Roof Coatings: Are They Right for Your Roof?

Roof coating is a cost-effective way to enhance an existing commercial roof’s longevity, however, not all commercial roofs are suitable for roof coatings. In this blog, the commercial roofing contractors at Henderson Roofing discuss the conditions that make sense for roof coating installation.

What Is Roof Coating?

Roof coating is a protective coating applied as a fluid, which forms a durable barrier on the roofing surface after curing. Roof coatings are more often applied on existing roofing membranes rather than new ones, and can provide the following benefits:

1. Extend the Life of an Existing Roof — Properly installed roof coating protects the roof from most weather conditions and impact from airborne debris. It has some flexibility that can improve the roof’s resilience against foot traffic and punctures.
2. Protect the Roof Against Ponding Water — Roof coatings create a waterproof barrier that helps slow down the effects of ponding water. While this does not make the roof impenetrable, roof coatings can dramatically slow down the effects of ponding water. This can give you ample time to work with repair and new roof installation contractors to address its causes without risking moisture damage.
3. Add Reflective Properties — Most types of roof coatings come in white or a light color, which helps improve the roof’s reflectivity. Reflective roofs absorb less heat from the sun, which helps reduce the building’s indoor cooling requirements and make it more comfortable.

Are Roof Coatings Right for Your Commercial Roof?

The first thing you should consider is structure. As a liquid-applied product, it needs a sound structure to be installed on. Issues such as moisture damage, inferior substrates and mold growth should be addressed first, otherwise you’d be sealing these problems in with roof coatings.

Another factor is the roof’s age. Commercial roofing systems are expected to last 10 to 15 years, with proper care and maintenance. Roof coatings would not make sense on a commercial roof that’s over 15 years old, as the roofing structure itself would be more likely to develop leaks or cracks. If you’re unsure whether or not roof coatings will work on your roof, consult your roofing contractor.

Henderson Roofing is your leading provider of commercial and residential roof services. Give us a call at (401) 615-2224 and (860) 415-4055 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.