Types of Roof Coatings

Coatings add an extra layer of protection, durability and elasticity to a roof. In short, this means that coatings make a roof last longer, resist impact damage from hail, branches or other falling debris, and even lower the heating and cooling costs when a reflective coating is used.

There are many types of coating materials, and each depends on the type of roof being installed, the climate, the building and what effect you are trying to achieve — reflective vs. durable for example, although many coatings are both.

• Asphalt-based — Asphalt cutbacks are bituminous products thinned with a solvent to aid application and are most often used to protect built up roofing (BUR), metal roofs, and modified bitumen roofs.
• Acrylics/Elastomeric — These coatings have a highly reflective surface and contain rust inhibitors, which makes them ideal for application over metal roofing.
• Rubberized Aluminum — This coating has an added element to not only reflect heat, but also make it resilient to impact damage. It is most commonly used on single ply roofing (PVC, TPO), built up roofing (BUR), modified bitumen roofs, and spray polyurethane foam.
• Granules — This coating is most often used on asphalt shingles, but also on modified bitumen roofs and single ply roofing (PVC, TPO).
• Polyureas — Some polyureas are similar to acrylic elastomers, while other are similar to urethane coatings. Polyureas are most often used on built up roofing (BUR), metal roofs, modified bitumen roofs, foam, single ply roofing (PVC, TPO).
• Urethanes — This is a polymer-modified product only added over concrete or wood (shake) roofing materials. It does not mix well with other types of roofing.

When professional roofers talk about roof maintenance, they are often referring to refreshing the coating on the roofing material. Periodically adding a new layer of coating prolongs its life, protects it from damage and often helps save on energy costs.

Evaluating roof coatings for use on existing roofing is similar to evaluating replacement roofs for a particular building, construction type, climate and other special considerations. Professional roofers are the best people to fully research the coatings and carefully choose the most appropriate product for your needs.