The roof of your commercial property is one of its most crucial parts because it offers vital protection from the elements. Your roof can live longer and be protected from the effects of the weather, such as UV rays, heat, and moisture, with the help of a high-quality roof coating. But choosing the best roof coating for your commercial property can be difficult because there are so many different kinds available. In this article, we’ll examine the benefits and drawbacks of popular roof coatings for commercial buildings so you can make an informed choice.
What Are Roof Coatings?
The lifespan of your roof can be increased and protected with the help of liquid-applied roof coatings. Metal, asphalt, and single-ply roofing systems are just a few of the materials that they can be used on. Roof coatings can have a number of advantages, including reducing heat absorption and UV ray reflection, forming a waterproof barrier to stop leaks and water damage, and lowering maintenance and repair costs by extending the life of your roof.
Types of Roof Coatings
There are distinct benefits and drawbacks to each type of roof coating. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of popular coating types for commercial buildings:
Acrylic Roof Coatings
Commercial properties frequently choose acrylic roof coatings because of their affordability, simplicity of installation, and versatility. They can be used on a range of roofing materials, such as single-ply membranes, metal, and asphalt. Aside from reflecting UV rays and lowering heat absorption, acrylic coatings can also act as a waterproof barrier to stop leaks and water damage as well as to thwart the growth of mildew and algae.
There are some drawbacks to acrylic coatings, though. Over time, they may be susceptible to chalking and fading, which can lessen their effectiveness. Additionally, because they are susceptible to damage, they might not be the best option for roofs that get a lot of foot traffic.
Silicone Roof Coatings
Choosing silicone roof coatings is also popular in commercial buildings. They are resistant to UV rays, heat, moisture, and other extreme weather conditions, and they have a long lifespan. Being self-priming makes them easier to apply than other coating types.
The many benefits of silicone coatings include their capacity to block UV rays, lessen heat absorption, produce a waterproof barrier to ward off leaks and water damage, and thwart the growth of mildew and algae. Their high degree of flexibility may also make them resistant to thermal expansion and contraction.
Silicone coatings do have some disadvantages, though. They might cost more than other coating varieties, and some roofing materials, like asphalt, might not adhere to them as well. Due to their potential need for more curing time than other coating types, your roofing project may take longer to complete.
Polyurethane Roof Coatings
Polyurethane roof coatings are well known for withstanding ultraviolet rays, heat, moisture, and other extreme weather conditions. Various roofing materials, such as concrete, metal, and wood, can be covered with them. A few benefits of polyurethane coatings include the ability to reflect ultraviolet rays, reduce heat absorption, create a waterproof barrier to prevent leaks and water damage, and inhibit the growth of mildew and algae.
There are some disadvantages to polyurethane coatings, though. They might not be the best option for roofs with high foot traffic because of potential cost premiums over other coatings and increased susceptibility to damage. Due to the potential for these coatings to be more expensive and challenging to apply than other coatings, the cost of your roofing project may increase.
Elastomeric Roof Coatings
Thermostatic expansion and contraction can be tolerated by elastomeric roof coatings thanks to their high flexibility. They can be used on a number of different types of roofing materials, such as metal, asphalt, and single-ply membranes. Elastomeric coatings can provide a variety of advantages, including the ability to block UV rays, lower heat absorption, create a waterproof barrier to stop leaks and water damage, and thwart the development of mildew and algae.
Elastomeric coatings, however, have a few drawbacks. In comparison to other coating types, they could be more expensive and take longer to cure. They might not be the best choice for roofs with heavy foot traffic either, given how easily they can be damaged.
Choosing the Right Roof Coating for Your Commercial Property
There are several things to take into account when choosing a roof coating for your commercial property, including your budget, the type of roofing material you currently have, and the local weather. It’s crucial to collaborate with a dependable roofing contractor who can assist you in weighing your options and choosing the best coating for your requirements.
In conclusion, there are numerous varieties of roof coatings that each have their own advantages and disadvantages. You can decide on the best coating for your commercial property by being aware of the advantages and disadvantages of each type of coating. No matter which roof coating you select—acrylic, silicone, polyurethane, asphalt, or elastomeric—the right one can help your roof last longer and safeguard your investment for many years to come.
Rescorp Commercial Roofing is a full-service roofing company based out of Macon, GA. We have been in the industry for decades and make use of the best materials that can be found on the market. Our licensed and insured contractors are talented, skilled, and will deliver quality work. If you are looking for commercial roofing that is easy to maintain and durable, you can trust us to find a unique solution for you. We assure you of quality services and products at affordable rates. We have experience in different types of roofing and our experts will be glad to advise you on the best solutions for your property. Give us a call today for your free estimate!