The Importance of Commercial Roof Coatings

Commercial roof coatings are a great way to improve the appearance and extend the life of low-slope roofing. Roof coatings are the first line of defense against UV damage, water infiltration and roof temperature.

What are Commercial Roof Coatings?

Commercial roof coatings are similar to paint, but have a thicker consistency with a higher solids content. Contractors can use conventional or airless spraying equipment, a brush, or a roller to apply roofing coating systems. The application is allowed to cure and dry to create a highly elastic layer that protects the substrate beneath from weather, water, and UV damage.

Many low-slope roofing systems that are structurally sound can benefit from coatings such as spray polyurethane (spray poly), single-ply modified bitumen (modified bitumen), built up roof systems and others. Your contractor can tell you which type of technology will work best with your roof substrate.

What are the benefits of roof coatings?

Contractors, building owners and tenants all benefit from commercial roof coatings! They can:

• Extend the life of a roof: Roof coatings can extend the life a roof membrane, by protecting it against harmful UV rays which threaten to degrade. Roof coatings for UV protection and weather protection could extend the life of a roof by 10 or more years. The performance of a coating depends on the type, film thickness and roof conditions.
• Enhance aesthetic appeal: Newly applied commercial roof coatings provide a seamless, clean appearance that can enhance your property’s curb appeal and aesthetic appeal while protecting its underlying roof system.
• Savings on cooling costs : Dark roofs can reach temperatures higher than 150degF. White roofs are more reflective and can help lower surface temperatures up to 50degF. A white reflective roof coating can reduce cooling costs for commercial buildings. Energy cost savings cannot be guaranteed. They can vary depending on factors such as climate zone, utility costs, the reflective properties of roofing materials, insulation levels, HVAC efficiency, and others.
• Reduce costs: A roof that is structurally sound can be coated for a lower cost than re-roofing. Coatings are a great way to boost the aesthetics of your home before you sell it.
• Make a complex or inconvenient upgrade easier: Coatings eliminate the logistical difficulties of reroofing when there are many roof penetrations, or large equipment on the roof – such as air conditioning systems – that would make reroofing cumbersome or difficult. You can avoid inconveniencing tenants by using coatings during the installation. Coating applications do not require tenants to move or cause them inconveniences such as noise, dust and other problems that could affect their productivity and comfort. These projects avoid the risk that the roof deck will be exposed during a roof tear-off.
• Improve comfort: A coat can improve comfort in a building, especially for areas that are not air-conditioned. Reflective roof coatings can reflect ultraviolet and infrared radiation. It can keep the temperature of a building lower in warmer months.
• Reduce waste. Coatings can reduce waste associated with roof tear-offs by preserving and restoring existing roofs.
• Fight heat islands in urban areas: Reflect more sunlight to keep buildings cooler and help reduce heat islands in urban areas. A white roof will reflect more sunlight and remain about 55degF cooler.

What is the best roof coating?

The best roof coating will be the one that meets your building’s specific needs. Here are the most common types of commercial roofing coatings.

• Acrylic coating_ These white, water-based coatings are highly reflective and can lower the temperature of buildings. Contractors can apply this durable type of coating to many roofs, whether they are new or old.
• The silicone coating is ideal for humid or wet climates because it can tolerate water ponding. It is important to note that many silicone coatings don’t exclude roofs from warranty coverage or guarantee. Both high-solids silicone coatings and low solids silicone coatings are available. Some high-solid silicones can only be applied once, allowing for quicker installation.
• Fluoropolymer coat: The coating provides high-level reflection and protection from weather elements, organic growths such as mold. The hard, enamel-like surface helps protect against dirt and UV damage.
• Polyurethane or urethane coating : This coat balances tensile, elongation and hardness. It’s durable and helps protect the substrate from mildew, chemical exposure and impact.

Consult a contractor for the best options. You may need to make a decision based on whether your goal is to simply increase the reflectivity of your roof or if you want to do a full roof restoration.

What is the most durable roof coating?

The roof coating that will last the longest depends on your roofing project. If you live in an area with high humidity and ponding water then a roof coating with high-solids might be the best choice. If you want to protect your substrate from chemical exposure or physical impacts, then urethane might be the best coating for you. Talk to a contractor about the type of Commercial Roof Coatings in Los Angeles County that will provide you with the highest return on your investment.