Today’s blog post covers the life expectancy of commercial roof coatings.
Acrylic and other reflective roof coatings have become an established part of the commercial roofing industry. Along with other energy-efficient roofing technologies, reflective coatings have helped increase interest in reducing the amount of solar heat absorbed by commercial roofs.
Despite roof coatings’ established use, some negative perceptions of coatings still linger. One of these perceptions is that roof coatings are not built to last over time. As with any roofing system, however, performance and service life depend on the roof condition, coating type, installation, weather exposure, maintenance, and other project-specific factors.
Roof Coatings and Their Life Expectancy
Pros & Cons of Various Roofing Systems
Learn MoreLife expectancy for roof coatings can vary considerably depending on the type of coating, specified thickness, substrate, installation quality, climate, drainage, maintenance, and manufacturer requirements. For that reason, there is no single lifespan that applies to every commercial roof coating.
However, roof coatings have some characteristics that can make them useful for commercial roof restoration when the existing roof is a suitable candidate. These can include:
- Roof coatings are typically applied directly to a properly prepared roof surface.
- Many fluid-applied coating systems create a continuous, seamless membrane across the treated roof area.
- A properly selected and installed coating system can provide additional protection against water intrusion and weather exposure while avoiding full roof replacement when restoration is appropriate.
When an existing roof is structurally sound and otherwise suitable for restoration, a coating system may help extend its useful life. Many coatings also have elastomeric properties that allow them to expand and contract as temperatures change.
Before a coating system is applied, the roof should be evaluated for conditions such as wet insulation, structural deterioration, drainage problems, failed seams or penetrations, and other issues that may need to be corrected first. A coating should not be expected to solve underlying roof or drainage problems simply by covering them.
One advantage of many coating systems is that they can be maintained and, when appropriate, recoated over time. The timing and extent of maintenance or recoating will depend on the specific system, roof conditions, weather exposure, and manufacturer recommendations.
The Takeaway
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Their long-term performance depends on proper roof preparation, appropriate product selection, installation according to specifications, routine inspections, and maintenance when needed. Some coating systems may also be recoated as part of an ongoing roof-maintenance strategy.
A commercial roofing contractor can inspect the existing roof and discuss whether repair, restoration, coating, or replacement is appropriate for the conditions present.
