Commercial roof coatings are a protective layer applied to the surface of a roof to make it into a cooling agent for your entire building, helping save some “green.”
A white commercial roofing coating will sharply lower the temperature of a roof’s surface during the summer by reflecting UV rays instead of absorbing them, like a traditional black roof. You can keep your building cooler, reduce the load on your HVAC unit, and save bundles of cash by talking to us about roof coating systems.
Commercial Roofing Coatings for Single-Ply, Built-Up, and Metal Roofs
Coatings can extend your roof’s life, but only if your contractor takes the time to properly prepare that roof before the roof coating system is applied.
When choosing the right kind of coating, there are several key factors to consider to ensure optimal performance and longevity. This includes the roof’s condition and materials as well as weather conditions. GSM Roofing is ready to show you many types of coatings and help you make the best choice for your commercial building.
Here are the most popular types of coatings offered by our manufacturers:
Acrylic Roof Coatings
Acrylic roof sealants are cost-conscious choices that are water-based and simple to apply for an experienced roofing contractor like GSM Roofing. The result is a roof surface that reflects UV rays to save energy and extend the roof’s life.
This type of commercial roof coating does have a drawback, however. It is susceptible to thinning over time, mainly where ponding is present.
Polyurethane Roof Coatings
These solvent-based coatings are applied in two parts — a base layer and a UV-stable top coat. Its advantages include color retention, traffic and dirt resistance, and the ability to withstand moderate ponding.
As good as polyurethane roof coatings are, their fumes can be offensive, and their price points are higher than acrylic roof coatings.
Styrene Ethylene Butylene Styrene Coatings (SEBS)
SEBS solvent-based roof coatings deliver several advantages, including solid adherence to roof surfaces, UV-ray resistance, and superior handling of ponding.
This type of coating requires regular maintenance to keep the damaging properties of water and sunlight at bay.
Silicone Roof Coatings
Silicone could be called the superstar of all commercial roofing coatings. You can’t beat them when it comes to withstanding ponding, humidity, and the sun’s UV rays.
We have found that solvent-based silicone roof coatings tend to get dirty, but the rain rinses them reasonably well. And when it comes time to recoat the roof, keep in mind that a compatible silicone coating must be used — others will not adhere well.
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Extend the Life of Your Roof
When you have a roof coating applied to a commercial roof, you can expect it to extend the life of that roof by up to 20 years. Here’s how:
Solar Reflectance Slows Down Roof Aging
The sun’s UV rays break down roofing materials, causing them to dry out, crack, leak, and cause water damage. But when a white coating reflects those rays, it protects the roof’s surface from brittleness.
Superior Flexibility Allows for Movement
Your entire building expands and contracts with seasonal and daily weather and temperature changes. An elastomeric reflective roof coating can stretch to nearly twice its size, so it won’t crack or tear.
Sloping Can be Used to Avoid Ponding
The white roof coatings we use are highly resistant to degradation in areas where water ponds. Plus, we can build up low spots and coat them so that water runs away from areas that tend to hold water.
Exceptional Adhesion Reduces Prep Time
Some of the white roof coatings we use require no etching or priming before application. That saves you labor costs and means that their superior adhesion will contribute to a longer roof life.
Are you ready for GSM Roofing to apply a coating that cools your roof and building, reflects damaging UV rays, protects against ponding, and sticks like nothing else? Get in touch with us to discuss the best roof coating for your commercial structure.
Cash Savings Isn’t the Only “Green” that Comes with Roof Coatings
Commercial roof coatings can help you put off roof replacement until it’s necessary. Plus, they’re considered “green” initiatives.
When you have a roof replaced, truckloads of old roofing materials get hauled to the landfill, where they’ll take centuries or more to degrade. But commercial roof sealants keep re-roofing debris out of landfills, and that’s a green initiative that’s hard to beat.
By reflecting UV rays, commercial roof coatings help preserve existing roof systems, cutting down on new manufacturing.
White roof coatings keep the sun’s UV rays from raising interior temperatures, reducing cooling energy consumption.
Our commercial roofing contractors can apply these eco-friendly coatings to single-ply, built-up, and metal roofing systems.
Do you think commercial roofing coatings are the next step for your roof? Let’s talk about how they can save you money, reduce your carbon footprint, extend the life of your roof, and more!
The Roxana Cannon Arsht Surgicenter required a specialized roofing solution that would allow surgeries to continue uninterrupted while minimizing the risk of fumes, dust, and noise interfering with sensitive instruments. Christiana Care Health System selected GSM to apply a Tremco AlphaGuard Coating — a low-odor system ideal for work during business hours.
To prepare the aging EPDM roof, GSM first scanned for moisture and damage, then completed necessary repairs. Power washing was done after hours to avoid vibrations during surgical procedures. The fast-curing, two-part coating system had to be applied in small sections within a tight 20-minute window, requiring a four-person crew to work efficiently. This approach ensured a high-quality restoration with minimal disruption to the center’s daily operations.
A professional roofing contractor possesses the skills and knowledge necessary to handle different coating materials and application techniques, ensuring that the coating is applied effectively.
GSM Roofing can also identify any underlying issues with your roof that might not be visible to an untrained eye. We’ll clean, repair, and prime the roof surface to ensure optimal adhesion and longevity of the coating.
Our team will minimize material waste and complete the job efficiently, minimizing disruption to your business operations.
We follow strict safety protocols, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring compliance with local building codes and regulations.
We can also provide ongoing maintenance services, ensuring your roof remains in good condition for years to come.
For more information, call us at 800-532-7663. With 8 decades of experience, GSM Roofing proudly serves Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and most of Maryland.
Thanks Lenny,
The roof repair looks fantastic. Your guys did an excellent job!
