We have discussed in the past how a properly installed roof coating can extend the lifespan of your commercial roof – not to mention improve the overall appearance of your property. The appropriate roof coating helps to prevent UV damage, avoid water intrusion, and even lower the temperature on the roof. In this blog we will take a more in-depth look at roof coating benefits for all types of commercial property, from airports to apartment complexes.

Commercial roof coatings may give the appearance of paint, but deliver a thicker, more solid consistency. Professional roofing contractors may apply roof coatings with airless sprayers, rollers or brushes. The coatings will then dry, cure and create an elastic barrier between the underlying substrate and the elements. Roofing coating technologies for structurally sound low-slope roofs may include spray polyurethane, single-ply, modified bitumen, or BUR (built-up roof systems). A professional contractor can provide guidance as to the most appropriate coating for your situation.

Roof Coating Benefits and Applications

Commercial roof coating benefits include a wide range of potential advantages:

Life Extension: The application of a roof coating can add years to the life of the current roof membrane. It can provide protection from damaging UV rays that can cause deterioration. The actual performance results will vary based on the type of coating, its thickness, and the condition of the roof.
Postpone Reroofing: Because coatings can extend the life of the roof by a decade or more, the necessity of a full roof replacement is deferred – saving the property management time and expense.
Enhance Aesthetics: A freshly applied commercial roof coating delivers a clean, unblemished appearance that can enhance property’s curb appeal while safeguarding the underlying roof.
Utility Cost Savings: The surface temperature of a darkly colored roof may soar to more than 150°F. A white roof coating benefits the energy efficiency of the building by providing reflectivity, potentially lowering temperatures on the roof by 50°F or more. While there are many variables when gauging energy efficiency, there are savings to be realized with a white roof versus a dark one.
Combat urban heat islands: Reflective white roof coatings can help to control the effect of urban heat islands by reflecting more sunlight. A clean white roof will stay about 55°F cooler than dark roofs.
Make a Complicated Repair Easy: Coatings can reduce many of the logistical issues of reroofing when roof penetrations or rooftop equipment are present. When used in place of a reroofing project, the coating will prevent inconveniencing tenants and employees with noise, dust, or relocation.
Eliminate Waste: By preserving or coating an existing roof, much of the waste associated with tear-offs is eliminated.

Which Type of Roof Coating is Appropriate?

The best roof coating is the one that meets your building’s demands and requirements, and this varies from project to project. Here are some of the commercial coatings often recommended by professional roofers.

Acrylic: Water-based, highly reflective white coatings can lower building temperatures, and are durable enough to be installed over many types of existing roofs.
Silicone: Silicone is highly effective in humid climates where ponding water is prevalent. Some high-solid silicone formulations can be applied in a single coat, facilitating installation.
Fluoropolymer: This coating provides high-level reflectivity, and its tough enamel-like finish offers high-level protection against severe weather, UV rays, deterioration, and mold.
Urethane or polyurethane: This durable coating offers strength and hardness, protecting the substrate against mildew, chemical exposure, and impact damage.

Which roof coating will bring the most benefit to your commercial property? Call a professional roofing contractor who can evaluate the available roof coating benefits and options.

Unicoat Industrial Roofing is a trusted commercial roofing contractor specializing in roof coatings that can significantly extend the life of your roof.