If you own a commercial building, you may want to consider roof coating for the roof. This is because when you coat your roof, it acts like another barrier to protect the roof from the sun’s rays. It does this by increasing the UV protection which also helps to reduce the energy cost of the building. Another thing that roof coatings do on commercial property is to help prevent the ponding of water with varying degrees of effectiveness depending upon the product. So below are the strengths and weaknesses of different coating materials so that you can make an intelligent choice when you do this job.
- Acrylic roof coatings are good for most climates and are cost effective. It’s water based and is reflective; easy to use and UV resistant. However; acrylics need to be applied when the temperature is 50 degrees or above. Plus; acrylics will also lose mil thickness with the weathering; and in situations where ponding is normal after every rain, it doesn’t do well.
- Polyurethane roof coating handles traffic and is more resistant to impact than the other coatings. Also, aromatic and aliphatic are the two main types of polyurethane coatings. For a base coat, aromatic coating is usually used because it’s not UV stable. Aliphatic coatings are more UV stable, are cleaner and hold color well, but are also more expensive.
- Silicone roof coatings won’t get brittle or hard. Furthermore, it’s good in water ponding situations and is erosion resistant. With silicone being moisture cured, the weather being humid even helps with the curing. The down side is that silicone will hold dirt, but when it rains, the rain acts as a cleaner. But because of this; over time, the material will lose its reflectivity. Plus; silicone is difficult to adhere to so when the roof needs redone, you either have to either remove the silicone or use something that’s compatible with it.
Having a coating put on your roof is an excellent solution if feasible, instead of just having a shingled roof. But get the advice of a trusted professional for the right and needed roof application.