Roof Coating Types and Choosing the Right One

Choosing the right roof coating can be a daunting task, but understanding the different types is a great place to start. There are two main types of roof coatings: elastomeric and acrylic.

Elastomeric roof coatings are highly flexible and can stretch up to 300% of their original size without cracking. This makes them ideal for areas with extreme temperature fluctuations.

Acrylic roof coatings, on the other hand, are water-based and offer excellent UV resistance. They're a popular choice for roofs with high foot traffic or exposed to direct sunlight.

Ultimately, the right roof coating for you will depend on your specific needs and climate.

Acrylic coatings are a popular choice for commercial roofs, especially in high heat, low humidity environments. They're easy to apply and clean up, and provide a reflective surface to save on cooling costs.

Silicone coatings, on the other hand, are ideal for areas with constant moisture threats. They're waterproof, UV stable, and resistant to ponding water, making them perfect for low slope or flat roof repairs.

Some of the most common types of roof coatings include:

Each type of coating has its own unique benefits and uses, but they all share the goal of protecting and extending the life of your roof.

Acrylic roof coatings are a popular choice for commercial roofs due to their high level of reflectivity, which can help reduce cooling costs.

They're highly reflective, making them perfect for high heat, low humidity environments where ponding water is not a concern.

Acrylic coatings are also water-based, making them easy to apply and clean up with just soap and water.

This means no component mixing and minimal clean up hassle.

Acrylic coatings offer quality aesthetics throughout their lifespan and a hard-to-beat price point for their performance.

They're incredibly durable and offer high UV stability, making them a great option for buildings in sunny climates.

Acrylic roof coatings can be used on a variety of materials, including modified bitumen, smooth asphalt built-up roofs, EPDM, TPO, and PVC.

Here are some specific materials that acrylic roof coatings can be applied to:

Acrylic roof coatings are also flexible, making them suitable for buildings in low-temperature environments.

Silicone coatings are an exceptional weather barrier, especially in areas with constant moisture threats. They're UV stable, waterproof, and highly flexible.

Silicone coatings can be applied in a wide temperature range, from as low as 33°F to as high as 120°F. This flexibility makes them suitable for various roofing applications.

Silicone coatings are suitable for a range of surfaces, including polyurethane foam, EPDM, TPO, aged PVC, aged acrylic coatings, concrete, metal, asphalt built-up roofs, and granulated modified bitumen roofs.

Silicone coatings are 100% waterproof, long-lasting, and require minimal maintenance. They're also impervious to the elements and limit UV damage to roofing materials.

Silicone coatings are the best choice when you need a quick cure time, especially before a severe weather event.

EPDM roofs are incredibly durable and ideal for any climate with severe inclement weather. They can withstand harsh conditions, making them a great choice for areas prone to extreme weather.

EPDM roofs, however, aren't very compatible with solvents used in roof coatings. The chemicals in the solvents can cause the EPDM to swell.

You can still coat an EPDM roof, but you'll need to choose a solvent with care. This means consulting a roof coatings installer if you need help selecting a solvent.

EPDM roofs can be coated, but it requires some extra consideration.

PVC roofs require some patience before applying a coating. You'll need to let the PVC age for a bit before applying either a silicon or acrylic coating, as mentioned in the example.

If you're not sure how old your PVC roof is, it's a good idea to do some research on the specific product you have. This will give you a better understanding of its recommended lifespan and any special considerations you should keep in mind.

Applying a coating to a PVC roof too soon can lead to poor adhesion or other issues. It's always better to err on the side of caution and wait until the roof has had a chance to fully cure.

In general, PVC roofs are known for their durability and low maintenance requirements. However, a good coating can still make a big difference in terms of protecting the roof from the elements and extending its lifespan.

Asphalt and modified bitumen roofs require special care before applying roof coating.

New asphalt and modified bitumen roofs need to age for at least ninety days to allow excess oil to dry off before applying primer and/or roof coating.

Asphalt or bitumen roofs over ninety days old still retain some oil, so you'll need to apply a stain blocker before coating to prevent staining.

Older asphalt roofs are less likely to have excess oil, but it's still essential to use a stain blocker to ensure a clean coat.

Elastomeric roof coatings are a popular choice for many building owners. They offer a range of benefits, including extended roof life and reduced energy costs.

One of the main advantages of elastomeric roof coatings is their ability to extend the useful life of a roof. This means less frequent roof replacements and less waste in landfills.

In fact, a Polyglass elastomeric roof coating system can offer a complete solution for new and existing roofs, enabling a water-resistant, fully-adhered seamless roof membrane.

If you have a complex roof or one that tends to collect and hold water, an elastomeric roof coating might be the way to go. This type of coating is ideal for roofs that pose installation problems for conventional membrane roofing.

There are some specific types of roofs that are well-suited for elastomeric roof coatings. These include roofs with a two-roofing system in place, roofs that collect and hold water, and complex roofs that are difficult to work with.

Here are some key characteristics of elastomeric roof coatings:

SEBS roof coatings are a great option for metal roofs, especially if they're rusty. They prevent corrosion and can handle roof traffic with ease.

SEBS coatings are also waterproof and can conform to building movement. This makes them a great choice for areas with harsh weather conditions.

If you live in a cold climate, SEBS coatings are a good option, but keep in mind that you can't apply them if the temperature is below freezing.

Here are some scenarios where SEBS coatings are the best choice:

Roof coatings offer a range of benefits that make them an attractive option for building owners. They help keep energy bills low by reducing the summer heat and winter chill, which can lower energy bills year-round.

A roof coating can reduce a company's carbon footprint by up to 40% by reducing energy consumption. This is especially important as buildings account for a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Even energy-efficient buildings can become less efficient over time, but a roof coating can help restore their energy efficiency levels. This is a relatively simple and effective way to raise a building's Energy Star rating.

Applying an eco-friendly coating to your roof shows your commitment to the environment and can boost your building's value. It's a way to demonstrate your care for the community and your willingness to do your part in keeping it clean.

A good roof coating can prevent leaks and protect the roof from mold and mildew damage. This can save you the hassle and expense of repairing serious structural damage.

While a roof coating can be costly upfront, it can save you money in the long run by prolonging the lifespan of your roof. This means less frequent roof replacements and less waste in landfills.

Here are some of the key advantages of Polyglass elastomeric roof coatings: