Maintaining and protecting your commercial property's roof is a critical aspect of property management and building ownership, especially in challenging climates like the Pacific Northwest. While traditional roof tear-off projects have been the norm, a sustainable and cost-effective alternative is gaining popularity–commercial roof coating. At SA Roofing, we stand out in the PNW with extensive experience restoring and coating various commercial and industrial roofs, using diverse coatings to meet the unique needs of each roof type. Our expertise has led us to consult on large coating projects for major property management companies and roof consultant firms.
Understanding Roof Coating
The roof coating process involves applying a protective layer over the existing roof surface, acting as a shield against environmental elements. This preventative measure not only prevents water damage but also reduces heat absorption, ultimately extending the roof's lifespan. The process includes thorough cleaning and preparation of the roof surface before the coating application.
Traditional vs. Coating Products
Traditionally, roofs undergo tear-off or recover projects, involving the removal of existing roofing materials and replacement with new ones or adding another layer of a traditional membrane roof system. However, these methods are time-consuming, disruptive, and expensive. Commercial roof coatings provide a more efficient and sustainable solution. Commonly used roof coating products include acrylic, silicone, and elastomeric coatings. Acrylic coatings boast durability and UV resistance, while silicone coatings excel in waterproofing. In the Pacific Northwest, we typically avoid acrylic-based products unless specific conditions are met, favoring silicone for its superiority in handling ponding water on flat roofs. Elastomeric coatings offer flexibility for roofs experiencing frequent temperature fluctuations. Additionally, hybrid systems incorporating both urethane and silicone in multiple layers have proven effective.
Advantages of Roof Coating Over Traditional Tear-Off
Cost-Effective: Roof coatings are generally more affordable than full tear-off and replacement projects. The materials are often less expensive, and the application process requires less labor.
Energy Efficiency: Many roof coatings are reflective, reducing heat absorption and lowering energy costs for cooling buildings. This is particularly beneficial in the warmer months of the Pacific Northwest.
Minimal Disruption: Roof coating projects are less disruptive compared to tear-off projects. There's no need to remove the existing roof, minimizing the impact on daily operations within the building.
Sustainability: Roof coatings contribute to sustainability efforts by extending the life of the existing roof, reducing waste associated with tear-off projects. This aligns with the growing trend of eco-friendly building practices.
Recommendations for the Pacific Northwest
Given the unique climate of the Pacific Northwest, specific considerations should be taken into account when selecting roof coating products. High precipitation levels make waterproofing crucial, making silicone coatings, known for their excellent water resistance, a recommended choice.
Choosing reflective coatings can help mitigate the effects of occasional intense sunlight, contributing to a more energy-efficient building. Regular inspections and maintenance are advisable to address issues promptly in the moisture-rich environment. Moreover, considering the Northwest's more heating days than cooling days, opting for a darker color or grey may provide the most benefit over time for the specific climate in this area.
In Conclusion
Commercial roof coating is emerging as a superior alternative to traditional tear-off projects, offering cost savings, energy efficiency, and sustainability. When considering roof coating in the Pacific Northwest, selecting the right products tailored to the region's climate is essential for optimal performance and longevity.
If you have more questions or need assistance with roof coatings, please don't hesitate to reach out. Thanks for considering SA Roofing for your commercial roofing needs.
