Vanguard-Blog-Post-1-4-2024

Roof Coatings: The Secret to Prolonging Roof Life and Saving Money

Commercial Roofing, Roof Maintenance / By / March 18, 2024

Protecting and caring for a commercial roof requires close attention from the building owner or property manager. Many owners and managers are unaware of the benefits roof coatings provide by extending the life of the existing roof and generating savings for the company. For many businesses, roof coatings are a game changer in their roof maintenance plan.

What Is A Commercial Roof Coating?

A commercial roof coating acts as a protective sealant. It provides an extra layer against outside forces, including weather extremes and other hazardous events. The coating typically has a thick elasticity to help provide breathing room while safeguarding the roof, regardless of external conditions.

How Does A Roof Coating Benefit My Commercial Building?

close up of new roof coating with a neighborhood in the background

When evaluating the advantages of adding a roof coating to your commercial or industrial building, consider the following:

  • Added Durability: An added layer of protection safeguards the structural integrity of a commercial roof. A roof coating protects the building against the damaging effects of the sun, rain, wind, and other forces.
  • Cost-Effective Strategy: By adding years of life to an existing commercial roof, a business can prolong the need to replace the roof. This proactive approach generates actual bottom-line savings.
  • Enhanced Waterproof Barrier: A leaky roof will cause severe damage to a building’s interior. Preventing moisture from having access into the building must be a priority for businesses if they want to avoid catastrophe. A roof coating acts as a sealant.
  • Environmental Sustainability: Going green. Most businesses want to do their part to protect the environment. A reflective roof coating, in particular, enables an organization to reduce its energy consumption, resulting in fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Extended Roof Lifespan: Estimates suggest that a roof coating can lengthen a commercial roof’s life by ten years or more. Reasons for reaching this conclusion include increased durability and enhanced moisture resistance.
  • Improved Energy Efficiency: A roof coating adds longevity to an existing commercial roof by safeguarding it from the sun’s harmful UV rays. By reducing this exposure, a business realizes meaningful heating and cooling savings.
  • Reduced Roof Maintenance Expenses: Routine upkeep and repairs of a commercial roof can be a significant business expense. Reducing these costs by adding a roof coating.
  • Visual Enhancement: Applying a roof coating improves the appearance of a commercial building. It presents a smooth, seamless appearance that increases the market value of your commercial property.
shiny new roof coating showing a reflection of the roof vents

The Types Of Commercial Roof Coatings

Many different commercial roof coatings exist. The most common products include the following options:

As a highly reflective, water-based solution, acrylic offers incredible performance at a reasonable price. In more arid climates with warmer average temperatures, acrylic works particularly well because of its unmatched UV resistance and ability to keep a commercial building’s interior cooler during hotter summer months.

Technological developments have led to significant improvements in asphalt roof coatings. This solvent-based rubber membrane system combines elasticity, water impermeability, and weatherproofing characteristics to produce a highly effective, long-term solution. It has an excellent price point and readily applies to most roofs.

For commercial roofing systems with high foot traffic, polyurethane provides an ideal solution because it can withstand the daily expansion and contraction (i.e., thermal movement) of the roofing structure. At its core, polyurethane offers high-abrasion resistance, incredible tensile strength, and unsurpassed durability. 

As a long-lasting, 100% waterproof substance, silicone is virtually maintenance-free. For commercial roofs that typically collect and hold water, silicone is an ideal solution to reduce or eliminate water infiltration, including leaks. For complex roofing systems, silicone works exceptionally well because of its flexibility.

What Is Involved in the Commercial Roof Coating Process?

Because special equipment is required to install a commercial roof coating, only a trained professional should perform the application. How proficiently the roofing contractor prepares the roof and applies the layer significantly influences how well it performs. 

Typically, the roof coating preparation services include:

  • Removing loose debris
  • Conducting a pressure wash
  • Vacuuming and scraping the surface
  • Securely covering any roofing components that do not need a coating

Now, the roofing surface is ready for a coating.

Who Should I Hire To Add A Roof Coating To My Commercial Property?

Vanguard Roofing provides unmatched service and quality for all your commercial and industrial roofing needs, including roof coatings. If you own or manage a building in Southeast New York, Northeast New Jersey, Connecticut, or Massachusetts, we have the solutions to transform your roofing system and maximize its performance. To schedule a free consultation or to learn more about our exceptional commercial roofing services, contact us today.

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