Tag: roofcoatinglife

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This Piece of Equipment is taking the Coatings Industry by Storm

Every once in a while something comes along to an industry that looks so simple, seems so simple, is so simple, yet has never been introduced to the public. Typically these topics, equipment or processes are slow to gain traction and meet resistance from those who have always done it their way. But just like the car changed transportation & then the plane changed it even more, change is inevitable in our world.

When it comes to roof coatings, you look at them and the process and think “what exactly can someone do that can make such a change in an industry like roofing?”

Except for types of materials being used, it’s been pretty much the same for decades. Even less monumental things have came into the smaller niche market of Fluid Applied Systems using Roof coatings. Until now that has been true, but is now rapidly changing.

The Patent Pending Roof Rabbit has caught the Fluid Applied industry by Storm and continues to gain traction daily.

The ability to hand a laborer this piece of equipment and know that with simple “mil plate” checks they can consistently and accurately apply coatings and do it in a quicker time period than with a wand. Andy L from PA says “Thank you for making a wonderful product in the Roof Rabbit. We love ours now that we got it tuned in. We did 19,000 sq ft today in under 6 hrs over foam.”

“Thank you for making a wonderful product in the Roof Rabbit. We love ours now that we got it tuned in. We did 19,000 sq ft today in under 6 hrs over foam.”

-Andy L from PA

With the spray heads always positioned at 12-14” from the target surface you know you’re getting full coverage and not having light spots from back fatigue, not maintaining consistent passes. First time user laying down some primer, Ben V from Iowa says “Why in the heck wouldn’t every coating guy have one of these in their trailer?!!!”

“Why in the heck wouldn’t every coating guy have one of these in their trailer?!!!”

-Ben V from Iowa
Visit The Roof Rabbit Website

Secondly, the ability to stay in an upright position substantially minimizes back cramps and keeps production up even later into the day. With that added production (lower labor) you also gain cure times. If you know after 3 pm in your area is when pop up storms are common, you can have more roof done by noon and keep on schedule, versus using a wand and possibly having cure out issues. Billy P from CO says “My back hurt worse after 20-30 minutes of detailing with a wand than 4+ hours of using The Roof Rabbit.”

“My back hurt worse after 20-30 minutes of detailing with a wand than 4+ hours of using The Roof Rabbit.”

-Billy P from CO

Safety is another key topic these days & should be. With The Roof Rabbit & it’s forward cambered spray pattern, you have the ability to coat right up to the gutter edge of the roof and not have the wheels fall off the roof. This also allows the user to never cross the 6’ warning line from OSHA.

Change is inevitable…

…and more often than not it’s a change for the better of an industry. Stay open minded and attempt to be on the front end of things and it can be a game changer for you & your business. When you see something take off that you were using from the early days you can say that you were part of that movement and use that to your advantage. Spray on!!!!

Chad Hedrick, Roof Coating Life
“We Bleed White”

Interesting in owning a Roof Rabbit?
Chad Hedrick, owner of Roof Coating Life commits to helping 10 new Contractors succeed in the Fluid Applied Industry each year. He’s selective in this process because realistically, his time is limited. He offers his valuable time and best mentor ship to the guys who are serious about making 30%-50% profits with Roof Coatings. Check out the Requirements for working with Chad to see if you might qualify.
Get the FREE eBook “7 Unique Ways To Market Your Fluid Applied Roofing Business.” It’s packed with outside the box Marketing Strategies (Strategy #6 landed us 5 commercial projects last Summer!) that will help you best serve your clients and live the Roof Coating Life like a boss.
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Grow your Market Share and Not Become a Commodity Roofer

Fluid Applied Growth

Let’s all face it… we would love to have a higher percentage of our market, but doing so by lowering your pricing is not the way to do it. If you can’t find ways to keep your pricing the same and make the same or more profit, it’s not worth the effort required. Let’s discuss a few ways that you can accomplish this:

1: Talk to your past clientele.

Ask them why they chose you, what would they have like changed about you and your experience with them and what areas they were okay with but maybe thought you could still use some improvments on.

2: DON’T try to imitate Nike, Walmart, Lowes etc.

These large companies have millions upon millions at their disposal to literally test marketing each year and see which Branding ads work and which don’t. They also have the money to accrue the data and analyze it down to the penny. Most roofing companies do not fit this mold and are not trying to reach the same audience, hence will never have the capital to spend to accomplish anything like that. Your thoughts should be focused on a consumer who needs a roof and how to make that person want you to do that roof, without knowing you or meeting you.

3: Be definitive in your company’s elevator speech.

If you can’t tell your potential client why they should use you instead of company X, you’re losing sales.  Get it down pat in a way that differentiates you so well that they would feel wrong to choose your competitor over you know matter the price. Don’t say “we have been in business this long” or “our crews are trained and experienced.” Those are generic, simple statements that don’t set you apart.

