On November 13, 2026, local construction professionals across Belize gathered at Design Depot for a unique hands-on training program known as Uniflex University, hosted in partnership with leading global coating manufacturer Sherwin-Williams Uniflex, based in Miami, Florida. The initiative was developed to address pervasive, long-standing roofing challenges that plague properties across Belize, where intense tropical rainfall, persistent ambient moisture, and extreme daily temperature swings that cause consistent building expansion and contraction frequently degrade both metal and concrete roof structures, leading to costly leaks, corrosion, and premature failure. For decades, the default response for many property owners and local contractors when facing a damaged roof was full tear-off and full replacement, a process that carries exorbitant material and labor costs and generates large volumes of construction waste. The new training program, led by Sherwin-Williams Uniflex international sales and technical specialists, is designed to equip local contractors and authorized dealers with the full skill set required to assess existing roof conditions accurately, identify viable candidates for targeted restoration rather than full replacement, select the appropriate specialized fluid-applied protective coating systems, and apply those materials using industry best practices to ensure long-lasting performance. One of the flagship products demonstrated during the session was Uniflex Silicone 44, a high-performance rubberized reflective coating that can be applied to both flat and sloped roof surfaces. Beyond sealing existing leaks and blocking moisture intrusion to halt ongoing corrosion, the coating’s highly reflective formulation reduces the amount of solar heat absorbed through the roof, creating a noticeable drop in internal building temperatures that can substantially cut monthly residential and commercial cooling expenses. Design Depot Brand Manager Carlos Granados explained that the training was developed in direct response to the hundreds of unaddressed roofing questions and recurring issues he encountered during regular site visits across Belize, where he saw countless property owners unnecessarily paying for full roof replacements that could have been avoided with targeted, lower-cost restoration work. Sherwin-Williams International Sales Manager Marisol Masferrer emphasized that the restoration systems represent a far more sustainable, circular alternative to full roof replacement, cutting down on construction waste while lowering long-term building energy consumption. Technical Manager Jose Miranda noted that the training goes far beyond simple product introduction: participants walk through the full end-to-end workflow, from initial damage source identification and structural condition evaluation, to hands-on practice applying coatings efficiently to eliminate material waste, to learning the simple, ongoing maintenance steps required to keep restored roofs performing optimally for years. He clarified that the systems are not completely maintenance-free, and property owners will still need to conduct periodic inspections, clear debris, and apply minor touch-up coatings as needed to preserve full functionality. The program leaves participating Belizean contractors with a new, cost-effective service offering to add to their professional toolkit, delivering tangible long-term savings for property owners while improving the climate resilience and energy efficiency of buildings nationwide.