Here in the south, where Unicoat Industrial Roofing is headquartered, the heat has begun to ramp up considerably. Florida is notoriously sweltering during the summer months, but we are not alone in this. In fact, our entire service area sits in areas that are prone to extreme sun and heat, so we have a lot of experience working with property owners who are looking for ways to cool their building more efficiently and protect their roofing materials. Reflective roof coatings are an excellent solution for many commercial building owners – so before it gets too hot out there, let’s talk more about reflective coatings.

Reflective coatings utilize materials such as acrylic, silicone, polyurethane, and shiny reflective minerals to bounce sunlight off the building instead of absorbing it. By doing so, it prevents excess heat from permeating your building, maintaining cooler spaces without excess A/C use. The proficiency of these coatings is measured by the solar reflective index (SRI). A coating with a high SRI rating operates as a sun shield, reflecting light and heat to keep your roof surface and interior cooler.

The most appropriate reflective roof coating for your building will depend heavily upon local climate and weather conditions. Do you want to moderate the sun’s effects, mitigate damage from roof traffic or protect against torrential rainstorms? There is a roof coating for you.

Reflective Roof Coatings Are Sustainable and Energy Efficient

These days, there is understandably a lot of discussion about energy efficiency, sustainability, and the impact of our society on the environment. While you may not immediately associate roof coatings with these ideals, opting for a reflective roof coating represents a proactive step towards a greener future.

These coatings can make a significant impact on keeping buildings cool and reducing high energy bills. Because the coating will block heat absorption, your A/C system is given a powerful assist – maintaining cooler spaces without overtaxing the unit. Some experts estimate that roof coatings can reduce your energy costs by 15%, or more during the hottest summer months.

From a community perspective, reflective roof coatings play a role in sustainability by reducing the heat island effect, lowering the overall temperature in densely packed areas and minimizing the release of toxic gases into the environment.

Are Reflective Roof Coatings Right for Your Commerical Property?

It can be argued that any roof that is exposed to extreme sunlight can benefit from reflective roof coating. In addition to the cooling effect for the building and the community and the reduced cooling expenses, roof coatings add to the aesthetic appeal of your property. This is especially important when the roof is visible – either because it is a one-story building, or because there are many other tall buildings in the vicinity.
A roof that looks old and worn out, even if it is structurally sound, may affect the willingness of prospective tenants to rent from you. A newly coated roof also indicates to prospective tenants or buyers that you have been diligent about building maintenance and repair.

In addition to cost savings, roof coatings in general provide powerful protection against roof damage. When your roof exhibits leaks, water intrusion, ponding, cracks in seams or seals, or surface damage, roof coatings can remedy these issues and significantly prolong the longevity of your roof – without requiring a new roof installation.

Reflective roof coatings are a fantastic solution that address many concerns of commercial property owners. If you would like to be prepared for the heat, rain and abuse that a southern summer may inflict on your roof, call Unicoat Industrial Roofing today. We are happy to help you to choose the best roofing solution for your needs.