Industrial coatings help commercial buildings better withstand the elements and extend your roof's life. These commercial roofing coatings provide numerous other benefits, including:
- Monetary and energy savings
- Increasing resale value
- Reducing the heat island effect
- Protecting your building from environmental factors
If you're a commercial building owner or operator, keep reading to learn about the different types of industrial coatings for your roof to help you decide which is best for your building.
Silicone Coatings
Manufacturers engineer silicone roof coatings with a high-solid content. This elastic material is tough against environmental factors while providing superb adhesion to your existing roofing system, making installation more manageable than other industrial coatings. Because this material is weather resistant, it rarely becomes hard or brittle.
Silicone coatings are also highly reflective, which helps your roof avoid damage from harmful UV rays. This ultraviolet protection is especially helpful in locations with extreme temperatures and other harsh environmental factors, as a silicone coating is well-suited to withstand oxidation.
Another vital benefit of a silicone coating is the material's ability to hold up against long-term exposure to pooling water. This quality makes silicone coatings ideal for environments with regular sun and/or rain. The average lifespan for a silicone roof coating is approximately 15 years.
Acrylic Coatings
Producers make acrylic coatings using unique materials called biocides. These biocides, or antimicrobials, help reduce the risk of mildew or mold growing on your roof and, subsequently, throughout the rest of your property. Like silicone, acrylic coatings protect your roof from ultraviolet radiation and associated damage.
Studies have demonstrated that, when properly formulated, acrylic coatings can reduce the surface temperature of your roof by up to 20 F when exposed to direct sunlight at 85 F. This ability to reflect sunlight and keep your commercial building cool can help you save on energy costs, especially during the summer.
Additionally, acrylic coatings are also tough against hail damage, especially compared to other industrial coatings. Each of these factors give acrylic coatings substantial lifespans, lasting approximately 10-20 years. Still, despite the biocides, acrylic coatings aren't best suited for stormy areas. Because acrylic is water-based, it's not great for handling pooling water.
Butyl Coatings
Butyl coatings are an elastic liquid sealant manufactured from isobutylene. This industrial coating is ideal for anyone wishing to provide optimal protection against rain and other moisture. The synthetic qualities of butyl coatings make them quite flexible and durable, allowing for easy and efficient repair.
Contractors can spray or roll a butyl rubber coating, creating a seamless membrane. All these characteristics give butyl rubber coatings a low permeability rating — permeability is a ranking of how well a membrane permits liquid or gas to pass through it. This low permeability and water resistance means butyl coatings help safeguard your roof against pooling water and water vapor, providing excellent protection against water damage and mold.
Polyurethane Coatings
Polyurethane coatings are among the strongest and most durable industrial roof coatings. There are two types of polyurethane coatings: aliphatic and aromatic polyurethane. Typically, contractors use aliphatic polyurethane as a top coat as it's more UV stable and provides better protection against dirt build-up. Aromatic polyurethane is generally a bottom coat, as it's not as UV resistant but is extremely tough against other environmental factors.
Contractors can spray or roll polyurethane coatings, making the application more flexible. Polyurethane coatings are also flexible in their durability. This roof coating is sturdy against potential damage from extreme heat and cold, pooling water, and even harsh weather like hailstorms. Some potential drawbacks to polyurethane coatings are the wear and tear on application equipment and the price of materials.
Choosing an Industrial Coating for Your Roof
Ultimately, which type of industrial coating you choose depends on your unique situation and needs. Your building's location and roof size and your project's budget will all factor into which kind of commercial roof coating you select.
Because of this variability, we always recommend consulting an expert before making a final decision. At Anderson Restoration, we can walk you through every step of the industrial coating process and help you make the best decision for your specific circumstances.
Get a Free Estimate on an Industrial Roof Coating
Are you interested in learning more about industrial coatings for your roof within your specific service area? Schedule a free inspection and estimate with Anderson Restoration Services LLC Roofing Services. We'll answer any questions and help you determine if your commercial roof could benefit from an industrial coating.
Our certified roofers have delivered roofing repair and restoration services since 1983. So, you can schedule an inspection understanding our experts will give you the best advice possible. Contact us online and get started today.
