Whether a commercial building has a flat or sloped roof, it is necessary to coat it correctly. Roof coatings are used to protect the roof from damage and weathering. They are a barrier against heat, UV rays, snow, rain, hail, and foot traffic. This defense method can save you both time and money when it comes to roof repairs each year.
If you are looking for the best commercial roof coating, make sure you are using a high quality product that is compatible with your roofing material. Otherwise, an incompatible or low grade roof coating won’t be as effective and may lead to further issues down the road.
So, let’s explore the top roof coatings for commercial buildings.
6 Best Commercial Roof Coatings in 2023
These coatings serve as a robust defense mechanism, shielding your roof from severe weather, impacts, and debris.
#1 CertainTeed SMARTCOAT™ 650 Silicone Traffic Coat
Discover CertainTeed’s SMARTCOAT™ 650 Silicone Traffic Coat, a robust 100% silicone roof coating ideal for protecting high traffic zones on low slope commercial roofs. Suitable for various roof types, it forms a durable, non-slip surface with excellent abrasion resistance that still allows for quick water runoff. The Safety Yellow color enhances visibility, creating a clear path for foot traffic. With high flexibility and tear resistance, it offers long lasting protection. Conveniently packaged in five gallon containers, it’s an efficient solution with maximum VOC compliance. For durability and reliability, SMARTCOAT 650 stands out as the best commercial low slope roof coating.
#2 Henry® 587 100% Acrylic Dura-Brite™ White Elastomeric Roof Coating
Henry® 587 100% Acrylic Dura-Brite™ White Elastomeric Roof Coating is a top tier reflective roof coating for commercial buildings that excels in durability and solar reflectivity. With impressive elasticity, resistance to peeling, and reflective properties, it outperforms alternatives, ensuring superior weather protection and prolonging the roof’s lifespan. This coating efficiently vents moisture vapor, enhancing its longevity. The bright white color reflects over 73% of the sun’s heat and UV rays even after three years, contributing to lower interior temperatures and ultimately reducing energy costs. Additionally, it’s mildew and stain resistant, backed by a 10-year limited warranty for a single application. Suitable for various substrates, including previously coated roofs and metal roofs, this coating stands as a reliable, long lasting choice for any roofing project.
#3 Mule-Hide 100% Silicone Roof Coating
Mule-Hide 100% Silicone Roof Coating is a versatile, resilient solution for various commercial roofing materials. Designed to be moisture and weatherproof, this single-part silicone-based coating creates a lasting, watertight barrier against the elements. Its compatibility spans from spray applied polyurethane foam to asphalt built up roofs and more. Manufactured from durable inorganic silicone resins and reflective pigments, it offers resistance against periodic ponded water and allows for reapplication in just 2 to 4 hours. With a range of standard and custom colors available, it’s adaptable to diverse project needs. Offering warranties of up to 20 years on multiple substrates, Mule-Hide 100% Silicone Roof Coating stands as a dependable, moisture-cure option for lasting roof protection. Remember, avoid freezing and thinning this coating and store it within appropriate temperature ranges for optimum performance and longevity.
#4 Gardner® Sta-Kool®+ Elastomeric Pro White Roof Coating
Gardner® Sta-Kool®+ Elastomeric Pro White Roof Coating stands out as a noteworthy commercial roof coating. Engineered with a blend of high quality acrylic and silicone, this coating offers exceptional water resistance and adhesion, ensuring a durable and flexible protective layer. Its impressive 87% reflectivity effectively mitigates heat absorption, reducing cooling costs and promoting a more sustainable building. Notably, its ability to expand and contract by up to 300% contributes to its longevity and ability to withstand structural stress. For long term roof integrity and energy efficiency, this product is highly recommended.
#5 Karnak 27 Perfectseal Fibered Aluminum Roof Coating
The Karnak 27 Perfectseal Fibered Aluminum Roof Coating is crafted with pure aluminum flakes and premium asphalts. It forms a reflective shield deflecting 50% of solar rays, preserving roof resilience and preventing premature aging. This coating effectively lowers indoor temperatures during scorching summers, optimizing living and working conditions. Its enduring adhesion and exceptional heat resistance ensure a longer roof life, resulting in significant maintenance savings. Suitable for various roof types, this coating offers durability and superior performance. Opt for the convenient five gallon pails or 55-gallon drums for easy application. Elevate your roof with the lasting protection of this roof coating.
