Commercial Roof Restoration vs. Replacement: A 15-Year Cost-Saving Strategy
February 2, 2026

Roof Restoration vs. Replacement: The 15-Year Cost-Saving Alternative to a Tear-Off

When a commercial flat roof begins to show its age, most building owners assume they are staring down the barrel of a massive capital expenditure: a total roof replacement. However, as a Licensed NC Building General Contractor serving High Point, Greensboro, and Winston-Salem since 2012, we know there is often a much smarter way to protect your investment.

If your roof is structurally sound but reaching the end of its design life, a Fluid-Applied Roof Restoration can provide a leak-free, high-performance system at a fraction of the cost of a replacement.

The Power of Restoration: Mule-Hide Coating Systems

At B&D Roofing Solutions, we are Mule-Hide Applicators specializing in professional coating systems. We utilize two primary chemistries to restore commercial roofs: Silicone and Acrylic. Both offer a seamless, liquid-applied "skin" that reflects UV rays and stops leaks, but we choose the system based on your roof's specific drainage and material.

Mule-Hide Silicone Systems

Silicone is the "premium" restoration choice, specifically designed for roofs that may experience occasional ponding water.

  • Moisture Resistance: Silicone is inorganic and will not break down even under standing water.
  • Longevity: It offers extreme durability against UV degradation and the Piedmont’s humid climate.
  • Best For: Low-slope or flat roofs where drainage isn't perfect.

Mule-Hide Acrylic Systems

Acrylic coatings are a highly effective, high-value solution for roofs with positive drainage.

  • Breathability: Acrylic is a "breathable" membrane, allowing moisture vapor to escape from the roof assembly—critical for maintaining the health of your underlying deck.
  • Superior Adhesion: It bonds exceptionally well to a variety of substrates and is incredibly easy to maintain and "re-coat" in the future.
  • Cost-Efficiency: It provides an excellent reflective barrier at a more accessible price point for buildings with sloped or well-draining metal and single-ply roofs.

Why Restoration is the "15-Year Hack" for Your Bottom Line

  1. Drastic Cost Savings: A full tear-off involves high labor costs, disposal fees, and expensive new materials. A restoration typically costs 50–70% less than a full replacement. Because it is categorized as "maintenance," it can often be fully tax-deducted in the first year.
  2. Zero Operational Downtime: Tear-offs are loud, messy, and risky. A Mule-Hide restoration is quiet and non-invasive. Your business continues to operate at 100% capacity while we work, with no risk of rain entering the building during the process.
  3. Incredible Energy Reflectivity: Both Silicone and Acrylic coatings are "Cool Roof" certified. By reflecting up to 85% of the sun’s UV rays, these systems can lower your roof’s surface temperature by as much as 60 degrees, leading to immediate reductions in your facility’s cooling costs.

The B&D Advantage: Licensed & Certified

A restoration is only as good as the preparation. Because we are a Licensed GC, we don't just coat over problems—we fix the structure first. Our status as Mule-Hide Applicators means your restoration is backed by one of the most trusted names in the industry.

Stop the leaks without the capital headache.

If you are in High Point, Greensboro, or Winston-Salem, trust the team that has been delivering smart roofing solutions since 2012.


Contact B&D Roofing Solutions today at 336-899-1985 or visit www.bndroofing.net to see if a Mule-Hide Silicone or Acrylic restoration is the right move for your facility.