Commercial Roof Coatings
Residential roofing can be easily understood. Discussing the type of shingles to use and the long list of color choices can make us feel like we know exactly how that translates into our commercial needs. However, many businesses and buildings can’t utilize these roofing options because of their location's original structure, architectural choices, and existing roofing systems. This is where commercial coatings play a role in the world of roofing and fills a gap.
We will discuss some high points on commercial roofing in order to help you educate yourself as you navigate the ins and outs of selecting the right materials for your industrial-sized needs.
What is a commercial roof coating?
Commercial roof coatings are the processes of layers of paint that are either rolled on or sprayed over an existing roofing system. It’s meant to improve both the look and functionality of the existing roof system, as well as extend the overall lifespan.
What kinds of commercial roofs are there?
There are several different styles/structural choices in commercial roofing with the most common being the flat roof. Other types are low sloped and pitched roofs.
The type of roof you currently have will be a large determining factor in the type of coating you will need. Each type of coating has its own benefits, some outperforming others in different ways for different roofing systems.
What is a commercial roof made with if not shingles or metal?
There are several different types of materials that commercial roofs are structured with or from, such as:
Bur Membrane (Built Up Roofing)
Metal
Modified Bitumen
Thermoset (EPDM) Membrane
Thermoplastic Membrane such as PVC and TPO.
Garden or green systems
Acrylic Elastomeric
One of the popular materials and systems utilized in the commercial roofing community is Thermoplastic Membrane, such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride, or simply put, plastic) and TPO. TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) accounts for more than half of commercial products used. Need a visual? Think giant commercial spaces with glaring white roofs. This particular type of roof coating only comes in white, making it an excellent choice for higher heat areas as the white reflects light and cuts down on the heat build-up inside the structure. Yet oddly enough, the highest risk factor in this roofing system is its inability to fight off a fire as it is not fire resistant.
The most common commercial roofing coating system we use here at Elite Roofing and Restoration is the acrylic-based elastomeric. This type of material and system is a tintable latex that is very similar to the consistency of paint and allows for a roll-on application of a wide variety of colors. Due to its multilayer application, acrylic roofs provide excellent weather resistance against hail and UV rays, lasting up to 10 years before any damage can begin from the sun.
Other benefits of an acrylic-based elastomeric commercial roof coating include:
Being durable yet it holds the ability to stretch as the substrate moves as the weather temperature ebbs and flows, causing the physical structure to also move ever so slightly.
Being watertight and protecting incredibly well against any water damage by sealing any existing cracks or separations and adding a full layer of acrylic that isn’t penetrable by water.
Depending on your existing structure or even your plans for a new build, there are many options to protect and design your commercial roofing for long-lasting protection and cost options. And that’s what the professionals at Elite Roofing and Restoration are for. We’re ready to assist you in making the right decisions for your building, as well as applying these and providing routine maintenance.
Are you a new business owner or currently working in an older building that may need some roof repairs? Call us today or send us an email, we would love to help with your success!
Elite Roofing and Restoration is your source for quality roof repair and replacement.
In addition to roof replacements and repairs, both commercial and residential, we offer a considerable list of additional home repair services to assist you with any general construction needs you may have.
Contact us today to schedule your no-hassle, complimentary roof inspection today.
