Is a Roof Coating Appropriate for Your Commercial Property?

Roof coatings are increasingly becoming the option of choice for building and property owners seeking to extend the life of their roofs. Also known as liquid-applied roofing systems, roof coatings are made from several components that create a seamless membrane that can significantly lengthen the lifespan of their current low-slope roof.  Is your roof a candidate for a liquid-applied roof coating in lieu of a full roof replacement? Here is what you need to know before you make a decision.

1. When is a roof coating a viable option? There are often significant benefits to choosing a coating system over a total roof replacement. The solution is applied over a structurally sound low-slope roof that is already in place. Therefore, tear-off and debris removal becomes unnecessary, which is good for the building, its tenants, and the environment. The roof coating creates a seamless roofing solution that can provide decades of protection.
2. What type of roof coating is right for my commercial roof? There are many considerations involved in the decision of which coating will be best suited for a specific property, but one of the most vital factors is the type of roof currently installed. Not all coatings are appropriate for all kinds of roofing. Regional climate can also have an effect on different coatings and materials. Coating options for restoring existing roofs include silicone, acrylic, and polyurethane, each of which is well-suited to different conditions and roof types. The smartest way to determine the right coating solution for your roof type, condition, and location is to enlist the help of a professional roofing contractor experienced in these applications.
3. Can a roof coating be applied over an old roof? The primary issue with an aging roof is determining if it is structurally sound. Even if a roof is old, roof coatings can be a terrific solution for restoration as long as the integrity of the roofing structure is intact. Coating structurally sound old roofs may extend their service life for many years. A thorough inspection by a roofing professional can determine if the existing roof is a viable candidate for coating. If it is, the property owner will need to make all needed repairs, remove and replace any water-damaged substrate, reinforce seams, and clean the roof’s surface to prepare for proper coating installation.
4. Can roof coatings restore a shingle roof?Shingles are typically not a good candidate for roof coating systems. The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) “strongly [advise] against the application of any type of field-applied coating over installed asphalt shingles.” Covering asphalt shingles can result in deterioration of the material, as well as cause airflow and ventilation issues and moisture build-up.
5. Can roof coatings save money over a new roof installation?
   The cost associated with roof coatings will vary depending on the size of the roof, the amount and type of repair required, the selected coating method, and the number of coats needed. Once the required amount of product is calculated, the cost of labor will be factored in. Although costs will vary, this method of restoration typically represents a significant cost savings over a total roof replacement. You may be surprised to learn that roof coatings may also provide tax benefits, as the cost of the process can often be written off in the first year instead of depreciated over many years. (Read more here.) Property owners should contact their financial advisors to discover if these benefits are applicable to their specific situation.

Unicoat Industrial Roofing is a team of professional roofing contractors specializing in high-quality roof coating systems. Call today to learn more about the possibility of saving time, money, and headaches by choosing roof coatings to restore your commercial roof.