Types of commercial roof restoration coatings
The right coating is selected based on your roof type, budget, and local climate needs. For Florida’s climate, silicone and acrylic are common choices.
- Silicone coatings: Highly durable and UV-resistant, these coatings are ideal for roofs with ponding water issues. They are moisture-cured, remain flexible over time, and can be applied over many existing roof systems.
- Acrylic coatings: A cost-effective, water-based solution that offers excellent UV reflectivity, which helps lower cooling costs. They perform best in drier climates and are not recommended for areas with standing water.
- Polyurethane coatings: Known for high durability and impact resistance, polyurethane is a good choice for roofs with heavy foot traffic. An aliphatic top coat provides UV stability, while aromatic base coats are not UV resistant.
Some detailed info on roof restoration system options the restoration process
A typical restoration project involves several key steps:
- Inspection and assessment: A professional evaluates the roof’s condition, looking for signs of leaks, damage, or trapped moisture. This assessment determines if the roof is a good candidate for restoration.
- Surface preparation: The roof is thoroughly cleaned to remove dirt, debris, mold, and algae. Any existing damage, such as failing seams, blisters, or punctures, is repaired.
- Coating application: The chosen liquid coating is applied, creating a seamless, waterproof membrane that adheres to the existing surface.
Benefits of restoration over replacement
Choosing restoration over a full roof replacement offers several advantages:
- Cost-effective: Restoration typically costs 50–70% less than a complete tear-off and new installation.
- Extended lifespan: A restored roof can last for years or decades, depending on the system and climate.
- Energy efficient: Reflective coatings can significantly reduce a building’s cooling load, leading to lower energy costs.
- Eco-friendly: By extending the life of the existing roof, restoration keeps tons of material out of landfills.
- Minimal disruption: The application process is faster and less intrusive than a full replacement, allowing business operations to continue with little interruption.
Special considerations for Florida
Florida’s climate and building codes dictate specific requirements for any commercial roofing project.
- Climate resilience: Roofs must be able to withstand intense UV exposure, high humidity that promotes mold and algae, salt spray in coastal areas, and storm-force winds.
- Wind and impact resistance: Coatings should be rated for wind uplift resistance, and materials for hurricane-prone areas may need specific impact-resistance certifications.
- Building Code compliance:
- Florida’s “25% rule” was updated in 2022. It allows for repairs to more than 25% of a roof area without a full replacement, but the entire roof must meet at least the 2007 code. Older roofs may still require a full replacement if damage exceeds 25%.
- Only two layers of roofing are generally permitted. If a commercial roof already has two layers, a full tear-off is mandatory before a new system is applied.
- All commercial roofing projects require a permit and must be performed by a state-licensed contractor.
