In the commercial roofing industry, fluid-applied roofing systems are often treated like a lesser option because they’re misunderstood or people have had experiences with poor installation. But there’s a narrow window where fluid-applied solutions absolutely win! This is especially true when they’re installed by an industry expert who works with them 100% of the time.

For roofing consultants tasked with identifying the best solutions for clients, understanding when and why to recommend a fluid-applied system can be the difference between a short-term fix and a long-term triumph.

What Is & Isn’t True About Fluid-applied Roofing Systems 

Fluid-applied systems, like any other roofing solution, are not going to magically fix poor design, structural issues, or maintenance neglect. However, when a commercial roof is a good candidate for fluid-applied restoration, customers can gain seamless membranes with excellent adhesion, flexibility, and UV resistance.

Here are some key advantages:

• Cost Effectiveness. With no complete replacement and removal needed, these solutions often offer cost savings.
• Minimal Disruption. Because fluid-applied roofing systems restore, rather than replace, there is minimal disruption during the installation process compared to other options.
• Sustainable Value. Fluid-applied solutions considerably reduce waste to landfill and offer cooling properties, which can reduce on-site heating and cooling costs.

Learn more about 8 Common Misconceptions

When It Makes Sense to Use Fluid-applied Solutions

While there is a narrow window where fluid-applied wins, there are many times when it does make sense to use these solutions. For example, if you’re not getting the performance you need out of your roof, but less than 15% of the roof is over-saturated, fluid-applied solutions can offer a better alternative. Choosing to use fluid-applied roofing systems also makes more sense if you’re looking for a less disruptive seamless option with waterproofing and sustainable benefits.

If you’re unsure about whether it makes sense for your client to use fluid-applied solutions at your property or across your portfolio, you may want to consult with an expert contractor (like White Hat Industrial). They’ll be able to help you identify if it is the best option for the roof’s current needs and won’t recommend something they can’t deliver on.

Relying on Facts vs. Feelings

The key components to any successful roofing system are assessing and addressing moisture in the existing roof system, ensuring proper membrane attachment, and installing the proper membrane thickness for the desired performance characteristics.

There is absolutely no difference in White Hat Industrial’s approach with fluid-applied roofing. With moisture scans, core cuts, infrared scans, and impedance meters, we’re able to get the data to know for sure whether fluid-applied is the best option. The adhesion tests we do also provide insights to solidify that our system is attached to the required wind uplift ratings. Additionally, wet and dry mil gauge readings also give us the data to know that everything was installed to SPEC.

Poor Application and Installation When Fluid-applied Roofing Fails

Like most commercial roofing solutions, fluid-applied roofing can fail when not installed correctly to SPEC. For this reason, it is crucial to work with a specialist who does these solutions 100% of the time.

Look at it like this: You don’t want someone who “also does fluid-applied on the side,” you want someone who “only does fluid-applied and is an expert.”

But don’t just take our word for it, hear from our customers about the White Hat Industrial difference.

“My first time working with White Hat Industrial was also my first time using fluid-applied systems, and the experience was great. From the beginning, as someone with no prior knowledge about fluid-applied roofing and restoration, their team explained every step. There is no doubt that they are educational experts in the industry. At each project stage, they made sure I knew what was happening, how it was happening, and when it was happening. I was always aware of what was going on and provided visuals throughout the entire process. Everything was very transparent and everyone prioritized communication. Then, when the project was finished, we walked through it together and it was just a very smooth ending to a smooth project with minimal disruptions. 

On the other hand, I’ve also seen what it’s like to work with a contractor who ‘does fluid-applied’ but isn’t an expert. You don’t get the answers, prep, or communication necessary, leaving you to wonder what they’re even doing on your roof. The experience lacks intentionality entirely. 

Working with the fluid-applied experts at White Hat Industrial versus another contractor is truly a night and day difference. With their strong educational knowledge, intentional communication, superior systems, exceptional workmanship and expertise, you won’t be disappointed. And if you choose to work with someone else, you will soon see that you get what you pay for when working with a non-industry expert.”

Darin S. | Senior VP Engineering

“To anyone considering fluid-applied with White Hat Industrial, you can call me for a reference anytime. And if you don’t consider White Hat Industrial, you’re making an expensive mistake. 

Look at it like this: You get a custom-fit, seamless, fluid-applied membrane system, not just a coating. What White Hat Industrial and their team do is not the coating of yesterday, it’s a much better system. Believe me, working with them is an easy win. 

I can proudly say that I have recommended White Hat Industrial to others, and plan to continue working with them for other projects.”

Jeff L. | VP of Property Management

Ultimately, there is a narrow window where fluid-applied roofing systems win. And in many cases, this narrow window may be larger than you think. But most of all, it’s important to guide your clients to the all-the-time-expert, not just the some-of-the-time expert. Then you can both have the information needed to make an informed decision.

Want to work with a contractor who installs high-performing fluid-applied roofing systems?

Our team of fluid-applied specialists works with customers nationwide to provide high-performing roofing solutions.

Simply call us at 937.909.9030 or contact us via email. You can also follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook to learn more about us and our work.