Roofs are one of the staples keeping society’s everyday life running properly. While you might not realize the importance of a well-maintained roof, you would quickly understand how crucial roofs are if your roof begins its descent into inefficiency. However, not every roof needs a total collapse for it to function incorrectly.
Roofs take the brunt of it, including sun exposure, weather variations, and environmental fluctuations. When these seasonal changes occur, you change with them. You put on a jacket, upgrade the tires on your car, or shovel off your sidewalk. But, unlike people and routines, roofs don’t always get the appropriate coverage needed to lay down a proper defense system.
Left without appropriate coatings, your roof will start deteriorating, along with the usual wear and tear. These damages will even take a significant toll on your building or home’s efficiency. You might also see a spike in the cost of your monthly energy bill.
When it comes to dressing your roofing, roof coatings can help extend the life and efficacy of your investment.
Roof coatings typically involve repairing, patching, and coating your roof in the appropriate application. This roofing service involves restoring and weatherproofing your system to handle the roughest of weather conditions. When applied correctly, roof coatings will add years to the life of your roof.
But, not all roof coatings are the same. Let’s look at roof applications more in-depth, so you can better understand its importance and learn how to find the right roof coating specialist for your project.
What Are Commercial Roof Coatings?
Roof coating application is the process used to protect and extend the life of an installed roofing system. Also known as a roof covering, roof coatings use a thick coating formula that typically includes high-quality resins.
Each commercial roof coating application provides an extra layer of protection. The resins of the coating formula help maintain its elastic properties throughout its life cycle. Once cured, the roof coating forms a new monolithic layer. Together, the formula provides additional waterproofing properties that also allow the roof coating to bridge small cracks and membrane seams found on roofs.
A roof coating formula provides a protective system to your roof that standard roof paint doesn’t include. In a typical roofing system, contractors will apply small portions of protective layers using a gallon per 100 square feet. Protective roofing contractors use an improved system, customizing application of more than multiple gallons per 100 square feet on a new roofing installation, instead. You can receive the exact specifications of your roofing installation by receiving a bid with your contractor.
The Difference Between Re-Roofing and Roof Coatings
Knowing the differences between re-roofing and roof coatings will help you determine which service you need to get the life of your roof extended. Along with discovering the right service, you need to understand that not all roofing companies offer the same roofing capabilities. When selecting the roofing service, ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I need a completely new roof?
- Can my roofing system be repaired?
- How damaged are the roofing materials?
- What type of roof do I need for my building or home?
Luckily, you can talk with an experienced roofing company to understand your needs better and how they can help.
How Much Do Roof Coatings Cost
There are a lot of factors that come into play when figuring out the cost of a roof coating application. What might affect your roof coatings’ price includes your location, square footage, formula mixture, and type of service required.
According to Home Advisor, the average cost of roof coatings on flat surfaces ranges from $0.90 to $2.00 per square foot. Further estimates for roof coatings include pitched and sloped roofs. These prices generally increase. Most buildings vary in flat, pitched, and sloped roofing services. Costs also increase depending on the type of formula used and if your roof needs any repairs before installation.
What are the Benefits of Roof Coatings?
There are several perks of coating your roof. From saving time and money to eco-friendly alternatives, roof coatings provide you with all you need and more to make your building run efficiently. A few of the benefits of roof coatings include:
- Environmental Appeal
Roof coatings help you avoid overfilling landfills with old roofing products. Instead, you can restore your existing roof by reusing the current roofing materials. Along with reducing waste and decreasing your impact on the environment, roof coating formulas can also qualify for the US Green Building Council’s LEED program for Sustainable Sites, Energy and Atmosphere, and Materials and Resources. The highly reflective finish of our roof coatings will also help reduce energy costs signifying your reduced impact on the environment.
- Save Time
A roof coating application is a sustainable approach. Compare the quick and easy installation methods to that of a re-roofing project. Since the installation of roof coatings are faster than the re-roofing option, it also has a real impact on the bottom line. A professionally installed coating system can amortize in the first year vs. over the lifetime of the roof. Recover your roof and save on labor costs and landfill expenses. Plus, you won’t need to interrupt normal business operations while we coat the roof!
