Is your commercial roof starting to show its age? If the roof is still dry and sound, a coating can protect the surface and extend its useful life. It may also cost less than a flat roof replacement in Murfreesboro, TN. The first step is finding out what shape the roof is in, including what’s happening beneath the surface.
Glick Roofing Systems provides commercial roof coating in Murfreesboro, TN, and helps building owners decide whether coating or replacement makes sense. Call (800) 821-0205 to schedule a roof assessment.
What Is Commercial Roof Coating?
A roof coating is a liquid applied by spray or roller. It cures into a continuous protective layer that helps keep water out and shields the surface from ultraviolet (UV) exposure.
Coatings can be used on several types of commercial roofs when the product is approved for the existing surface:
- Metal roofs
- TPO roofs
- EPDM rubber roofs
- Modified bitumen roofs
- Built-up roofs
White and other light-colored coatings reflect sunlight and can reduce how much heat the roof absorbs during a Tennessee summer. Any effect on cooling costs depends on the building, its insulation, and how the space is used.
Is Your Roof a Good Fit for Coating?
A coating needs a stable surface it can bond to. A roof assessment looks at the condition of the existing roof, how well it drains, and whether there are signs of moisture below the surface.
The Roof Surface Must Be in Fair Shape
The surface that receives the coating is called the substrate. Here’s what to look for:
- Sound seams: A few loose seams may be repairable. Widespread separation can point to a larger problem.
- A firm roof surface: Soft spots may indicate damage to the insulation or deck below.
- Localized wear: Small cracks or punctures can often be repaired before coating. Widespread splits, holes, or brittle membrane call for a closer look.
- Good drainage: Recurring puddles should be investigated before coating. Some products tolerate standing water, but a coating won’t correct a blocked drain or poor slope.
Moisture Is the Big Deal-Breaker
Insulation can be wet even when the roof looks dry from above. If the condition of the roof calls for further investigation, an infrared scan or moisture meter survey can help identify suspect areas. Core samples can confirm what’s happening inside the roof layers.
Localized wet insulation can often be removed and replaced before coating. If moisture is widespread or the deck is damaged, a coating can trap moisture and leave the underlying problem in place. In that case, a larger repair or replacement may make more sense.
How We Prepare Your Roof for Coating
Preparation depends on the existing roof and the coating manufacturer’s instructions. A typical scope includes these steps:
- Clean and dry the surface. Remove dirt, grease, and loose material using a method suited to the roof. Let the surface dry before coating.
- Repair problem areas. Address loose seams, small holes, and damaged flashing around vents, pipes, and edges. Remove and replace any wet insulation in areas that will be coated.
- Prime where required. Some metal and single-ply surfaces need a compatible primer to help the coating bond.
- Reinforce details as specified. Some systems call for reinforcing fabric or additional coating at seams, flashing, and other areas that see movement.
How We Apply the Coating
Common commercial coating options include silicone, acrylic, and urethane. The right choice depends on the existing roof, drainage, foot traffic, and the product’s requirements.
The coating is sprayed or rolled on at the thickness specified for the system. The product instructions also set the number of coats, the drying time between coats, and the weather conditions needed for curing.
Coating an eligible roof usually avoids a full tear-off. The schedule and impact on your business depend on the roof size, the repairs needed, the weather, and access to the work area.
When Coating Is Not the Right Choice
Your roof may need more extensive repairs or replacement if:
- Moisture has spread through large areas of insulation.
- The roof deck is rotted, corroded, or sagging.
- Existing layers are loose or incompatible with a new coating.
- Leaks or membrane failures are widespread.
- The existing roof is too deteriorated to provide a stable surface.
If these conditions show up during an assessment, compare the cost and scope of repair or replacement before committing to a coating.
Related service: Single-Ply Roofing in Murfreesboro, TN.
Why Coat Your Roof? The Main Benefits
When the existing roof is a good candidate, coating can offer several benefits:
- Lower project cost: Keeping a sound roof in place can cost less than removing and replacing it.
- More use from the existing roof: A compatible coating protects the surface from sun and weather. How long that protection lasts depends on the system and upkeep.
- Less solar heat absorbed: A light-colored coating can help reduce the roof’s contribution to summer cooling demand.
- Less tear-off waste: Sound roof materials can stay in place.
- Potentially less disruption: Avoiding a full tear-off can reduce the amount of work around the building.
- Future recoating: Some systems can be cleaned and recoated if the roof remains sound and the manufacturer allows it.
Trusted Roof Coating Experts in Murfreesboro, TN
Glick Roofing Systems helps Murfreesboro building owners evaluate whether to coat, repair, or replace a commercial roof. A roof assessment gives you a clearer picture of what can stay in place and what needs attention before a coating goes on.
Ready to find out if your roof is a good fit? Call (800) 821-0205 to schedule an assessment for roof coating in Murfreesboro, TN.
FAQs
1. How do I know if my roof can be coated?
Start with a roof assessment. A roofer checks the surface, seams, flashing, and drainage and looks for signs of trapped moisture. A dry, stable roof with repairable wear and a compatible surface is often a good candidate.
2. Why is moisture such a big problem for roof coating?
Coating over wet insulation can trap moisture. That can contribute to blistering, poor adhesion, and damage to the materials below. Wet areas need to be addressed before coating.
3. How long does a commercial roof coating last?
Service life depends on the coating system, applied thickness, surface preparation, drainage, and maintenance. Ask what to expect from the specific system proposed for your roof and what upkeep it requires.
4. Can I stay open while my roof is being coated?
Many businesses can stay open, but it depends on the scope and the building. Discuss roof access, work areas, nearby air intakes, and any product odors before setting the schedule.
5. What type of coating is best for my roof?
It depends on the roof material and how the roof is used. Some silicone products are rated for ponding water, acrylic can be a good fit on roofs that drain well, and some urethane systems are selected for wear resistance. Check the specific product’s compatibility and performance limits.
6. Is roof coating cheaper than a new roof?
It often is when the roof is dry, sound, and needs only limited repairs. If you’re weighing both options, compare the repair scope, coating cost, and expected service life with the cost of a flat roof replacement in Murfreesboro, TN.