The Ultimate Guide to the Best Commercial Roof Coatings: Silicone, Acrylic, and More

Maximizing Your Roof's Lifespan with the Best Commercial Roof Coating

The best commercial roof coating can greatly extend the life of your commercial roof while providing essential waterproofing to prevent leaks and reduce maintenance costs. If you're a facility manager seeking cost-effective and long-lasting roof solutions, this guide breaks down everything you need to know.

To quickly address your needs:

1. Best Overall: Henry Pro-Grade® 988 Silicone Coating – Excellent for a variety of materials and fast rain safety.
2. Best for Customization: Mule-Hide 100% Silicone Products – Available in multiple colors and resistant to ponding water.
3. Best Durability: TREMPRO Silicone Coating – Flexible, weatherproof, and offers a 20-year limited warranty.

When it comes to maintaining commercial properties, the roof plays a crucial role. Commercial roof coatings can extend the roof's life, provide and reduce energy costs. This protective layer is essential for keeping your building’s roof in great shape against harsh weather conditions and the wear and tear of time.

In this ultimate guide, we will explore various types of commercial roof coatings, including silicone, acrylic, and more. We'll dig into their benefits, costs, and which ones might be the best fit for your building. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to make an informed decision to protect your investment.

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What is a Roof Coating?

Roof coating is a protective layer applied to the exterior of a roof. Imagine it as a shield that improves your roof's durability, keeps it leak-free, and even helps you save on energy costs.

Why Is Roof Coating Important?

When it comes to maintaining commercial properties, the roof is crucial. A roof coating acts as a "cherry on top," providing several key benefits:

• Extended Lifespan: It prolongs the life of your roof by protecting it from the elements.
• Leak Prevention: Adds an extra layer to prevent leaks, especially in areas prone to standing water.
• Energy Efficiency: Reflects sunlight, reducing roof and interior temperatures, which can lower your energy bills.

What Does Roof Coating Do?

A roof coating maintains the roof's current state. This means:

• For New Roofs: Keeps them looking new for longer.
• For Older Roofs: Acts as a temporary fix to extend their life.

In places like Atlanta, where summers are hot and humid, roof coatings can be particularly beneficial. They reflect the sun's rays, helping to keep the building cooler and reducing air conditioning costs.

Types of Roof Coatings

Different types of roof coatings are available, each suited for specific needs and conditions. Here are a few common ones:

• Acrylic Coatings: Great for UV protection and cost-effective but not ideal for areas with standing water.
• Silicone Coatings: Excellent for waterproofing and UV resistance, making them perfect for roofs with ponding water.
• Polyurethane Coatings: Durable and resistant to chemicals, ideal for roofs with heavy foot traffic.
• Butyl Coatings: Known for their flexibility and vapor-retardant properties.

Real-World Feedback

Customers have shared positive experiences with roof coatings. For instance, Reg, a commercial customer, used an acrylic reflective elastomeric roof coating on storage unit roofs. He noted, "The white color and the thickness of the coating add heat insulation to the metal roofs as well as preventing rust from causing leaks."

Another customer praised a premium aluminum reflective roof coating: "Works great!!! Had some leaks that I tried to seal with another product that did not work. This stuff stopped them all with one coat!"

These real-world examples highlight how effective roof coatings can be in solving common roofing issues.

What's in a Roof Coating?

Roof coatings are made from various materials, including:

• Acrylics
• Asphalt
• Butyl
• Silicones
• Polyurethanes

Each material has its unique properties, making it suitable for different types of roofs and climates.

Installation Process

Installing a roof coating involves three primary steps:

1. Clean the Roof: Use a pressure washer to remove dirt and grime.
2. Prep the Roof: Repair any large cracks or damaged areas.
3. Coat the Roof: Apply the roof coating using a spray, roller, or brush.

Hiring professionals ensures the job is done correctly, maximizing the coating's effectiveness.

