Why Should You Use Roof Coatings?

Now that you have a general idea what roof coatings are, you may be wondering why you should use them. Roof coatings are designed to protect your roof and extend its life. Different types of coatings protect your roof from damaging weather conditions and UV light. Some of them can help with waterproofing, too.

How to Choose the Best Roof Coating for Your Commercial Building?

When choosing the right roof coating for your commercial roof, think beyond the look. Yes, you want your building to look good. But with the right coating, your roof will be more resistant, last longer, and save you money in the long run.

Acrylic coatings are water-based. They are affordable and easy to apply. These water-based coatings are suitable for the sunniest areas since they offer good UV resistance. On the other hand, these are not the best option for areas with extreme weather conditions.

Asphalt coatings combine the elasticity of rubber with the resistant characteristics of asphalt. These can be applied in cold and harsh weather. Asphalt coatings are durable, being both water- and weather-resistant. However, they are less environmentally friendly, and don’t offer as much UV resistance as other types.

What Are the Best Commercial Roof Coatings?

What are the best commercial roof coatings? The best commercial roof coating for your building depends on your existing roof type, its condition, and the local weather. There isn't one "best" coating for all roofs.

Symptom

You might be seeing your roof starting to show its age. Maybe you've got some small leaks, or your energy bills are higher than they used to be. You're looking for ways to protect your roof without the huge cost of tearing it all off and starting new. You’ve heard about roof coatings and want to know if they're a real solution.

Problem

An old, unprotected roof will eventually fail. Small leaks turn into big ones, leading to water damage inside your building. The roof deck can rot, and insulation gets soaked, losing its R-value. This means your HVAC system works harder, driving up your energy costs. Ignoring these problems makes the repair more expensive later on, and you might lose the chance to restore your roof, forcing a full replacement.

Solution

Commercial roof coatings are like a new skin for your existing roof. They add a seamless, protective layer that can extend the life of your roof for many years. We install Conklin roof coatings, which are acrylic-based systems designed for durability and energy savings. Here’s how we typically handle a commercial roof coating project:

Inspection and Assessment: First, a contractor installing Conklin systems will come out to your building. They'll walk your roof, check its condition, find any weak spots, and look at the roof’s overall health. They’ll also check the insulation to make sure it’s dry. If insulation is wet or the roof deck is too far gone, a coating might not be the right fit, and we’ll tell you upfront.
Cleaning and Preparation: We thoroughly clean the existing roof surface. This often involves power washing to remove dirt, debris, and any loose materials. A clean surface is key for the coating to stick properly.
Repairs: Any existing problems like cracks, holes, or open seams are fixed. We use reinforcing fabric and compatible sealants to make sure the roof is watertight before coating.
Primer Application (if needed): Depending on the existing roof material, a primer might be applied. This helps the coating adhere better to the old surface.
Coating Application: We then apply the acrylic roof coating in multiple layers. This creates a seamless, durable membrane over your entire roof. Conklin acrylic coatings are white, which reflects a lot of the sun’s UV rays and heat.
Final Inspection: After the coating cures, we do a final check to make sure everything is sealed and applied correctly.

Our acrylic coating systems are suitable for many types of commercial roofs, including flat roofs, metal roofs, and EPDM roofs. They reflect sunlight, which can significantly lower your cooling costs. They also protect your roof from harsh weather and UV damage, stopping leaks and preventing further wear and tear. Service life depends on the roof's condition, the system used and how well it is maintained; ask the contractor to put the expected service life in writing. Keep in mind that coatings aren't magic. They work best on roofs that are still in decent shape. If your roof is completely failing, if the deck is rotten, or if most of the insulation is saturated with water, a coating might not be enough. In those cases, a full roof replacement or a spray foam roofing system might be a better option.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of roofs can be coated?

Many types of commercial roofs can benefit from coating, including metal, modified bitumen, single-ply (like TPO, PVC, EPDM), and existing spray foam. The specific coating system used will depend on your roof's material and condition.

How long do commercial roof coatings last?

Conklin acrylic roof coatings are designed to last for a long time. Warranty terms depend on the system, the roof's condition and manufacturer approval; ask the contractor to put them in writing before work starts.

Will a roof coating stop leaks?

Yes, a properly installed roof coating system is designed to stop leaks. Before the coating is applied, all existing leaks and problem areas are repaired and sealed. The seamless membrane created by the coating adds an extra layer of waterproofing across the entire roof surface. Is your commercial roof showing signs of wear, or are your energy bills climbing? Don't wait for a small problem to become a major repair. A contractor installing Conklin systems can assess your roof and tell you if a coating system is right for you. Call White Roofing Systems at (309) 303-3128 or visit our contact page to schedule an inspection. We serve building owners and facility managers across the U.S.