Silicone · Elastomeric · Acrylic
Fluid-applied roof coatings seal seams, penetrations, and hairline cracks in one monolithic membrane — without tear-off, landfill costs, or disruption to building operations. Energy Star rated reflective coatings also cut cooling costs by up to 30%.
Free Roof Coating Assessment
We assess eligibility before quoting — not every roof qualifies
On a 10,000 sq ft commercial roof with 10–15 years of life remaining in the substrate. Real numbers — not marketing estimates.
Silicone, elastomeric, and acrylic coatings each have different strengths. The right chemistry depends on your roof type, climate, and whether you have ponding water.
Silicone Coating Cross-Section
Silicone is the premium roof coating for flat and low-slope applications. Unlike acrylic, silicone does not re-emulsify in water — making it the only recommended coating for roofs where ponding water exists beyond 48 hours. It cures by reacting with atmospheric moisture, creating a durable, UV-stable, fully seamless membrane.
Best for these roof types
Known limitation
Silicone attracts dirt and can discolour over time. This does not affect waterproofing performance, but reflectance decreases as dirt accumulates. Periodic cleaning with low-pressure wash restores reflectance.
Elastomeric Coating Cross-Section
Elastomeric coatings are rubber-modified acrylic systems with very high elongation — they stretch to bridge cracks as the substrate thermally expands and contracts. The most common coating for residential flat roofs, metal buildings, and sloped surfaces where ponding is not an issue. Water-based, low-VOC, and easy to apply.
Best for these roof types
Important limitation
Elastomeric coating is water-based and will re-emulsify if submerged. Not suitable for any area where water ponds for more than 48 hours. Use silicone for ponding-water applications.
Acrylic Coating Application
Acrylic coatings deliver the highest solar reflectance of any coating type — bright white surfaces can achieve SRI (Solar Reflectance Index) over 100, dramatically reducing rooftop heat. They are the most affordable coating per square foot and the best-performing in dry, high-UV climates like the Southwest. In high-rainfall or ponding water environments, silicone is more durable.
Best for these roof types
Climate note
Acrylic coatings perform best in dry climates. In high-humidity or high-rainfall markets (Florida, Gulf Coast, Pacific Northwest), silicone or elastomeric systems outperform acrylic over the long term. We match chemistry to your climate.
Polyurethane Coating (2-Layer System)
Polyurethane coatings are a 2-layer system: a tough aromatic base coat for structural strength and impact resistance, topped with an aliphatic UV-stable finish coat. The result is the most durable coating available — highly resistant to hail, foot traffic, and mechanical damage. The preferred system for roofs with maintenance access requirements or hail exposure.
Best for these roof types
Installation note
Two-component polyurethane requires precise mix ratio and application temperature control. Spray application by trained crews only — incorrect mixing causes incomplete cure and coating failure within 1–2 years. We only use certified polyurethane crews on this system.
Roof coating is not right for every roof. We assess all of these conditions during a free inspection before recommending coating vs. repair vs. replacement. Here’s what we look for.
Structurally sound deck
No rot, delamination, or soft spots in the substrate. Coating protects a good deck — it cannot save a failing one.
Dry insulation beneath the membrane
Wet or saturated insulation traps moisture under the coating and accelerates membrane failure. We core-test or infrared scan to confirm dryness.
Existing membrane firmly adhered
Blistered, de-bonded, or significantly wrinkled membrane must be addressed before coating. Minor seam separation is repairable as part of the coating prep.
Widespread active leaks
Multiple active leak points indicate substrate failure, not just surface degradation. Coating over a significantly leaking roof causes moisture trapping and accelerated failure. Full repair or replacement is indicated.
End-of-life membrane (>25 years, severely degraded)
A membrane past its serviceable life has no base left to bond to. Coating extends a good roof — it does not resurrect one that has already failed through its full thickness.
Cooling Cost Savings Estimator
Estimate your Energy Star coating savings — ballpark only
Hot climate · Dark surface · 10,000 sq ft · Ballpark only. Based on DOE cool roof data. Actual savings vary by building type, HVAC efficiency, and occupancy.
Every coating job follows the same 5-step process. Surface prep is the most important step — coating over a dirty or wet surface fails prematurely.
Condition Assessment
Core testing, infrared scan, and full inspection to confirm coating eligibility and identify any repairs needed before coating.
Free visit
Repairs & Prep
Failed seams re-welded or caulked. Delaminated areas re-adhered. Penetrations flashed. Drainage corrected. No coating until the substrate is sound.
Day 1
Pressure Wash & Dry
Entire roof surface cleaned to remove dirt, algae, oil, and loose particles. Surface must be completely dry — moisture causes adhesion failure.
Day 1–2
Seam Tape & Fabric
Polyester fabric embedded in base coat at all seams, laps, and penetrations. Creates reinforced zones over every potential weak point before the full coating.
Day 2
Full Coating & Warranty
Coating applied to manufacturer-specified mil thickness in 1–2 passes. Cured system inspected. Manufacturer warranty registered to your building.
Day 2–3
A dark commercial roof in summer can reach surface temperatures of 180°F. An Energy Star rated reflective coating keeps the same surface below 90°F — dramatically reducing heat transferred into the building and cutting air conditioning costs.
Surface Temperature Comparison — 100°F Ambient Day
"We were quoted $140,000 to tear off and replace our 18-year-old TPO roof. RoofRepair.co assessed it, found the substrate was still in excellent condition with isolated seam separations, and recommended silicone coating. Total cost $42,000. We’re three summers in with zero leaks and our July AC bill dropped from $4,200 to $2,950. The coating paid for itself in three years against the difference."
"My 12-year-old elastomeric coating had failed on the west face of our flat roof — crazing, cracking, and one small leak. RoofRepair.co confirmed the BUR underneath was sound, pressure-washed, patched the problem area, and applied a fresh elastomeric coat. The bright white surface has noticeably dropped the interior temperature on summer afternoons. No leak since, and the quote was about a quarter of what a tear-off would have cost."
"Our 35-year-old metal R-panel commercial building had fastener leaks on the south face and the original coating had completely oxidised. We chose the polyurethane system for the foot-traffic durability — we have HVAC crews up there quarterly. Crew spent a full day on prep and fastener replacement, two days applying. The result looks brand new. 18-year manufacturer warranty registered. Should have done this a decade ago."
Free eligibility assessment · No tear-off · 10–20 year warranty · 40+ US cities