Next, we'll dig into the different types of commercial roof coatings, including acrylic, silicone, and polyurethane. Understanding their benefits and drawbacks will help you choose the best commercial roof coating for your building.

Types of Commercial Roof Coatings

When it comes to extending the life of your commercial roof, choosing the right roof coating is crucial. Let's explore the different types of commercial roof coatings and explore their unique benefits and drawbacks.

Acrylic Roof Coatings

Acrylic roof coatings are water-based, making them environmentally friendly and easy to apply. They are known for their excellent reflective properties, which help reduce energy costs by reflecting up to 90% of the sun's rays. This makes them ideal for hot climates where cooling costs can be high.

Benefits:

• Energy Efficiency: Reflects sunlight, reducing cooling costs.
• UV Resistance: Protects the roof from UV damage.
• Cost-Effective: One of the most affordable options.

Drawbacks:

• Water Ponding: Not ideal for roofs with standing water as they don't perform well under prolonged exposure to moisture.
• Cold Weather: Application in cold temperatures can be challenging.

Acrylic coatings are versatile and can be used on various substrates, including metal, modified bitumen, and single-ply roofs.

Silicone Roof Coatings

Silicone roof coatings are renowned for their superior waterproofing capabilities. They are highly resistant to ponding water, making them an excellent choice for flat roofs that often have water accumulation. Silicone coatings also offer high UV resistance, protecting your roof from the sun's harmful rays.

Benefits:

• Waterproofing: Excellent for roofs with standing water.
• UV Resistance: Provides robust protection against UV rays.
• Durability: Long-lasting and does not become brittle over time.

Drawbacks:

• Dirt Attraction: Silicone can attract dirt, which may reduce its reflective properties over time.
• Cost: Generally more expensive than acrylic coatings.

Silicone coatings are perfect for a variety of roof materials, including metal, EPDM, TPO, and existing roof coatings.

Polyurethane Roof Coatings

Polyurethane roof coatings are known for their durability and chemical resistance. They are highly resistant to impacts, punctures, and abrasions, making them ideal for roofs that experience heavy foot traffic or chemical exposure.

Benefits:

• Durability: Extremely tough and long-lasting.
• Chemical Resistance: Ideal for harsh environments.
• Versatility: Can be applied to many different types of roofing materials.

Drawbacks:

• Odor: Has a strong smell during application.
• Cost: Slightly more expensive due to its high durability.

Polyurethane coatings work well on spray polyurethane foam, EPDM, PVC, and concrete roofs, among others.

Butyl Roof Coatings

Butyl roof coatings are flexible and perform exceptionally well under standing water. They are solvent-based and create a vapor-retardant barrier, making them suitable for cold storage and freezer applications.

Benefits:

• Flexibility: Adapts well to roof movements.
• Water Resistance: Excellent for roofs with ponding water.
• Vapor Retardant: Ideal for specific industrial applications.

Drawbacks:

• Solids Content: Requires more material to achieve desired thickness.
• Color Stability: Limited color options and may not be as stable.

Butyl coatings are suitable for metal, spray polyurethane foam, and smooth-surfaced built-up roofing.

SEBS Roof Coatings

SEBS (Styrene Ethylene Butadiene Styrene) roof coatings are known for their excellent adhesion and flexibility. They are particularly effective on metal roofs and provide a durable, protective layer.

Benefits:

• Adhesion: Bonds well to various substrates.
• Flexibility: Adapts to roof movements without cracking.
• Chemical Resistance: Offers good protection in harsh environments.

Drawbacks:

• Odor: Strong smell during application.
• Availability: Limited color options and availability.

SEBS coatings are compatible with metal, Hypalon, and TPO roofs.

Next, we'll explore the Top Commercial Roof Coatings of 2024, including popular choices like Henry 587 and Rust-Oleum 510. Understanding these options will help you make an informed decision for your building's roof.

Top Commercial Roof Coatings of 2024

Choosing the best commercial roof coating can be daunting, but we've got you covered. Here are the top commercial roof coatings of 2024, based on contractor insights for performance and durability.

