26 May Can Commercial Roof Coating Help Your Property?

Should You Consider A Commercial Roof Coating
For Your St. Augustine, Florida Business?

What Are Commercial Roof Coatings
How Can They Protect Your
Commercial Property?

The average commercial roof can last around 50 years. However, that’s with proper maintenance, something that can be difficult to provide for commercial roofing in St. Augustine, FL. The sun, humidity, and frequent storms can do plenty of damage.

Difficult doesn’t mean impossible, though. You can maintain a commercial roof in Florida, but it may take more than clearing away debris and a good gutter system. Commercial roof coatings can serve as another line of defence against the climate.

What are commercial roof coatings, you ask? Universal Roof & Contracting has worked in the industry for over 25 years and has learned plenty about roofing. Keep reading to learn more about this commercial roofing material and how it can help your business.

What Are Commercial Roof Coatings?

A commercial roof coating is applied over the roof membrane to protect it from UV rays and harmful weather. The roof membrane is a protective, waterproof layer often used on low-slope and flat roofing to help prevent water damage.

You can think of roof coatings as an extra barrier, added for enhanced durability. General advantages of commercial roof coatings include: extending your roof’s lifespan, reducing required maintenance, and increasing energy efficiency.

A commercial roof coating can extend your roof’s lifespan and reduce maintenance by boosting durability. The tougher your roof is, the less repair work it’ll need, which increases its longevity.

Commercial roof coatings help with energy efficiency by creating reflective surfaces that reduce heat absorption. These coatings are typically white or cool-colored because they’re better at reflecting heat, although you can choose from various colors.

Types Commercial Roof Coatings

There are many kinds of commercial roof coatings, each with advantages that may benefit your circumstances. For example, silicone coatings are highly durable and resistant to UV rays and ponding water.

Other types of commercial roof coatings include:

• Acrylic Coatings: They’re UV-resistant and highly flexible
• Elastomeric Coatings: They expand with the roof, preventing cracking or peeling
• Polyurethane Coatings: They’re abrasion-resistant and suitable for high-traffic areas
• Solvent-Based Asphalt Coatings: Excellent moisture resistance and adheres well to asphalt and metal roofs 
• Styrene Ethylbenzene Styrene (SEBS): Can prevent corrosion on metal roofing and is UV and moisture resistant

Popular types of commercial roof coatings include TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin), EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer), and PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride). TPO and EPDM are elastomeric coatings with flexible, rubber-like qualities.

PVC is unique because it doesn’t fall under any specific category. It’s a thermoplastic material that can be melted and reformed to fit particular shapes. PVC can be made flexible, but not as much as true elastomers, like TPO and EPDM.

Are Roof Coatings Always The Best Choice?

Coating your commercial roof may not always be the best option. Commercial coating won’t do much to help severely damaged roofs.

The protective layer may help a roof with minor cracks and leaks, but it won’t help if it’s water-saturated or structurally damaged. The coating will only serve as a short-term patch, and replacing a severely damaged roof is better and cheaper in the long run.

Commercial roof coatings may not be beneficial for young or old roofs. A young roof is likely in good enough condition that the coating is redundant. Roofs over 20 years old may need replacement.

Remember, depending on maintenance habits, a roof can last up to 50 years. Roof type also plays a significant role. An inspection can determine whether a commercial coating may help your property.

Your Commercial Roof Is In Good Hands
With Universal Roof & Contracting

Your commercial roof is vital to ensuring worker and customer safety and comfort. You need it to function as efficiently as possible, so Universal Roof & Contracting is the right team for your roofing needs.

We’ve worked to help companies with their roofing across Central Florida for over 25 years. Our skillful and experienced team will help keep your commercial roofing in tip-top shape with minimal interruption to business operations.

Are you ready to begin your commercial roofing project? Call us or visit us online to schedule your free roof inspection today!