect blend of cost-effectiveness, weather resistance, and longevity, helping the dealership protect its remodel investment while maintaining its high-end aesthetic.

Henry Silicone Roof Coatings: Built for Performance

RemTek began the restoration by applying Henry Pro-Grade® 923 Butter Grade to all seams, flashings, and curbs. This component created a durable, watertight seal on vulnerable areas that is critical for long-term leak protection. While competitor products required 124 mils of coating just on seams, Henry’s system required only 60 to 80 mils and qualified for 20-year warranty coverage.

Next, the team rolled on Henry  Pro-Grade 988 Silicone Roof Coating across the entire 42,000 square-foot roof. Pro-Grade 988 Silicone White Roof Coating is a solvent-free, one-component, moisture-curing silicone rubber roof coating system that offers superior UV and weather resistance. Because it contains no hydrocarbon solvents, it can be applied in a single coat of 50+ mils without blistering, while maintaining strong adhesion to various substrates.

Instead of spraying on the silicone roof coating, the team decided to roll it on the entire 42,000 square to eliminate the risk of overspray affecting the business or the exotic cars.

Results: Roof Coatings Deliver 75% Cost Savings Without Compromise

The decision to restore rather than replace paid off. RemTek and the customer agreed that tearing off and replacing the entire 42,000 square foot roof would provide a long-term solution at a cost they were unwilling to shoulder. Not only would the project cost over 75% more than the silicone roof restoration, but it would also have led to significant revenue loss. In addition, the reskin would cost about 40% more than the silicone roof restoration system, while exposing the roof to potential leaks.

The dealership now enjoys a watertight, energy-efficient roof that enhances curb appeal, protects the interior, and supports the refined brand image their customers expect. The roof and flashings now will keep ceilings free from water stains. Ceilings stay clean, the building stays dry, and the exterior reflects the luxury within.

Scaling Success Across the Business

Impressed by the long-term performance, look, and cost savings of their new roof, the dealership owners are now planning to restore five more dealership roofs in their portfolio using the same Henry silicone roof restoration system.