Projections show that the global roof coatings market will reach a value of $8.3 billion by 2030.
All roofs are built with durability and longevity in mind, but after years of exposure to the elements, all roofs start to degrade. There are several material options when it comes to building a commercial roof, and some will last longer than others. One of the best ways to maximize the lifespan of roofs is with commercial roof coatings.
So what are commercial roof coatings, and what options are available? Keep reading to find out.
What Are Commercial Roof Coatings?
A commercial roof coating is a protective layer that covers the roof of a building. The main purpose is to provide added protection which will make a roofing system last longer, while potentially providing other benefits.
Replacing an entire roof can be a huge job, taking a lot of time and money. By using a commercial roof coating, your roof will last longer, meaning you won’t have to replace it as soon. A coating can also be a great way to revitalize a roof that’s approaching the end of its life.
Types of Commercial Roof Coating
Commercial roofs are often somewhat different from residential roofs, but one characteristic they share is variety. They’re available in a range of materials and designs which offer various benefits. Likewise, there are multiple options when it comes to commercial roof coatings.
Acrylic
The first use of acrylic coatings was to provide sprayed urethane foam with ultraviolet protection, but they’re now widely used for different types of roofing. They’re flexible enough to handle the dimensional instability that’s present in most roofing membrane surfaces.
Beyond UV protection, acrylic coatings can protect roofs from hail damage. It may also reduce the surface temperature of a material when it’s exposed to direct sunlight. This can help keep roofs cooler, which may be very beneficial in areas that get a lot of sunlight.
It’s worth bearing in mind that the curing time can vary depending on weather conditions. It can often take around seven days to fully cure, so take this into account when scheduling the application. Warm weather is ideal, and precipitation may cause issues, so it’s best to have this kind of work done in warmer months.
Acrylic coatings can be added in layers, with more layers offering greater protection. With acrylic, you can choose any color, which may be ideal for some businesses.
One downside of acrylic is that ponding water can cause it to degrade. If you have a roof that is susceptible to ponding, you may be better off with a different type of coating.
Silicone
Silicone has a high degree of elasticity, and it adheres incredibly well to existing surfaces. It’s very unlikely that it will ever become hard or brittle, and can provide excellent weather resistance for a long time.
This is a far better option if your roof is likely to experience ponding water. Silicone coatings have become far more popular in recent years as they’re able to withstand ponding water for extended periods, which other coatings often can’t handle.
Like acrylic, silicone coatings have good UV resistance even at extreme temperatures. They’re ideal for various environments and are highly resistant to oxidation.
Depending on your business, and the building you use, the roof’s appearance may be an important factor. Silicone coatings are available in a wide range of colors, so you can match your roof to your branding. As it has high emissivity and reflectivity ratings, it generally has a more aesthetically pleasing appearance than other types of commercial roof coating.
Bright white silicone is often used, as it reflects a lot of heat. This can help save energy (and therefore money) in the warmer months of the year.
There are a few drawbacks that put some people off acrylic. It’s generally more expensive than other coatings, and there aren’t many other materials that you can apply directly to the silicone service. It’s also known to hold dirt quite strongly, so may require cleaning more than other coatings.
Asphalt
Asphalt is one of the most cost-effective options available. It has been used for decades as a roofing material in both commercial and residential applications for this reason.
It’s easy to apply and is completely waterproof. This makes it ideal as a coating for new roofs or as a repair material. Either way, it will add long-lasting protection to your roof without costing a huge amount.
The ease of application also helps save on the cost, as it can be applied quickly. Asphalt stands up well to the elements, including wind, rain, and snow, which makes it ideal for any environment.
One thing to note is that there isn’t nearly as much variety in terms of color when it comes to asphalt roof coatings. For some businesses, this might not be important, but this could be a sizable drawback for others. Asphalt is the best choice when looking for a quick, cost-effective solution, and the overall appearance isn’t of huge importance.
What’s the Best Coating for Your Business?
With the option to choose from different commercial roof coatings, there’s no single best choice. It depends on your business, and what your roof will be exposed to.
If pooling water, for example, is a major concern, then silicone is usually the best option. For a more economical solution, you may want to go with an asphalt coating. Acrylic offers some of the best protection available, as long as the cure time isn’t an issue for your business.
At Innovative Roofing, we offer various roofing services, including the application of professional roof coatings. If you have any questions about our services or want to request a free quote, click here to contact us today.
