A QUICK GUIDE TO ROOF COATINGS
For most business owners, saving money is an important part of maximizing your profits. While cutting material costs, finding low shipping rates, and similar measures are pretty obvious, there’s one source of savings that’s right over every business owner’s head: The roof. Learn more in our quick guide to roof coatings.
More than likely, your commercial property has a flat roof. Even “flat” roofs have at least some slant or pitch to help drain water. These roofs come in a number of different styles, from built-up bitumen roofs to single-ply roofing membranes. Depending when your roof was built, it could last up to 40 years with proper maintenance.
So where are the savings? Roof coatings offer a number of advantages to business owners, all of which will end up saving you money. A roof coating in Parker can reduce your energy costs. It can also make your roof more durable and seal and prevent leaks from causing damage to your property. With the right roof coating material, your business could end up saving a bundle!
Roof Coating Material
There are two types of roof coating material that are often used in the Parker area, each with different attributes. When you work with a qualified contractor like Modern Roof Co, you’ll get expert advice on the right material for your needs.
Acrylic Roof Coating
Acrylic roof coatings involve a polymer material that is applied to your roof in liquid form. As it dries, the acrylic coating forms a durable membrane that is fully adhered to your roof. This creates a layer that’s 5 to 10 times thicker than a coat of paint, (or up to 30 mils).
Acrylics come in a variety of colors, whether you want your roof coating to be silver, white, or any other shade. This acrylic coating increases the amount of sunlight that is reflected, which helps to make your building more comfortable. Even better, once the polymer membrane dries, it becomes dirt-resistant, which helps your roof to look new for years to come.
Silicone Roof Coating
Much like acrylic, a silicone roof coating is applied to your roof as a liquid, then dries and forms a seamless membrane on top of your existing roof. However, the silicone solids in the liquid coating have certain advantages, which include:
- Increased UV resistance
- Holding up better against ponding water
- Resistance to biological growth, like mold and algae
- Increased durability over acrylic coatings
- Resistance to cracks from expanding and contracting in extreme temperatures
Like acrylics, you can get silicone in a number of colors, although most businesses will choose to make their roof coating white or clear. While silicone is more expensive than acrylic, it also should last longer between applications.
Energy Efficiency
Older roofs in Parker tend to be covered in dark materials, which absorb the heat of the sun and can drive up your utility bills. Changing the color of your roof is an effective way to lower those utility costs. Paint isn’t really an option, since it lacks durability. Instead, a roof coating can lighten the color of your roof while saving you money in energy costs.
Whether you choose to make your roof coating white, silver, or any other light color, you’ll start reflecting sunlight and up to 90 percent of the sun’s heat. And the larger your roof is, the more money that a roof coating will likely save you.
Finally, if you’re looking for LEED certification for your building, making your roof coating silver or white can add around 7 points to your certification.
Durability
Whether you’re installing a new roof or addressing an existing one, a roof coating is an excellent option to extend the life of your investment. For new roofs, an acrylic or silicone coating is usually the final step, especially on built-up bitumen roofs. These final seals add an extra layer of protection against the weather — especially water, which often ends up pooling on flat rooftops.
Leaks
Adding a roof coating to your existing roof is an effective way to deal with small leaks that may have developed. When your roof is leaking water, it can cause significant damage to the contents of your building, including the building’s infrastructure or your business’ inventory. Your leaks may also be admitting outdoor air, which could lead to more expensive heating and cooling bills.
Need Help With Your Roof?
A roof coating won’t solve significant leaks. This usually requires either a repair or a roof replacement. However, it can take care of smaller holes or cracks, especially those that may just be starting to develop. In this case, a coating can extend the life of your roof significantly.
If you’re interested in learning more about roof coatings, contact the experts at Modern Roof Co. We’ll help you to decide which roof coating is right for you and provide an estimate for our services.
