Even the most sturdy commercial roofing systems encounter challenges such as water leaking, punctures, blisters, and standing water. Fortunately, commercial roof coatings can help prevent some of these issues.
Whether you are just curious to learn more about coatings or want to extend the lifespan of your aging system, this guide will discuss everything you should know about commercial roof coatings.
What is a Commercial Roof Coating?
Commercial roof coatings are applied across the membrane of commercial roofing systems to add a few years and enhance energy efficiency. Coatings can protect your commercial roof from UV damage, water leaks, and ponding. Moreover, commercial roof coatings can restore buildings’ curb appeal.
What are the Different Types of Commercial Roof Coatings?
Commercial roof coatings are available in different options. Business owners should compare the different roof coatings, from silicone to polyurethane, to choose the best. Let’s discuss the ins and outs of each roof coating type in detail below.
Acrylic Roof Coating
The first type of commercial roof coating available today is acrylic. As the name suggests, acrylic roof coatings are made with acrylic resin. These water-based coatings come in shades of gray, white, and tan. Acrylic coatings are also the go-to option for many business owners because they can choose a custom color. Its elastomeric qualities enable it to expand and contract with the roof, forming a seamless seal.
Acrylic coatings are best suited for high UV areas due to their reflective properties. It’s also ideal for steep slopes and metal roofing. However, acrylic roof coatings struggle to hold up to stand in water. They also tend to freeze in cold temperatures above 50 degrees.
Silicone Roof Coatings
Silicone roof coatings are made from silicone polymers. Like acrylic roof coatings, silicone coatings are also ideal for high UV environments due to their reflective properties. As such, it is worth considering if you would like to enhance energy efficiency for your commercial facility. Also, it’s ideal for areas with drastic seasonal changes due to its elasticity. Silicone coatings contract and expand with the roof.
Silicone coating suits buildings with ponding water, including flat and low-slope roofs. It also offers superior UV protection and weatherability. However, these coatings attract dirt easily. They can also be slippery when wet.
Polyurethane Coatings
Polyurethane roof coatings are more resistant to water ponding than silicone and acrylic roof coatings. That also means they are your best bet for low-slope or flat roofing. However, polyurethane does not hold up well to UV rays. Fortunately, you can add a base coat with a silicone top coat to add UV resistance.
These roof coatings are available in two types, namely aromatic and aliphatic. The significant differences between the two are the structure of the isocyanate. Aromatic polyurethane has a ring structure, whereas aliphatic polyurethane has a chain structure. Moreover, aliphatic polyurethane tends to be more flexible than aromatic polyurethane. Since aliphatic polyurethane is more UV stable than aromatic polyurethane, it’s ideal for high UV environments.
Both polyurethane coatings are best suited for hail-prone regions. They are also ideal for roofing systems exposed to heavy foot traffic. The significant downside of these roof coatings is that they emit a strong odor.
Benefits of Commercial Roof Coatings
Now that you know what commercial roof coatings are and the different styles, you are probably eager to find out if they are worth the money. The truth is that commercial roof coatings offer tons of benefits to business owners. Let’s discuss the pros of commercial roof coatings below.
✅Offer Superior Leak Protection
Commercial roof leaks are caused by various problems, such as punctures, penetrations, aging materials, failed flashings, poor drainage, and improper seals. A leaky roof can lead to insulation damage and fire hazards if left unattended. In addition, a leaking roof lowers energy efficiency and compromises the structure of your building. It also increases the risk of slip hazards and mold and mildew growth.
To protect yourself from lawsuits due to slip and fall accidents, it is highly recommended to install commercial roof coatings as soon as possible. With roof coatings, your commercial roofing system can stand up to ponding water and other harmful weather elements.
✅Enhances Energy Efficiency
Many commercial roof coating types are reflective, including acrylic and silicone coatings. These coatings can keep the sun’s rays out of your building, keeping your commercial facility cooler, especially during the hot summer months. This will also lower your heating and cooling costs. Also, maintaining optimal temperatures in your commercial facility will keep your staff and customers happy.
✅Easy to Install
Another significant benefit of commercial roof coatings is that they are easy to install. You won’t have to stop your operations during installation. This is because most commercial roof coating types emit low odor and minimal noise.
It also means that you won’t incur heavy labor expenses. You will also be happy to know that you don’t have to tear off the existing roof to install roof coatings.
✅Highly Sustainable
Commercial roof coatings are also highly sustainable. These coatings can be re-coated every ten years to add life to your aging roof, enhance waterproofing capabilities, and improve energy efficiency.
✅Environmentally Friendly
Installing commercial roof coatings can lower your carbon footprint significantly. Firstly, these coatings enhance the lifespan of your commercial roofing system, eliminating landfill waste. Furthermore, many commercial roof coatings contain zero or low VOCs. Not only that but installing roof coatings will also enhance your energy efficiency, contributing to a cleaner environment.
✅Less Expensive Than Roof Replacements
Finally, roof coatings are less costly than roof replacements. The price varies depending on labor, location, roof size, materials, and pitch.
The good thing with commercial roof coatings is that they can be used on almost all commercial roofing materials, including:
- Metal
- Single-ply
- Built-up
- Spray applied
- Modified bitumen
Claim Your Free Commercial Roof Inspection With Tri-County Roofing
Are you considering roof coatings for your commercial building? If you are, our commercial roofing contractors are ready to inspect your commercial roofing system to recommend the most suitable roof coating for your facility. Get in touch with us or book an appointment to get a comprehensive quote.