#1. Henry® 587 100% Acrylic Dura-Brite™

The Henry® 587 100% Acrylic Dura-Brite™ is a top pick for its specialized roof protection. This elastomeric coating is enriched with resins, fillers, and titanium dioxide pigments, making it perfect for concealing imperfections and reflecting the sun’s heat.

Key Benefits:

• Reflectivity: Reflects 73% of heat and UV rays, reducing cooling costs.
• Mold Resistance: Resists mold and stains, ensuring a clean roof.
• Coverage: Covers around 100 square feet per gallon.

This coating is DIY-friendly and may earn you LEED credits for environmental friendliness. Plus, it comes with a 10-year limited warranty.

#2. Lanco® PRO RC™

Lanco® PRO RC™ is another excellent choice. This contractor-grade coating is easy to use and provides a strong water and weatherproof seal. It’s ultra-white, dries quickly, and offers exceptional solar reflectivity.

Key Benefits:

• Solar Reflectivity: Reduces energy costs by reflecting the sun’s heat.
• Durability: Won’t crack, peel, or blister even in severe weather.
• Application: High viscosity and quick-drying, making it easy to apply.

This product is designed for professional application only.

#3. Rust-Oleum 510 Fibered Aluminum Roof Coating

The Rust-Oleum 510 Fibered Aluminum Roof Coating is versatile and energy-efficient, with a 7-year warranty and 53% initial reflectivity.

Key Benefits:

• Convenience: Non-clog E-Z Spray formula for one-coat applications.
• Protection: Waterproofs and rust-proofs metal roofs without needing a primer.

Available in a 5-gallon size, it’s perfect for various substrates and supports overall energy efficiency.

#4. Kool Seal® Premium 10-Year Premium Elastomeric Roof Coating

The Kool Seal® Premium 10-Year Premium Elastomeric Roof Coating is a high-quality white coating that keeps your roof watertight and flexible.

Key Benefits:

• Sunlight Reflection: Reflects 90% of sunlight, keeping interiors cooler.
• Weather Resistance: Handles blistering, chalking, cracking, and flaking.
• Application: Requires a base coat and finish coat, with a drying time of 4-6 hours between coats.

This coating is great for metal, concrete, and certain roof coatings, and comes with a 10-year warranty.

#5. Mule-Hide 100% Silicone Roof Coating

Mule-Hide 100% Silicone Roof Coating is durable and versatile, made from inorganic silicone resins and silane adhesion promoters.

Key Benefits:

• Durability: Weather-resistant and watertight, suitable for various surfaces.
• Custom Colors: Available in multiple colors with custom options.

With a 20-year warranty, this coating provides long-lasting protection.

#6. Gardner® STA-KOOL® Ultra Elastomeric Coating

STA-KOOL® Ultra Elastomeric Coating by Gardner offers premium white roof protection with advanced siliconized acrylic technology.

Key Benefits:

• UV Protection: Blocks UV rays and maintains brightness.
• Quick Drying: Rain safe in just 30 minutes due to Turbo-Dri Technology.

It’s easy to apply with a roller and comes in a 5-gallon container.

#7. AMES Premium Roof Armor®

AMES Premium Roof Armor® is a 100% acrylic, elastomeric coating that reflects UV rays and improves energy efficiency.

Key Benefits:

• Eco-Friendly: VOC-compliant in all 50 states.
• Warranty: Comes with a 15-year warranty and exceptional dirt pick-up resistance.

This coating is resistant to fungi, mold, and mildew, making it a long-lasting solution for your roof.

Next, we'll dive into choosing the best commercial roof coating for your building, considering factors like roof condition, budget, and timeline.

Best Commercial Roof Coating for Your Building

Choosing the best commercial roof coating for your building involves considering several factors. Here's what you need to think about:

Roof Condition

Before selecting a roof coating, assess the current state of your roof. If your roof has large cracks or significant damage, coating might not be the best solution. Roof coatings are ideal for extending the life of a roof that's in decent condition, not as a fix for serious issues.

