Guide to Choosing the Best Roof Coating

What is the Best Roof Coating & Which Should I Choose?

An important aspect of maintaining the integrity of a roof is the application of an appropriate roof coating. These coatings are pivotal in enhancing the roof's resistance to various weather conditions, improving its durability, and can even contribute to reduced cooling costs by enhancing the roof’s reflective capabilities.

Here, we break down the four most prevalent types of roof coatings—Silicone, Acrylic, Asphaltic Rubber, and Polyurethane—each offering unique benefits and suited for different roofing needs.

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Silicone Roof Coatings

Silicone coatings are renowned for their exceptional elasticity and adherence, making them an ideal choice for roofs with uneven surfaces or those more susceptible to inclement weather.

One of the standout properties of silicone is its resilience against weathering; it resists hardening and cracking, which is particularly advantageous for roofs with ponding water issues.

Despite its many benefits, silicone has some downsides, such as retaining dirt, which diminishes its reflectivity over time. Additionally, once a silicone coating is applied, adding subsequent layers of different materials can be problematic, as they tend not to adhere well to silicone.

Acrylic Roof Coatings

Acrylic coatings are favored for their balance of hardness and flexibility, making them highly effective against hail damage and excellent for UV protection.

They can significantly lower temperatures beneath the roof by up to 20 degrees, which explains their popularity. Acrylic is best used on uneven roof membranes where its properties can manage membrane instability efficiently.

However, acrylic coatings have their limitations; they require warm, dry conditions to cure properly, which can restrict the timing of their application, particularly in regions like East Texas where such conditions are seasonal.

Asphaltic Rubber Roof Coatings

Asphaltic rubber combines the durability of asphalt with the waterproofing capabilities of rubber, forming a robust, fluid-applied coating. This type of coating is particularly effective in creating a seamless membrane, making it excellent for enhancing waterproofing where roofs may be vulnerable to leaks.

Asphaltic rubber is versatile in application thickness, ranging from 20 to 200 millimeters when dry, allowing for substantial protective layering as needed.

Polyurethane Roof Coatings

For roofs that endure regular foot traffic, polyurethane coatings are the premier choice due to their outstanding impact resistance. This dual-layer coating consists of a durable, waterproof bottom layer complemented by a UV-resistant upper layer that also retains color well.

The application of polyurethane coatings is more time-consuming, as it involves laying separate layers, which can also increase the overall cost.

Related: Best Roof Types for Texas

Choose LOA Construction for Roof Coating Services!

Choosing the right coating for a new commercial roof is no small task and involves careful consideration of the specific needs and conditions of the roof. While the coatings discussed here are among the most commonly used, there are other niche options that might be more suitable in certain circumstances.

For those looking to make an informed decision on roof coatings, consulting with the professional roofers at LOA Construction, who have years of experience in the Austin, Houston, San Antonio, Round Rock, and Belton/Temple/Killeen area, can provide valuable insights and recommendations tailored to your specific requirements.

Contact Us for Roofing Services!

Our expertise can guide you in selecting a roof coating that offers optimal protection, thereby extending the lifespan of your roof and enhancing its performance.

Schedule a roof inspection with our team today!