Innovative Roof Restoration Refreshes Staples Retail Store

The Challenge

Office supply giant Staples recently found itself facing a critical decision regarding the roof of its Silver Springs, MD retail store. Years of exposure to harsh weather conditions had taken their toll on the facility's roof, potentially compromising the building's integrity. As project managers surveyed the situation, they knew they needed a solution that would address the deterioration while supporting their business needs and environmental goals.

The challenges were multifaceted. Not only did the roof show signs of wear and tear, but any solution would need to minimize disruptions to the center's daily operations. The Staples team, led by Michael Wohlers, senior director of construction and installation, and Matthew Beck, construction project manager, was determined to find a cost-effective alternative to a full roof replacement. They had observed that roof replacement costs were increasing year over year, which prompted them to consider restoration as a viable option. The team also saw this as an opportunity to improve the facility's energy efficiency and reduce their environmental footprint by minimizing landfill waste.

In their search for an innovative solution, Wohlers and Beck turned to Henry Roof Restoration Systems. After a thorough assessment of Staples' needs and the condition of the existing roof, Henry recommended a well-established solution: the Pro-Grade® 988 Silicone White Roof Coating system.

The Solution

Henry Pro-Grade 988 Silicone White Roof Coating is a solvent-free, one-component, moisture-curing silicone rubber roof coating system that is compatible with most roofing substrates. This advanced coating boasts several features crucial to the project's success. Its Dirt Pick-Up Resistance (DPUR) technology promised long-lasting whiteness and brightness, essential for maintaining the roof's reflective properties over time. The coating's superior UV resistance and ability to withstand permanent ponding water made it ideal for the varied weather conditions in Silver Springs. Additionally, its ultra-low VOC content aligned with Staples' environmental concerns.

Besides Pro-Grade 988, the comprehensive restoration process included several additional components:

• Henry Pro-Grade 923 Butter Grade Silicone Roof Sealer or Henry Pro-Grade 957 Silicone Fibered Roof Sealer: Used for sealing flashings, fasteners, seams, and drains.
• Henry Pro-Grade 920 Silicone White Roof Sealant: Applied to seal roof membrane seams, concrete cracks, flashing, and any damaged areas, providing an additional layer of protection.
• Henry Pro-Grade Primers: Applied as needed based on the existing roof substrate and conditions, ensuring optimal adhesion and performance of the entire system.

Throughout the restoration process, Beck oversaw the project, ensuring that every aspect of the application met the high standards set by both Staples and Henry. This close collaboration between Staples and Henry experts was key to the project's success.

The Results

The impact of choosing the Henry Pro-Grade Silicone Roof Restoration System has been immediately noticeable in some areas, while other benefits are expected to unfold over time.

The retail store has already experienced significant benefits from the restoration project. The restoration has dramatically extended the life of the existing roof without the need for a full replacement, solving current issues while providing a long-term solution that will protect the facility for years to come. The project resulted in a dramatic reduction in waste, having avoided a full roof replacement that would have sent substantial materials to landfills. Additionally, the retail store's daily operations continued with minimal disruption during the restoration process, thanks to the easy-to-apply, self-flashing liquid system. This allowed Staples to improve its facility without sacrificing productivity or incurring costly downtime.

While it's too early to confirm, the high reflective properties of the Pro-Grade 988 Silicone White Roof Coating are expected to reduce the building's heat absorption. In the coming months, the retail store anticipates observing lower internal temperatures and reduced strain on their HVAC systems, which should translate to improvements in energy efficiency and cost savings.

Looking to the future, new advantages will emerge. The restored roof's enhanced durability will provide extended protection for the facility, significantly reducing the need for frequent repairs and maintenance over the years. The energy-saving properties of the new coating should continue to yield substantial cost savings, contributing to Staples' financial health and operational efficiency well into the future.

In addition, project’s success will likely create a positive ripple effect, enabling Staples to address more roofing needs across its locations and progressively improve more of its buildings. This long-term strategy will extend the lifespan of roofs company-wide while consistently reducing maintenance costs and energy consumption across multiple locations.

Ultimately, roof restoration supports Staples' long-term sustainability goals and operational excellence, positioning the company as a leader in responsible facility management and environmental stewardship.