Roof Coating Systems

The lifespan of a roof coating depends on the coating type, application quality, and maintenance:

• Acrylic coatings: 10-15 years
• Silicone coatings: 15-20 years
• Polyurethane coatings: 15+ years
• Asphalt emulsion: 8-12 years

With proper maintenance and periodic recoating, you can extend your roof's life indefinitely. Many building owners recoat every 10-15 years, continually postponing expensive replacement.

Yes, when properly applied! Roof coatings create a seamless, waterproof membrane over your existing roof. However, the coating is only effective if the underlying roof structure is sound and leaks are properly repaired first.

Our coating process includes:

• Identifying and repairing all leak sources before coating
• Addressing any damaged substrate or wet insulation
• Reinforcing seams, penetrations, and vulnerable areas with fabric
• Applying multiple coats for complete waterproofing

If your roof has widespread moisture damage or structural issues, coating alone won't solve the problem—replacement sections or full replacement may be necessary.

Reflective roof coatings (especially white or light-colored) can reduce cooling costs by 20-30% in most commercial buildings. The savings vary based on:

• Your climate and building location
• Current roof color and condition
• Building insulation levels
• HVAC system efficiency
• Building use and occupancy

Example: A 50,000 sq ft building spending $30,000/year on cooling could save $6,000-$9,000 annually with a reflective coating. The coating typically pays for itself through energy savings within 3-5 years.

Reflective coatings can lower roof surface temperatures by 50-80°F on hot summer days, significantly reducing heat transfer into your building and lessening the burden on your HVAC system.

Most commercial roof types can be coated, but some are better candidates than others:

Excellent candidates:

• Metal roofs (standing seam, corrugated, R-panel)
• Modified bitumen
• Built-up roofs (BUR)
• Single-ply membranes (TPO, PVC)
• Spray polyurethane foam (SPF)
• Concrete and masonry

Challenging candidates:

• EPDM rubber (requires special primers and preparation)
• Severely weathered or chalky surfaces
• Roofs with oils, chemical contamination, or incompatible coatings

We'll inspect your roof and perform adhesion tests to ensure the coating will bond properly and perform as expected.

A typical commercial roof coating project takes 3-7 days depending on:

• Roof size: 10,000 sq ft might take 2-3 days; 100,000 sq ft could take 1-2 weeks
• Repairs needed: Extensive prep work adds time
• Coating type: Some require multiple coats with drying time between
• Weather: Rain delays application; we need dry conditions
• Building operations: Working around your schedule

Typical timeline:

• Day 1-2: Cleaning, repairs, and surface preparation
• Day 3: Primer application (if needed)
• Day 4-5: Base coat with fabric reinforcement at details
• Day 6-7: Final topcoat and quality inspection

Roof coating warranties typically include two components:

1. Manufacturer's Material Warranty

• Standard warranties: 10-20 years depending on coating type
• Covers coating material defects and performance
• May include reflectivity guarantees for "cool roof" ratings
• Available in full or prorated coverage options

2. Contractor's Workmanship Warranty

• We provide 5-10 year workmanship warranties
• Covers installation defects and application issues
• Includes leak repairs related to coating failure

Some manufacturers offer extended "system warranties" when using their complete system (primer, base coat, top coat) and following their specifications exactly. These can cover both materials and labor for 10-20 years.

Yes, but maintenance is minimal compared to traditional roofing systems. Regular maintenance extends coating life and maximizes your investment:

Recommended maintenance schedule:

• Bi-annual inspections (spring/fall): Check for damage, clean drains, remove debris
• Annual cleaning: Remove dirt, algae, and organic growth to maintain reflectivity
• Drain maintenance: Keep drainage systems clear to prevent ponding water
• Prompt repairs: Fix any physical damage quickly to prevent moisture intrusion
• Traffic control: Minimize foot traffic; use walkway pads when needed

Every 5-7 years:

• Professional evaluation of coating condition
• Consider refresher coat in high-wear areas
• Assess overall roof condition and future planning

We offer maintenance programs that include regular inspections, cleaning, and minor repairs to keep your coating performing optimally throughout its lifespan.