In the heart of central Panamá, the Hospital Regional Dr. Luis Chicho Fábrega plays an essential role in supporting the community’s healthcare needs.  

This vital facility, located in Santiago, Veraguas, serves a large patient base, providing high-complexity medical care across various departments and specialty laboratories.  

Unfortunately, the hospital was starting to show signs of significant wear and tear. The roof was more than 20 years old, and Panamá’s extreme weather conditions had taken their toll. The roof had begun to leak, with severe rainwater infiltration threatening critical areas of the building.  

To address these issues, the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Panamá (MINSA) teamed up with Ingenieria Estudios y Proyectos S.A. (Ingespro) and Mega Silants Panamá S.A., a trusted local distributor.

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The project involved restoring the hospital’s 260,000-square-foot roof, which consists of a 70% concrete surface and a 30% metal surface — each presenting unique challenges.

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Key Challenges in Roof Restoration for Hospital Buildings

The hospital, a concrete structure built more than 20 years ago, is located approximately 250 km from the capital in a region with intense rainfall from May to December, extreme humidity, and temperatures that can exceed 40°C (104°F).  

The hospital’s roof was experiencing rainwater infiltration in sensitive areas, like its laboratories. The concrete portion of the roof, covered in soil and debris from years of buildup, needed a thorough cleaning with metal brushes and high-pressure water jets. The metal sections, meanwhile, showed signs of corrosion and required mechanical cleaning before any coating could be applied.

To make the restoration project even more complex, the team had to navigate the building’s flat roof structure, which houses numerous HVAC units, while working against the clock to complete repairs before Panamá’s rainy season began in May.  

With this in mind, Ingespro selected Enduris ™ 3525 roof coating, a silicone coating with a proven track record in roofing projects where reliability and ease of application are paramount.

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Why Enduris 3525 Silicone Roof Coating Was Selected

Enduris 3525 roof coating was an ideal match for this project for several reasons:

• One-Coat, Primerless Application: This single-coat solution helped the team cover large areas quickly, providing a fast, reliable repair and a long-term barrier against moisture. This saved significant time when compared to alternative solutions that would require both a primer and multiple coats.
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• Superior Adhesion: Enduris 3525 coating bonds effectively to both concrete and metal surfaces, providing Ingespro with the confidence to tackle areas most vulnerable to water infiltration.
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• Durability Under Extreme Conditions: Enduris 3525 roof coating is designed to withstand standing water, extreme temperatures and damaging UV— ideal for Panamá’s climate, where rain and heat often exceed expectations.
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• 10-Year Warranty Requirement: Meeting the customer’s need for a roof coating with at least a 10-year material warranty, Enduris 3525 provided the long-term solution necessary for the hospital’s demands.

Within weeks of completing the application, the first rains of the season confirmed the effectiveness of the coating. The hospital’s management was pleased to report that the product held up seamlessly, stopping leaks that had plagued the facility for years.

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Positive Outcomes for the Community

Successfully completed in July 2024, the roof restoration provides the hospital with lasting protection against weather elements. For the thousands who rely on Hospital Regional Dr. Luis Chicho Fábrega, the project means continued access to quality healthcare in a safe, well-maintained environment.

Moreover, for future large-scale government projects, Enduris 3525 silicone roof coating stands as a tested solution.

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Both Ingespro and the hospital’s management expressed satisfaction with the results, and this project has opened the door for Enduris 3525 coating to be considered for other significant infrastructure needs across the region.

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The Hospital Regional Dr. Luis Chicho Fábrega project highlights the role silicone construction sealants and coatings can play in transforming and protecting essential buildings — ensuring they remain resilient, even under the most demanding conditions.

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Repair and Restore with Enduris Silicone Roof Coating

Protect and extend the life of your roof, with Enduris 100% silicone roof coatings. For new constructions and restoration on a wide range of substrates, one coat of Enduris roof coating offers proven performance in the toughest environments.

Project Details

Project/Building Name:  Hospital Regional Dr. Luis Chicho Fábrega

Project Location:  Santiago, Veraguas, Panamá

Project Completed:  April - July 2024

General Contractor: Ingenieria Estudios y Proyectos S.A. (Ingespro)

Distributor:  Mega Silants Panamá S.A.

NOTE: Performance results are those of reported accounts, and are not to be relied upon as typical or expected under any other circumstances. Performance results will vary depending upon a number of factors. Prospective customers should rely solely upon their own evaluative techniques to determine what results are attainable and optimal to their specific needs. Further note that Momentive Performance Materials products are not endorsed by or affiliated with those involved in this project.