4: Make sure your marketing game is on point and that it’s doing the pre-selling for you.

If your marketing is hitting the Why of the client, it’s building a relationship with them and they will see your price as a Value because of the impression they already have of you, all from your marketing efforts. Your sales will be easier to close, as the price won’t be the deciding factor.

5: Don’t give discounts, PERIOD.

All a discount says is “I don’t think the customer sees my Value and I am overpriced.” Once you make that statement, it is with you for eternity, every roof you do for that client they will expect the discount or a lower price that equates the same thing. If you are not sold that the value you bring them is worth the price your asking, then you are not sold on your product or service.

If you will drive these points home with everyone on your team, it will help every sales process close and flow much smoother and easier, without price haggling.

Chad Hedrick, Roof Coating Life
“We Bleed White”

Chad Hedrick, owner of Roof Coating Life commits to helping 10 new Contractors succeed in the Fluid Applied Industry each year. He’s selective in this process because realistically, his time is limited. He offers his valuable time and best mentor ship to the guys who are serious about making 30%-50% profits with Roof Coatings. Check out the Requirements for working with Chad to see if you might qualify.
Get the FREE eBook “7 Unique Ways To Market Your Fluid Applied Roofing Business.” It’s packed with outside the box Marketing Strategies (Strategy #6 landed us 5 commercial projects last Summer!) that will help you best serve your clients and live the Roof Coating Life like a boss.
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Setting Up Your Pump For Maximum Performance

Roof-Coatings-Pump

You’ve landed a roof that justifies purchasing an airless sprayer. “Which one, why and what all is involved” are the next questions to go through your head.

What to Consider when Purchasing a New Pump:

Consider the size of your roof project, as well as the average size that future roof projects may be. Is the average roof that you think you will be doing in the 10 to 12,000 square-foot range or larger?

Sizing your pump is an easy way to save money up front and still get the job done. There is actually no need for a pump the size of an 833 if your average roof is 5 to 10,000 ft.²
Roofs that size can be done with a 7900 all day long. If you get an occasional large roof a 7900 will still perform well, it will just take a little longer when you start top coating.

If your average job is going to be 10,000 square-foot & up, then you’re better off to start with something like a Graco 833. Another question to ask is, are you going to be doing acrylics or silicone. If silicone is in your future and spraying is the method you want to do, then a Graco 933 is your number one option. The 933 will allow you to spray silicone and if you desire to, you can use a second set of hoses and gun to spray acrylics, although it’s not recommended due to labor required to insure pump is spotless of each chemistry before using the other chemistry. Most contractors who spray both acrylics and silicone have dedicated pumps for each system.

Hose Configuration is Equally Important

Once you have decided what size pump you’re going to need, you’ll then need to look at your hose configuration. Make sure that the dealer you’re purchasing from is not trying to make a sale by selling you the wrong size and length hoses just to get the price down. To maximize efficiency and performance you’ll want to run as much of the largest size hose recommended for your pump as you can. For instance on roofs, most contractors run 150 to 200 feet of half-inch hose with a 50 foot section of 3/8 hose connected to their gun or a Roof Rabbit.

Silicon contractors on the other hand, if going over 150 feet of total hose, will typically start out with 1 inch hose for 100 to 150 feet before necking down to 3/4 and half inch, not to exceed half inch or smaller house. This is simply due to the physical characteristics of silicon and it not liking to be sprayed.

Doing these things, as well as using hose reels will set you up for success when you’re ready to tackle the roof that you’ve landed.

Chad Hedrick, Roof Coating Life

Chad Hedrick, owner of Roof Coating Life commits to helping 10 new Contractors succeed in the Fluid Applied Industry each year. He’s selective in this process because realistically, his time is limited. He offers his valuable time and best mentor ship to the guys who are serious about making 30%-50% profits with Roof Coatings. Check out the Requirements for working with Chad to see if you might qualify.
Get the FREE eBook “7 Unique Ways To Market Your Fluid Applied Roofing Business.” It’s packed with outside the box Marketing Strategies (Strategy #6 landed us 5 commercial projects last Summer!) that will help you best serve your clients and live the Roof Coating Life like a boss.
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Direct Mail and it’s Multitude of Benefits

pile-of-direct-mail

A Proven Marketing Strategy

If you have followed me for any amount of time you know that I am a firm believer in direct mail marketing. The reasons behind it are simple yet very intentional. Direct mail carries an intrinsic value that is easily perceived and appreciated especially when you look at the cost of a First Class stamp nowadays. Direct mail has driven and will continue to drive Billions of Dollars of business annually and it’s not by mistake, even in this digital world.