- Cost-Effective
Speaking of cost savings, roof coatings are also more cost-effective than other roofing services. Since roof coatings go directly on top of your existing roof, the entire installation takes less time, meaning reduced labor costs. It is also less costly in terms of materials. Another reason for the lower prices is that roof coating systems do not require much if any demolition, which additionally decreases labor and landfill fees.
- Energy Savings
Once installed, your roof coating will also help keep energy costs to a minimum. Roof coatings add reflectivity to your roof’s topcoat. The reflective capabilities provide high-quality UV protection that also adds years to your rooftop and reduces energy costs. Highly reflective roof coatings deliver a cooler and more comfortable environment inside the building. By keeping the cool air in and hot air out, your roof coating will allow you to reduce your air conditioner use, which will lower your energy utility costs.
- Sustainability
Perhaps the biggest draw for having a roof coating installed is sustainability. These systems are renewable and can be re-coated every 10+ years to lengthen the life of your roof. As the application wears down, you can renew the reflectivity with a new layer or maintenance service. These options will ensure excellent waterproofing capabilities for years to come.
- Easy Installation
Another advantage of having a roof coating installed is that the installation process is quick and easy. In fact, you won’t even need to leave the building. The entire roof coating installation won’t make too much noise, low VOC’s, and will take only a day or two to complete (depending on roof size). Typically, a tear-off and re-roof installation can take months, which will cost business owners big time, whether in terms of revenue loss or disruption in productivity. You can restore your current roofing system to its former glory with a cheaper, faster, and easier alternative using a roof coating service provider.
Along with the benefits of roof coatings, there are various types in the market, including silicone or acrylic elastomeric. Let’s discuss each of these roof coating types to better understand what is best for your building.
What are the different types of Roof Coatings
There are generally three types of roof coatings you can choose from when restoring your roofing system. These include silicone, elastomeric, and acrylic. A roof coating is a cost-effective option that beats out a full roof replacement for many building owners and residents.
When choosing a roof coating, you must understand the difference in each formula. You should do your research concerning your roof, location, slope, exposure to chemicals, heat, and UV rays.
Here is a breakdown of strengths and weaknesses to determine which roof coating material is best for your current roofing system.
Acrylic Roof Coatings
Roof coatings formulated with acrylic are a good option for clients in a broad range of climates. Acrylic is a water-based solution that matches most roofs. Its major strength is that it offers an incredible balance of cost and performance. Acrylic roof coatings are also highly reflective, UV-resistant, and easy to work with, making it a popular choice for many.
Unfortunately, acrylic loses thickness under the elements. Therefore, specialists at Unforgettable Coatings recommend acrylic roof coatings in drier climates with average temperatures of 50°F and above. However, the sun also degrades acrylics and speeds up the loss of thickness.
Elastomeric Roof Coatings
Elastomeric roof coatings can withstand a range of weather conditions because of their resilient formula. Elastomeric coatings are generally less expensive than other coating types. Though the reflectivity is great this formula is not UV stable for as long as silicone is. For this reason, our specialists usually use elastomeric for positively pitched roof systems or as a base coat.
Combining elastomeric with another coating will make it extremely durable. It will also stay cleaner and more resistant to water and humidity. However, elastomeric roof coatings can have a stronger odor compared to other formulas.
Silicone Roof Coatings
A defining feature of silicone roof coatings is that they are moisture-cured. In some applications, the use of silicone can also eliminate the need for a primer. Since silicone formulas advance curing, silicone roof coatings will weather better than others with nearly no erosion issues. Our specialists typically recommend silicone roof coatings for homes and commercial buildings in wet locations.
However, silicone formulas hold on to dirt and dust, but rain and water can easily clean the roof system right up. Unfortunately, this can cause the roof to lose its reflectivity faster. It is also hard to adhere to silicone, so when a roof needs re-coating, you must re-coat with a compatible silicone.
How to Determine Which Roof Coating is Best for You
After understanding the different roof coatings in the market, you will need to determine which is best for your roof. There are many factors to consider, including the materials of your roof, as well as its size and slope. Looking at all these factors will help you make the right choice in a restorative and protective coating.