If your roof is relatively new or just starting to show signs of wear, a coating can seal leaks, protect against UV rays, and extend its lifespan. Roof coatings maintain the current state of your roof—they won't turn a damaged roof into a new one.

Budget

Budget is a critical factor in deciding on the best commercial roof coating. Different coatings come at different price points, and balance cost with the benefits provided.

For instance, acrylic coatings are often more affordable and have excellent reflective properties, making them cost-effective for reducing energy bills. On the other hand, silicone coatings might be pricier but offer superior waterproofing and durability, especially in areas prone to ponding water.

Consider the long-term savings on energy bills and maintenance when evaluating the cost. Sometimes, spending a bit more upfront can save you thousands in the long run.

Timeline

The time it takes to apply a roof coating is another important consideration. The good news is that roof coating applications are generally non-invasive and can be completed quickly, typically within one to two days. This means minimal disruption to your business operations.

If you need a fast solution to extend your roof's life without interrupting daily activities, a roof coating is an excellent choice. Unlike roof replacements, which can take weeks and disrupt your business, coatings provide a swift, effective alternative.

Tax Incentives

Did you know that roof coatings could offer potential tax benefits? Section 179 of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act includes deductions for certain improvements to commercial buildings, including roofing. This means you might be able to deduct the cost of your roof coating from your taxes.

Always check with your accountant to see what benefits and credits are available for your specific situation. The potential tax savings can make a significant difference in your overall budget for roof maintenance.

In the next section, we'll address some frequently asked questions about the best commercial roof coating to help you make an informed decision.

Frequently Asked Questions about Best Commercial Roof Coating

What is the best rooftop coating?

Choosing the best rooftop coating depends on your specific needs and roof conditions. Here are some top contenders:

• Dr. Fixit: Known for its durability and waterproofing capabilities.
• Excel Coatings: Offers excellent UV resistance and flexibility.
• Waterguard: Highly effective in preventing water penetration.
• Terrace Cool Coating: Great for reducing roof temperatures and enhancing energy efficiency.

Each of these brands has its strengths, so consider what your roof needs most—whether it's waterproofing, UV protection, or temperature control.

Which roof coating lasts the longest?

The longevity of a roof coating can vary based on the material used:

• Acrylic Coatings: Typically last 10-15 years. They are water-based and highly reflective, which helps in reducing energy costs.
• Polyurethane Coatings: Known for their durability, these can last 15-20 years. They are resistant to chemicals and ideal for roofs with heavy foot traffic.
• Asphalt Coatings: Generally last around 5-10 years. While they are cost-effective, they are not as durable as acrylic or polyurethane options.

What is the most durable roof waterproofing?

For those looking for the most durable roof waterproofing solutions, PVC roofing membrane stands out. Here's why:

• Durability: PVC membranes are known for their long lifespan, often exceeding 20 years.
• Fire Resistance: They offer excellent fire resistance, adding an extra layer of safety.
• Low Maintenance: PVC requires minimal upkeep, making it a cost-effective option over time.

PVC roofing membranes are ideal for commercial buildings that need robust, long-lasting protection against water and environmental elements.

In the next section, we'll dive deeper into the specifics of different roof coating types to help you choose the best one for your building.

Conclusion

To wrap up, choosing the best commercial roof coating is crucial for extending the life of your roof and saving money in the long run. By understanding the different types of coatings—whether it's acrylic for energy efficiency, silicone for waterproofing, or polyurethane for durability—you can make an informed decision that best suits your building's needs.

We recommend consulting with a professional to assess your roof's condition and provide custom advice. This ensures you get the most effective solution and avoid costly mistakes.

Ready to protect your commercial roof and save on energy bills? Contact Peak Roofing Solutions today for expert advice and top-quality roof coating services.

Stay leak-free and energy-efficient!