Recent studies have shown that Millennials actually consider Direct mail as a more trustworthy source of marketing over digital marketing. They know that anything is possible on the internet and that it may or may not be truthful.

Also, consider the age group that you are most likely targeting when you reach out to commercial building owners. Many of them will be 40-70 yrs old and they were born and raised as Direct Mail being a huge part of their lifestyle. They have more than likely purchased something or multiple things from a Direct response mailing.

Benefits of Direct Mail Marketing:

1: You can easily tailor your message to the client you are searching for with DM. If your clientele is upper middle class men, you can have images on your piece that resonate with them as being successful business owners or property owners and the problem that you are proposing to fix for them with your solution.

2: If you search hard enough there is a database somewhere that has your exact niche of people narrowed down for you to use as a mailing list. That, incorporated with a focused message piece is very powerful and gives a better ROI than mass marketing. Also, by doing this in a micro niche size you can do it multiple times and see a higher response from your efforts.

3: With DM you also have the option to send actual samples/products of value or intrigue that you really can’t do with any other method. Think dimensional and send a DM piece that is not an envelope, something unconventional to get your desired clientele to take the time to open and actually digest the message that you are sending. This not only will stand out and brand your name with that person, but when you do a follow up and bring the topic back up you are sure to have a great conversation concerning it.

4: Combining Direct Mail with Digital is a power packed option. If you use your DM campaigns and drive your clientele to a specific vanity landing page, you can you see through analytics of who has visited. You can also see how long they stayed and what they clicked on and then you can deliver an even more hyper focused ad geared towards their perceived interests.

Chad Hedrick, Roof Coating Life

Chad Hedrick, owner of Roof Coating Life commits to helping 10 new Contractors succeed in the Fluid Applied Industry each year. He’s selective in this process because realistically, his time is limited. He offers his valuable time and best mentor ship to the guys who are serious about making 30%-50% profits with Roof Coatings. Check out the Requirements for working with Chad to see if you might qualify.
Get the FREE eBook “7 Unique Ways To Market Your Fluid Applied Roofing Business.” It’s packed with outside the box Marketing Strategies (Strategy #6 landed us 5 commercial projects last Summer!) that will help you best serve your clients and live the Roof Coating Life like a boss.

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Why Restore Instead of Re-Roof?

It’s no secret that a quality Fluid Applied Restoration System saves money upfront and money down the road on energy savings. Not only do fluid applied restoration systems extend the service life of your low slope metal or flat roof, but they also extend the life of your cooling system.

Depending on the type of roof you have, whether it’s an acrylic, silicone or urethane restoration, it will extend the life of your entire building by minimizing thermal shock. When you factor in the 25% to 40% reduction in costs compared to a complete reroof, along with the high rising costs to dispose of roofing materials into landfills, fluid applied restoration systems just make sense.

Benefits of Fluid Applied Systems

Here is a list of benefits that fluid applied roofing systems can give you:

  • Commercial roofs typically last roughly 20 years and restoration systems can add another 10 to 20 years to that life. By using a fluid applied system you can differ that costly complete replacement and allow your budgets and capital expenditures to match your time frame.
  • As stated previously, restoring with a Fluid applied system makes your building’s roof sustainable. You are using your existing roofing substrate to create a monolithic, seamless roof that has even more durability than the existing substrate.
  • If a high-quality coating is combined with a spun woven fabric reinforcement it allows the new fluid applied roofing membrane to increase the durability and Elastomeric properties of the roof it’s restoring, so in essence it’s an upgrade.
  • Since fluid applied roofing systems are less cost, it allows a building owner or a facility manager to be progressive in their management. Ignoring a roof and the fact that it is aging and deteriorating does not make that roof’s problems disappear, it only gets worse. Neglect of a roof only means total replacement will be eminent and will come sooner than expected & costs multiply. If a progressive roof maintenance program is enacted early enough, those roofs typically can be repaired and/or then restored with a complete Fluid applied restoration system.

Chad Hedrick, Roof Coating Life
“We Bleed White”

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Checklist for the Brand New Coatings Contractor (or a new Division of your Existing Company)

New-Contractor-Checklist

1: Select a business name that is well represented by what your niche focus is. Use something along the lines of: “Commercial Roof Coatings of Iowa” instead of “Iowa Roofing and Coatings”, it helps establish your company for Google and the public, by describing in detail what you primarily do.

2: Get a good website up and rolling that is optimized and searchable.

3: Start a Facebook page for your business. Add other Social Media outlets as you grow or expand ones that you already use.

4: Advertise yourself with branded vehicles, shirts, hats, literature and business cards. You can start with a minimal amount of material, but be sure you have enough to be able to begin cold calling in your area.

