
For instance, applying a coating over an area affected by ponding water can lead to numerous challenges down the road. Ponding or standing water can occur from insufficient drainage or a number of other reasons. One common cause is water damage to the substrate or insulation board; persistent leaks can cause these materials to eventually break down or settle, creating a place where water can accumulate into stagnant pools.

- Deterioration of the substrate
- Rusting of the fasteners
- Adverse effects on roof insulation
- Rusting of steel decks
- Buckling and warping of plywood
- Breakdown of seam adhesive on some single-ply roofs
- Added weight to the roof assembly
- Blisters or other coating problems
- Freeze and thaw damage
- Adhesion failure
Locating Trapped Moisture

During the day the sun’s rays warm the roof, and at night the roof radiates that heat back into the atmosphere, a process called radiational cooling. Wet insulation can retain heat differently than surrounding dry materials. Infrared imaging can reveal these temperature differences and help identify areas that warrant further investigation. Once moisture is confirmed, saturated materials can be removed and the affected area repaired using dry, compatible materials.
There are many advantages to using a roof coating system; however, thoughtful preliminary preparation should never be underestimated. Critical steps taken before the coating process can determine the outcome of the entire project.
Roof Coatings for Ponding Water

Compared with acrylic coatings, silicone coatings can also have some disadvantages depending on the roof and application:
Pros & Cons of Various Roofing Systems
Learn More- Higher initial material costs in some applications
- More involved application and cleanup
- Can pick up dirt and debris
- May have lower resistance to abrasion in high-traffic areas
- Future recoating generally requires a compatible product and proper surface preparation
- Can be difficult to remove from an existing substrate
- Reflectivity can decrease as the surface becomes dirty or ages
Again, though, ponding water can indicate a larger roofing or drainage issue and should be properly addressed rather than simply covered.
Advantages of Acrylic Roof Coatings
There are many roof coating products on the market today. Acrylic coatings remain a popular option for commercial roof restoration because they can provide a seamless, reflective and flexible protective surface when installed on an appropriate roof.
Some potential advantages include:
- Durability — A properly installed coating system can help protect the existing roof from UV exposure, rain and other weather conditions.
- Cost performance — Restoring a suitable existing roof can cost considerably less than a complete tear-off and replacement.
- Energy efficiency — Highly reflective acrylic coatings can reduce the amount of solar heat absorbed by the roof, which may help reduce cooling demands in some buildings.
- Life-extending capabilities — A liquid-applied membrane can reinforce and protect an existing roof and extend its useful service life when the roof is a good candidate for restoration.
- Easy cleanup — Many acrylic roof coatings are water-based, making application equipment easier to clean than with some solvent-based products.
- Elastomeric properties — Acrylic elastomeric coatings are designed to expand and contract as roof temperatures change.
The exact performance of a roof coating depends on the product, existing roof condition, preparation, installation and ongoing maintenance.
Determining the Root Cause of Ponding Water

A roof inspection may reveal blocked drains, depressions in the roof surface, damaged insulation, structural issues or inadequate slope. Once diagnosed, the problematic areas can be properly repaired so the roof is ready for a coating system if restoration remains an appropriate option.
The Advantages of Roof Restoration
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Our group works together to provide:
- Larger Base of Knowledge
- Group-Wide Accountability
- One Source for All Projects
- Set Standards for Service
- More Peace of Mind
When a roof is old or damaged, the default solution may seem to be replacement. However, not every aging commercial roof needs to be completely torn off and replaced. When the existing roof is structurally sound and otherwise suitable for restoration, a roof coating system can provide a cost-effective, life-extending alternative.
Acrylic coatings are liquid-applied over the surface of an existing commercial roof. When properly installed and cured, the coating forms a seamless, fully adhered protective membrane over the prepared roof surface. Roof restoration can extend the useful life of an existing roof while helping building owners avoid many of the costs and disruptions associated with a complete re-roofing project.
Depending on the existing roof and project requirements, potential advantages can include:
- Lower labor costs than a complete tear-off
- Reduced tear-off requirements
- Reduced landfill and disposal costs
- Less disruption to normal business operations
- Simpler future maintenance and repairs in many applications
Roof restoration is not appropriate for every commercial roof. Wet insulation, structural problems, severely deteriorated materials and other conditions may need to be corrected before a coating system can be considered.
Interested in a Roof Coating System and a Proper Install?
A participating Choice Roof Contractor Group member can inspect your commercial roof to determine whether it is a suitable candidate for a coating system. The roofing contractor can evaluate ponding water, drainage concerns, wet or damaged materials and other conditions that may need to be addressed before restoration begins.
Choice Roof Contractor Group is made up of independent commercial roofing contractors serving businesses throughout the United States. Participating members perform their own inspections, recommendations and roofing work.
For more information or to contact a participating member, please call (800) 670-5583. We look forward to speaking with you!

