Roof Coatings FAQ
How can I Tell if My Commercial Roof Needs a Coating?
If your roof is structurally sound but starting to show signs of wear, your commercial building may benefit from a coating. Common indicators include:
- Small leaks or water ponding that haven’t yet caused widespread damage
- Visible cracks, seams, or blisters in the roofing membrane
- Surface wear and UV damage, such as fading or chalking
- Rising energy bills, which may point to poor roof reflectivity
- The age of the roof
If your roof has major structural damage or saturated insulation, a coating may not be the right solution. The best way to know for sure is to schedule a professional roof inspection — our experts can determine whether coating will extend your roof’s life or if repairs/replacement are necessary.
What Determines How Long a Roof Coating Will Last?
The lifespan of a commercial roof coating depends on the type of coating used, the condition of the existing roof, the climate it’s in, and how well it’s maintained.
Will a Roof Coating Stop Leaks?
A roof coating can seal small cracks, seams, and pinhole leaks, helping prevent water from penetrating your roof. Many coatings are designed to create a seamless, waterproof membrane that protects against future leaks.
However, coatings are not a cure-all. If your roof has significant water damage, ponding issues, or large open leaks, those problems need to be repaired before a coating is applied.
What can Affect the Cost of a Commercial Roof Coating?
- Roof size: larger roofs require more material and labor
- Roof condition: repairs or prep work (such as fixing seams, cleaning, or replacing wet insulation) add to the cost
- Type of coating: silicone, acrylic, and polyurethane coatings vary in price and performance
- Coating thickness: thicker applications offer longer warranties but increase material usage
- Accessibility: hard-to-reach roofs or those with extensive equipment may take more time and labor
Can a Coating be Applied over an Existing Coating?
In many cases, yes — as long as the underlying roof system and old coating are still in good condition. The surface will need to be cleaned, repaired, and properly prepared to ensure good adhesion.
However, if the existing coating is peeling, blistering, or failing, it may need to be removed or repaired before applying a new layer.