It's Anne Serzz and I’m back with another #AskCentiMark article! When it comes to the automotive industry, there’s no “one-size-fits-all” roofing solution. From sleek showrooms to sprawling manufacturing plants, each facility brings its own set of challenges and our roofing pros are here to help.
Eric Gorman, Vice President of National Accounts and Mark Broome, Project Manager in the South are well-versed in the automotive industry. Whether it’s enhancing the customer experience or protecting sensitive equipment, they understand that quality roofing in these environments is critical. Let’s roll into their roofing advice for keeping your operations in the fast lane.
Q: What unique roofing challenges do you encounter when working with automotive dealerships, repair shops or manufacturing plants?
Eric: Each of these facilities face diverse roofing challenges! Large manufacturing facilities often deal with carbon black, a crucial component in tire production, on the outside, yet they’re constantly exposed to harsh chemicals on the inside. We always design a roof that can withstand both internal and external wear. For car dealerships, customer experience is everything! The showroom is essentially their centerpiece, so it has to look pristine. A leaky roof and stained ceiling tiles can quickly turn off potential buyers or even damage inventory. On top of that, temperature control plays a major role in guest comfort, so an energy-efficient roofing solution is key. We customize each roof to create an inviting, long-lasting impression for their customers. Auto repair shops bring a different kind of challenge—safety. These spaces are filled with electrical equipment, heavy tools and slippery surfaces from grease and oils. So we really focus on risk reduction and minimal downtime in these environments.
Q: How important is ongoing roof maintenance for automotive facilities and how often should it be scheduled?
Eric: Regularly maintaining your commercial roof is CRITICAL for automotive facilities. We generally recommend inspections at least every six months, ideally before winter hits. That being said, location makes a big difference in how often and how much maintenance is required. In the South, we can perform maintenance on the roof year-round. Whereas facilities in the North face harsher winters, so we prioritize scheduling maintenance before and after the winter season. Local environmental factors matter too—if a facility is surrounded by trees, it’ll require more upkeep and maintenance compared to one in a wide-open parking lot with little debris. As a baseline, annual roof maintenance is the minimum best practice but we see our customers opt for more frequent visits to stay ahead of costly repairs down the line.
How do you coordinate roofing projects in busy automotive facilities, especially when the roof is critical for storing inventory or operating equipment?
Mark: Conducting roof work in busy automotive facilities requires a clean workspace and open communication to help us keep the job on track with minimal disruption. We truly go above and beyond and we’re always transparent with our customers about the risks. Safety is our #1 priority, so our crews hold daily “toolbox talks” to review safety protocols and our supervisors constantly monitor the site to ensure procedures are followed.
Q: How do roofing needs differ between automotive showrooms vs manufacturing facilities?
Eric: The roofing requirements vary quite a bit between automotive showrooms and manufacturing facilities, especially when it comes to timing and overall project coordination. For showrooms, our main focus is typically on minimizing disruption to their customers' experience. We need to carefully work around their business hours and guest traffic to ensure this. Manufacturing facilities, on the other hand, require roofing projects that are scheduled around their production to ensure there isn’t any operational downtime. Regardless of the facility, we always make sure everyone on the job-site knows exactly when and where roof work is happening.
We also see unique material preferences in manufacturing settings, particularly in facilities owned by overseas companies. One common example is rockwool - a dense insulation material with a high R-value that offers excellent thermal protection and fire resistance. It’s especially popular with European-based companies but since it’s much heavier than standard insulation, we have to ensure the building is equipped to handle this added weight.
Q: Are there any roofing features that can enhance customer experience in a dealership environment?
Eric: One of the most common upgrades we make is installing a white Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) membrane. This roof reflects sunlight, helping to keep the building cooler during those hot summer months. By reducing heat absorption, it eases the load on HVAC systems trying to pull in cool air, which improves comfort inside the showroom and helps cut down on energy costs.
Q: What factors contribute to the overall life of a roof in the automotive industry and what is the typical life expectancy for these roofs?
Mark: For automotive manufacturing facilities, their warranties range from 20 to 25 years depending on the roof system. The type of facility also plays a big role in material selection. For example, PVC roofs are more common in manufacturing plants because they are more resistant to oil and chemical exposure. Whereas, TPO or metal roofing might be more effective in showroom environments where aesthetics and energy efficiency are top priorities. Ultimately, the roofing material and amount of ongoing maintenance that’s performed will drastically affect your roof’s service life.
Eric: Exactly! For automotive dealerships, we typically install roof systems with a 20-year life cycle warranty. But reaching that full life cycle really depends on proper care and preventative maintenance.
To sum it up, the right roofing approach can drive serious value—both in performance and customer satisfaction. From selecting the right materials to scheduling regular maintenance and working seamlessly around active operations, a reliable roofing contractor like CentiMark makes all the difference! In an industry where first impressions matter and downtime isn’t an option, your roof plays a bigger role than you might think. So whether it’s resisting chemicals, reducing energy costs or simply keeping things safe and dry, we’re here to help.
About our panel:
Eric Gorman:
With over 15 years of experience in the roofing industry, Eric has built a strong reputation for delivering customized solutions to automotive facilities across the East Coast. One of his first partnerships involved supporting a national car dealership company with more than 120 locations, each with its own unique set of roofing challenges. From high-profile showrooms to complex service centers, Eric has the knowledge to keep these facilities looking sharp and operating safely.
Mark Broome:
With over six years at CentiMark, Mark has become a roofing pro for large automotive manufacturing facilities. He brings a deep understanding of procurement processes, structural engineering considerations and the unique demands these environments present. He has the insight and experience to keep roofing projects running smoothly.