No matter what flat roof system you have, you’d benefit from a roof coating if you’re located in the Atlanta region. There are multiple kinds to choose from—read on to decide which one is best for your building.
What’s the Purpose of a Commercial Roof Coating?
On a hot summer day at the beach, applying sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UV rays. Similarly, your roofing structures need protection too. Although their primary purpose is to keep building occupants and indoor possessions safe from outdoor elements, they also need proper care so they function well throughout their entire service life. For this reason, consider investing in a commercial roof coating.
Roof coatings contain reflective properties that return sunlight to the atmosphere instead of absorbing it. That way, your underlying materials don’t suffer rapid degradation. Your roof sits out in the sun, even in the hottest temperatures. As the sun rises and sets, the roof is susceptible to thermal shock, the constant expansion and contraction of roofing materials due to fluctuating temperatures. Thermal shock creates cracks and imperfections in the surface, which eventually need repairs to keep the issues from getting worse.
Do yourself a favor and invest in a commercial roof coating that’s most suitable for your property.
What Are the Different Types of Commercial Roof Coatings?
Roof coatings come in different colors and are made using various synthetics. If you’re building a new roofing system, getting a replacement, or restoration, flat commercial roof coatings enhance your structure’s performance. No matter which one you choose, they all have the same core advantages offering you better peace of mind, especially in Georgia, which gets plenty of heat, sunlight, and seasonal thunderstorms.
A few industry-trusted roof coating options include:
Silicone Roof Coatings
Silicone is a colorless substance with a rubber-like texture. Contractors use specialized equipment to spray the silicone onto the surface, which also boasts a straightforward application process. Spray-on silicone roof coatings work well for new developments and offer an extra layer of protection.
These airtight and waterproof coatings are great add-ons for various roofing systems, including EPDM, PVC, and TPO. Some building owners find that spray-on silicone also works well as a metal roof coating, boosting its natural reflectivity and providing long-term protection.
Polyurethane
Polyurethane is an incredibly durable monolithic roof coating. It’s most commonly used for sprayed-in-place polyurethane foam installation and other flat roofing structures like modified bitumen, built-up roofing (BUR), and EPDM, to name a few. Polyurethane enhances the roofing structure’s overall strength and performance. Its flexibility and durability make it one of the strongest, longest-lasting elastomeric coatings on the market.
Polyurethane is perfect for UV protection as long as the topcoat is aliphatic instead of aromatic, which is most effective as a base coat. The aliphatic topcoat has more UV protection than aromatic. Plus, aliphatic topcoats’ color doesn’t fade as easily, plus it’s more resistant to dirt buildup. For these reasons, a roof coating is ideal for Atlanta property owners since the region is subject to frequent summer storms and high heat.
Acrylic Roof Coatings
Acrylic is considered the “original” elastomeric coating for flat commercial structures, especially sloped metal roofs. Although it looks like paint, it’s not. Acrylic is applied five to ten times thicker than a house paint, which is usually only three mils thick. Acrylic is a liquid-applied polymer that forms into a seamless membrane over the entire roof’s surface.
Acrylic roof coatings are extremely flexible, durable, and UV resistant. They withstand rainfall, hailstorms, and excessive sunlight. Acrylic roof coatings have been proven to reduce surface temperatures by at least 20 degrees when sitting in direct sunlight. Because of this, they’re perfect for Atlanta’s hot, sunny weather.
Benefits of Commercial Roof Coatings
Commercial roof contractors constantly vouch for roof coatings for multiple reasons, such as:
Energy Efficiency
A damaged roof with a hot surface temperature makes property owners overwork their HVAC system, which results in higher utility bills. Roof coatings solve this issue since they’re ENERGY STAR rated, meaning they’re designed to reflect more sunlight than they absorb.
When the roof’s surface is scorching hot, it increases indoor temperatures. Additionally, when there are open cracks and holes in the roof, it lets in outdoor air. However, roof coatings fix any roofing imperfections and help the building maintain comfortable and stable indoor temperatures.
Longevity
Roof replacements can cost you thousands of dollars spent unnecessarily. The good news is if your roofing structure is in poor condition, you may not have to spend as much money to get it back in good shape. For example, a silicone roof coating extends your roof’s service life by 15 years.
Leak Resistant
Since roof coatings are seamless and enhance the building’s insulation, your building is less prone to roof leaks. These adhesive sealants close all cracks and crevices in the surface from corner to corner, keeping water out for good.
New Image Helps You Choose the Correct Roof Coating
New Image Roofing Atlanta knows the city well, so we understand the challenges your building could face. Hiring our professionals keeps you at peace while we take proper care of your structure. Increase your return on investment with a reliable roof coating. Give us a call today to get started.