Weather is also a crucial indicator of the type of roof coating you need. For instance, a home in a dry and hot environment with a lot of sun exposure may require a different roof coating than a commercial building in an area that experiences cold temperatures.
Considering the seasons and temperatures of your location will be a telling indicator of the damage your roof system might sustain. It will also inform you of the type of coating your roof will need. The differing seasons of your exact location will also make a difference when choosing the right roof coating. All in all, weather, sun exposure, rainfall, and snow possibilities will play a role in selecting the roof coating equipped to handle the damage It will face.
Based on these conditions, you will want to find a roof coating that offers the benefits and protection that your specific roof needs. Luckily, roof coating specialists in your area will work with you to customize the perfect roof coating formula.
Selecting Your Roof Coating Contractor
Once you know the kind of roof coating you need for your application, you’ll want to find a brand or manufacturer that supplies quality roof coatings that provide your desired results. Our commercial rubber roof coatings offer high corrosion resistance, excellent physical properties, and ease of installation.
Finding the right roof coating company will take some work. Do a quick Google search of “Roof Coating Contractors Near Me” will bring up a long list of options for companies in your area. Here is what our team of roof coating experts suggest you look for in a company.
- Experience
One of the tell-tale signs of a reputable roof coating company is experience. A roof coating contractor’s background will provide you with a great deal of information regarding their service and professional abilities. You should also make sure that the company has the qualifications and credentials needed to complete your project.
- Good Reviews
You should never hire any type of roofing specialist without reading online reviews. Look carefully at recent reviews. These reviews are the best depiction of how the asphalt paving company currently operations. All in all, online reviews will give you a behind-the-scenes look at how a company operates before, during, and after a project.
If the roof coating company or contractor you are researching receives an onslaught of rave reviews, it’s a positive sign that they’ll do an excellent job on your project. However, numerous negative reviews could indicate the opposite. You should also look at these reviews in-depth, paying attention to the details of the service. Doing so will help you narrow down your final choice.
We invite you to check out reviews for Unforgettable Coatings
- Competitive Costs
Another factor to consider when selecting a roof coating contractor is the price. While cost isn’t everything, your budget is essential. Try and find some middle ground where you receive a reasonable price from the best quality service provider available. By satisfying both sides of the equation, you are more than likely to come out with a better result.
- Positive Attitude
Another important aspect when finding a roofing specialist involves assessing how personable they are as you speak with them. Are they polite? Do they care more about you or their bottom line? You will spend a considerable amount of time working with your contractor, so make sure you get along with them.
- Look at How the Leadership Team Operates
Our founder, Cory Summerhays, continually teaches the team, “Paint and Coatings are what we do, providing Unforgettable Experiences is Who we are.” All of the 350+ employees at UCI also strongly believe in our mission: To Serve and Inspire all those we encounter along our path – a path that will be Built & Coated by Great People doing Great Things.
You should look for a company that believes in their work and is committed to providing exceptional service.
The Roof Coating Experts at Unforgettable Coatings
Since 2007, homeowners and business owners across Nevada, Idaho, Utah, and Arizona have relied on Unforgettable Coatings for their roof coatings and exterior painting services. UCI is a leader in the roof coating industry. With over a decade of experience, our roofing contractors specialize in roof coatings, repairs, maintenance, and exterior painting.
If you’ve been making repairs to your existing roof system and are considering replacing it, you can add years to the life of the roof with a waterproof coating application from Unforgettable Coatings.
We can extend the life of your conventional roof through the application of protective coatings. Based on the substrates, conditions, and reserve study, we recommend either acrylic, or silicone roof coating, which are designed to restore your original roof investment.
If you are looking for a roof coating specialist or more information, look no further than Unforgettable Coatings. Contact us to start planning your roof coating service today.
Cory Summerhays, the Founder and CEO of Unforgettable Coatings, Inc., is more than just a business leader; he’s a relationship builder at heart, deeply committed to making a positive impact on the lives of those around him. While paint is his trade, his true passion lies in creating meaningful connections and fostering an environment of gratitude, compassion, and trust. With his family as his primary source of joy and a team that feels more like a community, Cory has built a company that goes beyond just coatings, aiming to leave a lasting, positive mark on everyone it touches.