#6 Rust-Oleum® 870 Elastomeric Commercial Grade Roof Coating
Rust-Oleum® 870 Elastomeric Commercial Grade Roof Coating is another superior roof coating offering an exceptional 87% initial reflectivity and 77% weathered reflectivity. Not only does this advanced coating enhance energy efficiency, but it also provides enduring durability and remarkable resistance against weathering and dirt accumulation. Formulated to meet or exceed the stringent ASTM D 6083 standards, it effectively waterproofs and weatherproofs a variety of roofing substrates. Within just four hours, it becomes rain and mildew resistant, making it an ideal choice for restoring metal roofs, concrete, modified bitumen, built-up roofs, and single-ply roofing membranes. Rust-Oleum® 870 redefines roofing excellence, ensuring superior performance and a prolonged roof life across diverse roofing applications.
These top coatings have been time tested and highly recommended by experts. However, it’s imperative to opt for a coating that aligns seamlessly with your roofing type, ensuring maximum effectiveness and a prolonged roof lifespan.
Next, let’s understand what you need to consider when choosing a commercial roof coating.
How to Pick the Best Roof Coating for Commercial Buildings
Adding a roof coating is a part of commercial roof repair and maintenance. There are a lot of things to keep in mind when you are undertaking this project, including the following:
Assess Your Roof Type and Condition
Identify the type of commercial roof you have, metal, asphalt, EPDM, TPO, or PVC. Consider its current condition, age, and any existing coatings or repairs.
Understand Roof Coating Types
Familiarize yourself with the common types of roof coatings available:
👉 Acrylic: Reflective and cost-effective, suitable for various roof types
👉 Silicone: Highly durable, UV-resistant, and good for flat roofs
👉 Polyurethane: Provides excellent waterproofing and chemical resistance
👉 Bitumen-based: Ideal for built-up roofs, offering waterproofing and UV protection
Consider Weather Conditions
Assess the climate in your area, including temperature extremes, humidity levels, and rainfall. Choose a coating that can easily withstand the local weather conditions.
Evaluate Reflectivity and Energy Efficiency
Opt for a commercial roof coating with high reflectivity to reduce the roof surface temperature and lower cooling costs. Look for products with Energy Star or cool roof ratings.
Check for UV Resistance and Durability
Ensure the coating is UV resistant to prevent sun damage and degradation. Evaluate the product’s durability and expected lifespan to determine its long term cost effectiveness.
Review Application Methods
Consider the application process and whether it aligns with your preferences or if you need to hire professionals. Some coatings require specific preparation or priming before application.
Examine Other Maintenance Requirements
Understand the commercial roof maintenance plan for your building, including cleaning and potential repairs. Make sure you plan and prepare for all the tasks in a proper manner to avoid delays.
Evaluate Cost and Budget
Compare the costs of different roof coatings for commercial buildings, including the material itself and the labor for application. Ensure the chosen coating fits within your budget while providing the desired benefits.
Read Customer Reviews and Recommendations
Look for reviews and recommendations from other commercial property owners or facility managers who have used the specific roof coating. Consider their experiences and feedback.
Consult A Reliable Commercial Roofing Contractor
Seek advice from your locally trusted commercial roofing contractor or professionals. They can provide valuable insights and recommendations based on their expertise.
Consider The Manufacturer’s Warranty
Check the warranty offered by the manufacturer. Ensure it covers potential issues and defects, giving you confidence in the product’s quality.
Based on your research and considerations, choose the roof coating that best aligns with your roof’s needs, local weather conditions, budget, and desired performance characteristics.
Armed with these tips, you’re ready to fortify your building’s roof, ultimately enhancing its resilience and energy efficiency. Choose wisely, and your roof will protect your building for many more years!
If you are looking for commercial roof coating services in Metro Detroit, we’re here to help.
Schedule A Free Consultation For Commercial Roof Coatings In Metro Detroit
At Paramount Roofing, our dedicated team of experienced professionals specializes in premium roofing services for commercial and industrial buildings. With a track record of excellence, we prioritize quality, durability, and cost-effectiveness in every project. We’re proud of our team, which understands the unique challenges of our local climate and is equipped to provide commercial roof coating solutions in Metro Detroit. We are proud to offer CertainTeed’s SMARTCOAT roof coating to protect your commercial building with a new flat roof coating. To schedule a free consultation with one of our experts, call us at (586) 571-9007 to discuss your project.