8 Misconceptions About Fluid-Applied Roofing

Fluid-applied roofing is the fastest-growing segment in the commercial roofing industry. Despite this, there’s still a lot of confusion and misconceptions around it. So, we’d like to provide some insights and education about these systems.

The technology for fluid-applied systems has been around for a while now, and as specialists, we know that expertise in this type of application is key to long-lasting restoration.

Here are 8 examples of the misconceptions our team frequently encounters:

1. Fluid-applied roofing is just another repair. It's a lesser option than a tear-off. 

When fluid-applied systems are installed properly, they can restore your current roof to top performance. This isn’t a repair, but rather, an investment in the longevity of your building’s roof.

While this may be seen as a lesser option, compared to a tear-off, it isn’t. In fact, fluid-applied systems can perform just as well or better than old roofing methods that require complete replacement. We know this because our team is roof restoration specialists, and we test all the fluid-applied systems we install.

2. I won't be able to get the same warranty that I can with a tear-off and replacement.

At White Hat, we offer Labor, Material, and Workmanship Warranties that span 10, 15, and 20 years. This is the most comprehensive type of warranty available in the commercial roofing industry and we’re able to offer it because we’re specialists.

The warranty we offer you may be even more valuable than your current warranty or a warranty you’ve been offered to have your roof replaced.

3. My roof is already too far gone for restoration. 

If you’re new to roof restoration, it may be easy to think that your roof is already too far gone to be restored. Although, most roofs are candidates for this sustainable option.

Our team of restoration specialists will do a free assessment to identify whether your roof is a candidate for restoration. You can trust that we will tell you whether your roof is a candidate and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision for your roof.

4. Fluid-applied systems don't perform the same as old roofing methods.

Our superior fluid-applied systems do perform the same as old tear-off and replace methods, if not better. This is because we are specialists and know how to properly install these systems and truly restore your roof to top performance. Getting a fluid-applied system is the same as getting a new roof, it’s just shifting how you think about it.

5. Fluid-applied systems aren't valuable to a portfolio of properties.

Fluid-applied systems can be valuable to a portfolio of properties because they perform well, increase sustainability, and cost less. When installed the right way, fluid-applied systems can restore your existing roof back to top performance. These systems allow you to get the best performance out of your roof, without placing it into a landfill. Then, without the need for disposal, you can save even more money on the cost of your project.

With a portfolio of properties, this can be very valuable, especially if you’re focused on sustainability and viable longer-term options for your roofs.

6. Fluid-applied systems are something you use when you don't have money for a tear-off and replacement, just a temporary solution with a shorter warranty.

Fluid-applied systems are NOT something you only use when you don’t have money for a tear-off and replacement project. Yes, these systems can cost less, but they also perform just as well as any old roofing method and offer more sustainable benefits.

The fluid-applied systems we install for our customers all come with a comprehensive manufacturer-backed Labor, Material, and Workmanship Warranty. Depending on the exact system, these can span 10, 15, or 20 years. So, in no way, are fluid-applied systems a “temporary solution with a shorter warranty.”

7. Having a fluid-applied roof can hurt you if you ever need to remove and replace it.

Our fluid-applied systems are designed to simply need a reapplication years after installation, and not a complete tear-off and replacement. However, if you ever need to remove and replace your roof with old roofing methods, it doesn’t hurt or make the process harder if you have a fluid-applied system. If your fluid-applied system has been installed properly, it shouldn’t disrupt your process of removing and replacing in the future—if that were a decision you choose to make.

8. Having a coating on your roof will be frowned upon when trying to sell your property.

First, it’s critical to understand that having a fluid-applied system on your roof isn’t just “having a coating.” Having a fluid-applied system is so much more than just “a coating” because it restores your roof to top performance and its advanced technology offers more sustainable and long-term benefits—compared to old tear-off and replacement methods.

Second, it shouldn’t be frowned upon that your roof has a fluid-applied system when you’re trying to sell your property. If anything, it should be a value-add that your property offers to potential buyers. Some examples of these value-adds might be the sustainability features, comprehensive warranty coverage, installation from a leading roof restoration specialist in the commercial roofing industry, etc.

Note: If you need help providing information to a buyer who’s interested in your property—but is new to fluid-applied—you might want to reach out to your roofing partner for materials or additional details that can help them better understand the value they’d be getting.

Want to know about roof restoration and what our fluid-applied systems can do for your property?

If you want to know more about the benefits of roof restoration and what our fluid-applied systems can add to your properties, our team is happy to connect and share more.

To learn more, you can call us at 937.909.9030 or contact us via email.

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