5: Develop your marketing plan and start working on it immediately: Cold Calling, Direct Mail, Social Media, Trade Shows, Digital marketing, etc.

6: Get your Demo kits started so when you are presenting they are ready.

7: If you can’t answer or return calls in a timely manner, then hire out an answering service to make your company feel larger.

8: Have a system in place for inspections and estimating that is timely and makes a positive impression.

9: Create a Follow Up Plan that is consistent and goes until you get a “YES,” “NO” or a “we already awarded that project.”

10: Do the highest quality work possible on landed projects and never cut corners. Your reputation is something that you can not easily get back once its created. Make a reputable name for your business from the very beginning. This is especially helpful in getting repeat business and referrals.

Chad Hedrick, Roof Coating Life
“We Bleed White”

Want to read more?

“How Your Competition Can Be Your Best Ally In The Roofing Industry”

“Professional Contractors Never Stop Learning”

“The Launch of the Roof Coating Life Blog”

Chad Hedrick, owner of Roof Coating Life commits to helping 10 new Contractors succeed in the Fluid Applied Industry each year. He’s selective in this process because realistically, his time is limited. He offers his valuable time and best mentor ship to the guys who are serious about making 30%-50% profits with Roof Coatings. Check out the Requirements for working with Chad to see if you might qualify.
Get the FREE eBook “7 Unique Ways To Market Your Fluid Applied Roofing Business.” It’s packed with outside the box Marketing Strategies (Strategy #6 landed us 5 commercial projects last Summer!) that will help you best serve your clients and live the Roof Coating Life like a boss.
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Why am I Doing This Blog?

Chad-Hedrick-of-Roof-Coating-Life-at-the-beach

Hey Boss, I’m Chad with Roof Coating Life. It literally seems like it was just yesterday… man have the years flown by since I made a decision that changed my life. Previously I had worked as a Civil Engineer designing bridges and ADA accessible elevator projects. After the boss man paid me late seven times in a row, I decided something had to change.

It was a Spring day in 2000 when I happened across an opportunity and company that would provide me with the avenue and framework to work for myself in the Roof Restoration/Coatings industry, while installing a Top Quality Proven product for my clients. I took a leap of faith, made the commitment to change and SUCCEEDED with my new Commercial Roofing business… more so than I’d ever dreamed, installing Quality Fluid Applied Systems with Low Labor and Unbelievable Profit Margins!… I couldn’t believe it until I was experiencing it…

I experienced the unique framework of being able to work hand in hand with a fellow contractor who had experience in the fluid applied industry and who had a vested interest in my success, unlike most reps who get paid every Friday no matter what.

Knowing that the support system was there to coach, mentor and train me on anything I wasn’t sure of, gave me more confidence than I could ever think of on my own. I was young and inexperienced, yet bidding and winning 6 figure contracts that many only dream of and better yet they were extremely profitable.

Chad-and-Katie-Hedrick
I even met my wife, Katie on a company trip.

Fast forward to today: I now love what I do and live a FULFILLING life helping other contractors live that same opportunity… providing a great service to their clients, while providing a great income for their family.

It is what I sincerely love to do on a daily basis. Imagine what You could do with an opportunity like this! If you have ever thought “man, I can see the Fluid Applied systems as being a huge leverage when bidding against tear offs or layovers,” well… you’re right. This is an Industry that is on a vertical climb and looks to be going for quite some time.

If You’re looking for Higher Profit Margins and Lower Labor Costs in the Commercial Roofing Industry, message us and let’s get a game plan together and find a way to start working on it TODAY.

I’m living proof of this. I wish I had acted sooner on many things in life… but this is one thing I did right and it was the Single Greatest Decision in my personal life and for sure in my business career. Are you ready? We are! Let’s do it.

Chad Hedrick, Owner at Roof Coating Life
“We Bleed White”

Want to read more:

“Checklist for the Brand New Coatings Contractor”
“How Your Competition Can Be Your Best Ally In The Roofing Industry”
“Professional Contractors Never Stop Learning”

Chad Hedrick, owner of Roof Coating Life commits to helping 10 new Contractors succeed in the Fluid Applied Industry each year. He’s selective in this process because realistically, his time is limited. He offers his valuable time and best mentor ship to the guys who are serious about making 30%-50% profits with Roof Coatings. Check out the Requirements for working with Chad to see if you might qualify.

Want to up your game in the Fluid Applied Roofing Industry? Sign up for Tips and Tricks of the trade so you can live the Roof Coating Life like a Boss.

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Get the FREE eBook “7 Unique Ways To Market Your Fluid Applied Roofing Business.” It’s packed with outside the box Marketing Strategies (Strategy #6 landed us 5 commercial projects last Summer!) that will help you best serve your clients and live the Roof Coating Life like a boss.

Get the eBook