Metal roofs are naturally hardwearing, but you can take their durability to the max with a protective roof coating. A roof coating is a liquid coat that does an excellent job of protecting and extending the life of your commercial roof. If you’re interested in learning more about this innovative and effective restoration technique, read on! In this complete guide to commercial roof coatings, we’ll cover what you need to know about roof coatings and help you choose the best coating for your commercial facility.
What Are Commercial Roof Coatings?
A roof coating is a special fluid applied to the membrane of a roof. It dries into a protective layer that shields against nature’s elements, including moisture and the sun.The Benefits of Commercial Roof Coatings
Roof coatings are a popular alternative to roof replacement. Let’s look at some perks to choosing a commercial coating over a full roof rehaul.Less Expensive
Roof replacement is expensive, no matter the kind of roof you have. Comparatively, roof restoration is much more cost-friendy. Thanks to the minimal labor and time involved, applying a coating costs 50-70% less than installing a new roof on average.Extends Your Roof’s Life
What if we told you a coating could nearly double your roof’s life? The average roof lasts 20 years. Adding a coating system can extend that projected lifespan by 10-20 years. And in many cases, you can reapply a coating system multiple times to extend your roof’s life even further.Reduces Maintenance
A coating will shield your roof from the elements. This reduces the amount of damage it sustains over time, and as a result, the amount of maintenance and repair you need to perform to keep it in optimal condition.Eco-Friendly
Many commercial roof coatings are made with the environment in mind. Most lack VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, which are chemicals that are harmful to the environment and to humans. Coatings are also energy-saving. With a white roof coating, you can reduce your building’s energy consumption substantially. White coatings reflect up to 80 to 90% of the sun’s UV rays and control the amount of heat that flows into your facility. This reduces the need for constant cooling during the summer months, which can reduce your building’s carbon footprint and decrease your monthly energy bills. Finally, restoration is just more environmentally friendly than replacement in general. Roof replacement involves tearing much of the roof down. The removed materials are carted off to the nearest landfill, where they sit and fester until eventually breaking down. The longer you can delay a replacement and chucking these materials in the trash, the better.Different Kinds of Commercial Roof Coatings
There are various kinds of commercial roof coatings available. In this complete guide to commercial roof coatings, we’ll expound on six of the most common coating systems so you can make an informed decision on which to choose for your roof.Elastomeric
Elastomeric coatings are affordable, durable, and great at preventing leaks. This moisture-resistant coating is made from a blend of acrylic, titanium dioxide pigments, and other assorted materials. A major benefit of elastomeric coatings is that you can apply them quickly and easily, no matter the weather. You can also apply them to a wide range of roofing systems, including PVC, concrete, metal, single ply, and wood.Acrylic
Acrylic is considered one of the best roof coatings. It’s made from 100% acrylic and is resistant to hail and even radiation. Acrylic coatings contain multiple forms of durable acrylic polymer. Like most coatings, acrylic coatings come in multiple colors, but white is the most common, since it’s adept at blocking the sun’s rays. Contractors use a two-step process to apply acrylic coatings. First, the base layer is applied, and then the second layer is laid perpendicular to the first.Asphalt
Also known as cutback coating, asphalt coatings are durable and ideal for larger roofs, but they have one notable downside: asphalt mixtures contain asbestos, so contractors need to proceed carefully to ensure it doesn’t harm the existing roof materials.Silicone
Silicone coatings, also known as rubber coatings, are biodegradable liquids with a few key advantages over other coatings. For one, silicone coatings are extremely moisture resistant. The rubber material can wick substantial amounts of moisture for long periods. This means it can withstand prolonged exposure to ponding water, unlike most other coatings. Silicone also provides generous UV protection and can hold up to harsh temperatures. Another benefit is that silicone coatings don’t require a primer to be applied beforehand. Finally, silicone coatings are durable and can be applied to most roof surfaces. However, silicone does have a few drawbacks, namely that it attracts dirt, is hard to clean, and tears easily.Asphalt Emulsion
They might have similar names, but asphalt and asphalt emulsion coatings aren’t the same. Asphalt emulsion is a water-based material that contains a blend of clay and fibers. These coatings are some of the easiest coatings to apply. All you have to do is pour the mix onto the roof, spread it around with a push broom, and you’re done! The quick application process means labor costs for this particular coating are low.Polyurethane
Originally, polyurethane roofs were intended for use with sprayed-in-place foam roofs, but today, they’re used for roofs of all kinds. They provide fantastic impact resistance, which makes them ideal for flat roofs that see heavy foot traffic. There are two kinds of polyurethane coatings: aromatic coatings and aliphatic coatings. In spite of their name, aromatic coatings don’t have a pleasant smell. They’re durable but have weak UV resistance. For this reason, they’re often relegated to use as a base coat. Aliphatic coatings are just as durable as aromatic coatings but are much more UV-resistant. They resist dirt and are great at retaining color, which makes them an excellent topcoat. Want to protect your roof with a metal roof coating system? At Armour Roof Co, we’re pros when it comes to commercial roof coatings. We can do it all, from acrylic to silicone to rubber to spray foam. We’re an experienced, professional, and responsive team that would be happy to assist with all your roof restoration and replacement needs. Contact us today and ask about our metal roof coating services.
