Different Types Of Commercial Roof Coatings
Commercial roof coatings provide a protective layer for roofs that can withstand harsh climatic conditions and extend their lifespan as well. You will find various types of commercial roof coatings to select from depending on your needs and financial capability. The correct selection of coatings to cover the roof can save money and prevent spending more on roofing down the line.
Roof coating adds a reflective layer to your current rooftop and decreases its plasticity which may lead to less energy consumption. These include acrylics, silicones, polyurethanes, and others; each has its advantages over the other.
Key Takeaways:
- Roof coatings protect commercial buildings and save money
- Different types of coatings suit different needs and roof materials
- Upkeep will extend the life of the roof and improve overall efficiency
Understanding Commercial Roof Coatings
Commercial roof coatings help shield and expand the lifespan of roofs, provide a weather barrier against harsh ultraviolet rays as well as save energy for you to reduce expenses.
Advantages of Roof Coatings
Roof coatings have several benefits for property owners and their commercial property. They form a protective layer over your roof surface. This layer protects against damage from the sun, heavy rain, and other elements.
Coatings can also fix small leaks and help prevent new ones from forming. In addition, they cost less than a full roof replacement. Many coatings reflect sunlight, keeping your building cooler.
This cooling effect can lower your energy costs. It may also help your roof and air conditioning system last longer, even under extreme temperatures.
Selecting the Right Type of Coating
Selecting the best option depends on the type of roof and its needs. Some common types are acrylic, silicone, and polyurethane. Each has its advantages and strengths. Acrylic coatings are often cheap and easy to apply. Silicone coatings stand up well to ponding water. Polyurethane coatings are tough and can handle heavy foot traffic. A commercial roofing contractor can help you choose the right option depending on your roof type, climate, and how long you want the coating to last.
The Role of Roof Coatings in Energy Efficiency
Roof coatings can make your building more energy efficient. Many coatings are white or light-colored. These “cool roof” coatings reflect more sunlight than dark roofs, offering UV protection.
You will use less air conditioning with less heat entering the building, with some coatings lowering roof temperature by up to 50 degrees! This cuts your energy use and costs.
Energy-efficient coatings may even qualify for tax breaks or rebates. Reducing energy use may help fight climate change, and is a smart choice and good news for your wallet and the planet.
Types of Commercial Roof Coatings
Commercial roof coatings come in different types, each with its unique properties and use. These coatings protect roofs from damage and extend their lifespan. Let’s explore the options available for building owners and facility managers.
Acrylic Roof Coatings
Acrylic coatings are popular for their affordability and easy use. They work well on different roof types, including metal and concrete. These coatings reflect sunlight, helping to keep buildings cooler.
Acrylic coatings are water-based and quickly dry. They can be applied with a roller or spray equipment and offer good resistance to UV rays and rain.
One downside is that acrylic coatings may not handle ponding water well. They also might need more frequent reapplication than other types.
Silicone Roof Coatings
Silicone coatings perform well in extreme weather conditions. They’re highly water-resistant and can withstand ponding water. These coatings are great for flat or low-slope roofs. You’ll find silicone coatings very durable and they maintain flexibility over time, even in high heat. This helps prevent cracks and leaks. Silicone is more expensive than acrylic. But it often lasts longer, saving money in the long run. It’s also eco-friendly and low in VOCs.
Polyurethane Roof Coatings
Polyurethane coatings come in two main types: aromatic and aliphatic. Aromatic polyurethane is tough and impact-resistant. It’s often used as a base coat. Aliphatic polyurethane is UV-stable and holds color well.
These coatings offer excellent durability. They resist chemicals and abrasion well. This makes them ideal for roofs with high foot traffic.
Polyurethane can be more difficult to apply than other coatings. While it is more expensive, its long-lasting protection may be worth the investment.
Elastomeric Roof Coatings
Elastomeric coatings are known for their flexibility. They can stretch and return to their original shape without damage. This makes them great for roofs that expand and contract with temperature changes. You can use elastomeric coatings on many different types of roofs. They work well on metal, concrete, and even some single-ply membranes. These coatings form a seamless, waterproof layer. They also reflect sunlight, which can lower cooling costs. Elastomeric coatings while often often white, come in other colors too.
Other Specialized Coatings
Some coatings are made for specific needs or roof types. Asphalt coatings, for example, are used on built-up roofs. They help extend the life of older asphalt roofing. Cool roof coatings are designed to reflect more sunlight and can be made from various materials, including acrylic and silicone. These coatings help reduce energy costs and urban heat islands. For industrial settings, some coatings resist chemicals or high temperatures. These specialized products protect roofs in harsh environments.
Considerations for Application and Maintenance
Proper application and upkeep are key to getting the most from your commercial roof coating. It can extend your roof’s life and reduce needed repairs.
Preparation and Application Process
Make sure to clean your roof thoroughly before applying any coating. Remove dirt, debris, and loose materials. Fix any damage or leaks. Make sure the surface is dry.
Choose the right coating for your roof type. Apply it evenly using a spray, roller, or brush. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for thickness and drying time.
For the best results, apply coatings when the weather is dry and mild. Avoid extreme heat, cold, or rain. Some coatings may need multiple layers.
Maintaining Your Roof Coatings for Longevity
Check your coated roof regularly. Look for signs of wear, damage, or peeling. Clean the roof at least twice a year to prevent dirt buildup. Reapply the coating as needed. How often it happens depends on the coating type and your roof’s exposure to weather and foot traffic. Fix small issues quickly to prevent bigger problems in the future. Patch any cracks or holes in the coating. This helps maintain its protective qualities. Limit foot traffic on your coated roof. Use walkway pads in high-traffic areas to reduce wear. Keep trees trimmed to prevent falling branches from damaging the coating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Commercial roof coatings offer many benefits and options for building owners. The right coating can waterproof, insulate, and protect your roof for years to come.
Elastomeric coatings stretch and flex with temperature changes. This prevents cracking and peeling. They form a seamless waterproof barrier over your roof. These coatings reflect UV rays to keep buildings cooler. They can extend roof life by 10-15 years in many cases.
Silicone coatings are extremely durable and weather-resistant and stand up well to ponding water. With age, silicone maintains its properties better than other coatings. It’s more expensive upfront but can last 20+ years with proper care.
Your roof type and condition are important. Consider your local climate and weather patterns. Think about your budget for materials and labor. Look at warranty options from different manufacturers. Energy efficiency and reflectivity may be priorities too.
Polyurethane coatings are tough and impact-resistant. They bond well to many roof substrates. These coatings handle foot traffic better than some other options. They come in aliphatic formulas that resist UV damage and color fading.
Silicone and polyurethane work well on flat roofs. They resist ponding water without degrading it. Acrylic coatings can also be effective if applied in multiple thick layers. For maximum protection, use a base coat plus a top coat system.
First, clean and repair the existing roof surface. Apply primer if needed. Mix the coating product thoroughly. Use rollers or spray equipment to apply an even coat. Let it cure fully. Apply additional coats as directed. Inspect the finished coating for proper coverage and seal.
On any given commercial roof project, we typically present three options to suit different budgets. Contact J. Smucker Contracting today for a FREE inspection and quote – “There’s no roof too big and there’s no problem we can’t solve!”