Roof Coatings

ROOF COATINGS

If you had the opportunity to extend the life of your commercial roof, would you take advantage of it? It seems like a no brainer, and the team at Arvada Roofing and Home Improvement is ready to consult with you to see if a roof coating is right for your business.

Roof coatings can be applied to a variety of commercial roofs, so contact us for a free estimate and start extending your peace of mind as well as the life of your commercial roof.

WHAT ARE ROOF COATINGS

Roof coatings are liquid material coatings used to seal, reinforce, and weatherproof commercial roofs among other things. While roof coatings can be composed of various different materials, they are all often referred to as “elastomeric” roof coatings due to the elasticity of the coating which allows them to expand and contract with temperature changes and still provide a weathertight barrier.

From UV protection to hail, and just about any other external weather conditions, elastomeric roof coatings can help extend the lifespan of a commercial roof. Depending on the building and roof type, there are a number of choices when it comes to a roof coating material. 

TYPES OF ROOF COATINGS

The term elastomeric roof coatings covers a range of coating materials, all of which perform the same basic function of protecting the underlying roof material.

However, each roof coating material has its particular strengths based on its composition. Here are some of the most common types of roof coating materials: 

BUTYL

A synthetic rubber, butyl elastomeric roof coating has exceptional flex capabilities allowing it to expand in hot temperatures, and return to its original state in cooler temperatures without cracking. Once applied, butyl roof coatings create a seamless, durable barrier that is both watertight and element-repelling. This makes it ideal not only for new commercial roofs, but also to restore older roofing systems and prevent further degradation. 

Butyl roof coatings are ideal for flat and low-slope roofs since they withstand ponding and standing water. Butyl roof coatings are typically applied to the following types of roofing systems: 

• Metal
• Modified Bitumen
• Built-Up Roofing (BUR)
• Polyurethane Foam
• Single-Ply (TPO, PVC, EPDM)
• Concrete

ACRYLIC

Acrylic roof coatings are another excellent choice depending on your commercial roofing system. One of the biggest advantages of acrylic coatings is that they are extremely reflective which will make the overall roof system much more resistant to UV sun damage. Aside from being cost-effective and a generally good application in most environments, acrylic roof coatings are also highly dirt-resistant and maintain aesthetic appeal which in turn retains property value. 

While fairly suitable for most environments and compatible with numerous different commercial roofing systems, one drawback of acrylic roof coatings is that they typically have poor performance with respect to ponding water.

polyurethane

Polyurethane roof coatings come in a variety of forms, but all provide a very comprehensive protective layer for commercial roofing systems. Polyurethane coatings tend to be pricier than acrylic; however, polyurethane combines the excellent UV protection properties of acrylic while also being able to withstand ponding water. 

What really sets polyurethane apart is that it is one of the most impact-resistant coatings available, making it a superb choice for flat and low-slope roofs that experience higher traffic than an average roof

SILICONE

Silicone roof coatings are the most “elastic” of elastomeric roof coatings, making them the premier choice for commercial roofs that experience constant or extreme temperature shifts. Silicone roof coatings are also a great choice for flat and low-slope roofs since they withstand ponding water well. 

The biggest drawback of silicone is that unlike acrylic, silicone coatings do not resist dirt very well and tend to appear dirty, creating a less desirable aesthetic appeal

BENEFITS OF ROOF COATINGS

The benefits of an elastomeric roof coating cannot be understated for a commercial roofing system. Especially here in Colorado, having an added layer of protection against rain, hail, snow, as well as the sun can save you money and also give you peace of mind. 

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Enjoy reduced energy costs with commercial roof coatings. Especially in warmer temperatures, most elastomeric roof coatings provide excellent UV protection and keep underlying roof systems cooler. In turn, you won't have to run HVAC systems as frequently to maintain a comfortable environment in your commercial property.

LOWER MAINTENANCE COSTS

As a protective layer, roof coatings prevent many different kinds of damage from befalling the underlying roofing system. From ponding water to hail, the right elastomeric roof coating can save you money and stress by mitigating damage to your roof and building. 

LONG-LASTING SOLUTION

Roof replacements can be very costly and are among the last things a commercial property owner wants to deal with. While a roof replacement may be inevitable in the distant future, you can take action to prolong the life of a commercial roof by decades by having a roof coating installed.  

We’re ready to tackle your toughest home project.

Learn how roof coatings can save you money and extend the life of your commercial roof. Contact Arvada Roofing and Home Improvement, or request a free estimate!