Approximately 6 months ago, we began rolling out a new organizational structure with higher requirements and greater benefits for our members while also clearing up expectations and setting standards for contractors who want to be supported by our nationwide group of commercial roofers.
In 2014, Choice Roof Contractor Group had received a little over 100 requests for roofing projects via our lead generation service. This year saw an ample increase – more than 200 roofing leads were generated, including several leads of 100,000+ square feet. In other words, our lead gen program more than doubled!
There were numerous stories of growth from members this year. With insights offered by fellow members, the group support, and assistance from partners, our members hit new levels of business success. One powerful testimony is found in the growth of Kansas City-based Midwest Roofing.
As owner of Hometown Commercial Roofing, Carl Humes is committed to quality work and service. While serving customers, at times Carl had interacted with insurance claims adjusters. The experience the adjusters had with Hometown was extremely positive – not only did they praise Carl for his professionalism and courtesy, they also noted the high-caliber quality of Hometown’s workmanship.
This year, Choice Roof Contractor Group rolled out a new addition to our nationwide platform: hosting Commercial Roofing Workshop & Forums across the United States. We held our first event at the facility of Schrock Commercial Roofing in Montana with great results. The event was hosted by group members with over 120 years of combined experience in roofing, construction, and marketing.
With the group’s fast growth, members have been taking efforts to further better themselves and each other. From sharing their insights or knowledge to providing motivation or encouragement, group members propelled everyone to reach new heights. One example is found in the contractor-sharing business development calls hosted by Max Cruz of Massachusetts-based Cudeso Commercial Roofing.
On December 16, Choice Roof Contractor Group hosted its biggest group of contractors at year-end Conklin events. It was by far the biggest group of our members to attend Conklin’s roof applicator training program and the Conklin Business Seminar.
Roof coatings offer a variety of potential benefits, including extending the useful life of a suitable existing roof, improving weather protection, and reducing solar heat absorption when reflective coatings are used. But how does a contractor communicate the value of this roofing service to customers?
Address questions about colder climates – Building owners may ask about the “winter penalty” associated with reflective roofs. A reflective roof can reduce some solar heat gain during the heating season, but the overall energy effect depends on climate, insulation, snow cover, building use, heating efficiency, roof construction, and other factors.
Commercial roofing involves a greater selection of materials than residential roofing. More expertise is required for handling these materials. Commercial buildings also differ heavily from residential properties in terms of their architectural features.
The residential market is populated with homeowners. Broadly speaking, there are many segments in the commercial marketplace. Industrial, retail, institutional, and public works are just a few.
Unlike residential, once you’ve established a reputation as a quality contractor, you may get repeat work from the same customer. It’s not unusual for someone to manage or own more than one building. If you’re working with a property manager, they may have millions of square feet of roofing under their watch. Regional companies with multiple offices, franchise locations, or corporations with many buildings can also pose additional project opportunities.
It does take time to develop relationships. But in the commercial market, that networking pays off. Whether doing work for an existing connection or via a referral, there is potential for greater returns on time spent. New projects can come in the not-so-distant future or even some time down the road.
Are you thinking about expanding into commercial roofing? Or maybe you already have a foothold in the commercial roofing industry and want more business. Being part of an interconnected organization of capable, qualified commercial roofers can be highly beneficial. It’s a great foundation for increasing knowledge, networking with valuable connections, and opening new doors for project bids.
• 16-year roofing veteran has achieved 200% growth since he joined group (400,000 sq. ft. vs. 200,000 sq. ft. last year)
If you want to learn how to take your business to the next level and gain practical experience with coatings, the Workshop & Forum offers an opportunity to learn alongside other commercial roofing contractors. Call us at (800) 670-5583 with any questions or visit our 
Ideal for new and re-roofing applications, Flexion offers rugged durability and flexibility. For Conklin Advanced Trained contractors, it can be backed with a non-prorated warranty for 20 years. Here are some of its benefits:
Conklin Encase Metal Primer offers these features: