Cool Roofing with Roof Coatings

Cool Roofing with Commercial Roof Coatings

What is cool roofing and how can commercial roof coatings help?

Cool roofing refers to a roof that reflects sunlight and releases absorbed heat efficiently, reducing its surface temperature. Commercial roof coatings achieve this by creating a highly reflective and emissive top layer on your existing roof system, keeping your building cooler inside.

Your Building Is Too Hot and Energy Bills Are High

You might notice your air conditioning runs constantly, struggling to keep your building cool, especially during hot weather. Sometimes, the heat inside is just uncomfortable, even with the AC on full blast. You could also see your energy bills climbing higher each summer.

Dark Roofs Soak Up the Sun and Cost You Money

Most commercial roofs, especially dark-colored ones, absorb a lot of the sun's energy. This turns your roof into a giant heat magnet, heating up the structure below. This added heat makes your HVAC system work harder to cool the building, driving up your electricity usage and energy costs. Over time, this constant heat also breaks down your roof materials faster, shortening your roof's life and leading to earlier repairs or replacement. If ignored, this problem continues to cycle, leading to higher operating costs, premature roof failure, and potential discomfort for anyone inside the building.

Reflective Roof Coatings for a Cooler, More Efficient Building

A contractor installing Conklin systems can apply a specialized reflective coating system to your existing commercial roof. This system doesn't just reflect sunlight; it also protects your roof from the elements and seals minor leaks. Here’s how we typically do it:

1. Inspection and Preparation: First, a contractor will inspect your roof to make sure it's a good candidate for restoration. We check for wet insulation, major structural damage, or areas that are too far gone to restore. If the roof is suitable, we'll clean the surface thoroughly, removing dirt, debris, and any loose materials. We'll also address any existing leaks, reinforcing seams and flashing with appropriate materials and fabric. Honest limits: If your roof has widespread wet insulation, a failed deck, or is simply past its useful life, a coating system may not be the best solution, and we'll tell you that straight.
2. Base Coat Application: Once the roof is clean and repaired, we apply a base coat. This coat helps seal the roof and creates a strong bond for the reflective topcoats.
3. Top Coat Application: Finally, we apply one or more layers of a highly reflective, white acrylic topcoat. These coatings are designed to reflect a significant portion of the sun's UV and infrared rays away from your building. The bright white surface bounces the heat back into the atmosphere instead of absorbing it.
4. Cooling Effect: The reflective coating reduces your roof's surface temperature significantly. This means less heat transfers into your building, which lessens the load on your air conditioning system. The building stays cooler, and your energy bills go down.

This process not only makes your building cooler but also provides a seamless, waterproof membrane that extends the life of your existing roof for many years. It's often a much more cost-effective choice than a full roof replacement. You can learn more about how these systems work on our Conklin roof coatings page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can I expect to save on my energy bills?

Many building owners report noticeable savings on their energy bills after applying a reflective roof coating. The exact amount depends on factors like your climate, the type of insulation you have, and your building's current energy efficiency. However, by reducing the heat absorbed through the roof, your HVAC system won't have to work as hard, leading to lower operating costs.

Can any commercial roof be coated for "cool roofing?"

Most commercial roof types, including metal roofs, flat roofs, EPDM, TPO, and modified bitumen, can be restored with a reflective coating system. However, a contractor installing Conklin systems needs to inspect your specific roof to ensure it's a good candidate. We look for the condition of the roof deck, the amount of wet insulation, and any other structural issues that might prevent a successful restoration. If your roof is suitable, a coating system can add many years to its life.

How long does a cool roof coating last?

When properly applied by a contractor installing Conklin systems, our commercial roof coating systems are designed to last for a long time. Conklin's systems can be re-coated years down the road, further extending your roof's life without the need for tear-off. This multi-layer approach means your initial investment continues to pay off for decades. You can see examples of our work in our project gallery.

Ready to make your building cooler and cut down on energy costs? White Roofing Systems works with a network of contractors installing Conklin systems across the U.S. We can help you find a qualified professional to inspect your commercial roof and provide a detailed quote for a reflective coating system. Call us today at (309) 303-3128 or visit our contact page to get started. Don't let your roof bake your profits away.