Commercial Roof Coating Benefits for Coastal Business Properties

Commercial roofs in coastal areas, such as Cape May, Whitesboro, Mayville, and beyond all have something in common, regardless of the industry. The roof on your business property is impacted by the environment. Even slightly inland, salt, humidity, and UV exposure accelerates your roof’s aging, leading to premature replacement and money lost. If you want to extend the lifespan of your flat roof, consider commercial roof coatings, which are liquid-applied protective systems that protect existing roofing materials. Roof coatings do more than slow down wear and tear. They also have numerous benefits with a high return of investment.

So how can commercial roof coatings benefit your business along South Jersey’s coast? Let’s find out.

What Do Roof Coatings Do?

Liquid-applied roof coatings are used to place a continuous waterproof barrier over flat and low-slope roofs, preventing water infiltration. Minor cracks are also sealed. Furthermore, the surface can be used to reflect sunlight and reduce surface temperature of your roof, which can be useful for ready the load on your HVAC system during the summer.

If your commercial property uses a roofing membrane, such as TPO, EPDM, modified bitumen, or even metal, liquid-applied roof coatings work. They will also protect from salt, corrosion, and thermal shock, not just UV damage.

Typical Roof Coating Materials Used on Commercial Buildings in South Jersey

Roof coatings are available in three different types, including:

• Silicone coatings: Provides excellent waterproofing and corrosion resistance.
• Acrylic coatings: Strong reflectivity and cost efficiency.
• Polyurethane coatings: High durability and impact resistance.

The option that’s chosen for your commercial building will depend largely on climate and roof material. Some coatings work best with TPO or EPDM, for instance. If you have questions about roof coatings and which would support your roof, consider speaking with a commercial roofing contractor in South Jersey like RGB Construction. With decades of experience, our team is equipped to help you make informed decisions.

6 Key Benefits of Roof Coatings for Coastal Commercial Buildings

Now that you’ve learned a bit more about roof coatings for commercial buildings along South Jersey’s coast, let’s take a look at what makes them so beneficial.

Extended Roof Lifespan and Durability

LIquid-applied roof coatings may not seem like shields, but their special formulation makes it so. They can take the brunt of the elements, including UV, wind, and salt, so that the existing roof membrane doesn’t. This helps extend the need of a full commercial roof replacement by years (or sometimes decades). While the roof coating does need to be applied and maintained properly, it’s one way of combating accelerated degradation along the coast.

Improved Waterproofing & Leak Protection

Seamless coatings made of liquid are ideal for fill the small cracks and seams that inevitably form overtime. In turn, water intrusion—and structural damage—is reduced. A waterproof barrier that fills in weak spots is valuable in places where wind-driven rain and storm surges are frequent.

Energy Savings and Enhanced Efficiency

Liquid-applied roof coatings have reflective properties that reduce the amount of heat absorbed by the roof membrane. Indoor temperatures remain cooler, and the HVAC system isn’t strained. Furthermore, a cooler roof means less thermal expansion and contraction, reducing material wear and tear.

Cost-Effective Alternative to Replacement

A full tear-off and roof replacement can cost a lot, especially on larger warehouses. A roof coating, on the other hand, is far less expensive to purchase and install. Downtime and disposal costs are also reduced.

Lower Maintenance Requirements

Once a roof coating is installed over a roof membrane, maintenance is minimal. While you should still schedule routine inspections and have touch-ups, you won’t have to worry about much. A smooth, continuous, waterproof surface will resist debris and biological growth.

Functional Benefits

There are other functional benefits to roof coatings that often go overlooked. Restaurants benefit from the improved fire-resistance properties that come with roof coatings. Other businesses benefit from the environmental benefits, including reduced energy usage and a reduced carbon footprint.

When Roof Coating Makes Sense (Versus Commercial Roof Replacement)

Not sure if a roof coating is the better choice? There are three points to consider when deciding between a roof coating and a full roof replacement:

1. Is your roof structurally-sound and only suffering from minor deterioration?
2. Do you want to reduce energy costs without disrupting business?
3. Is your roof exposed to UV, salt air, and strong winds throughout the year?

If you responded “yes” to each of those questions, then a liquid-applied roof coating may be right for you. It’s best to schedule an inspection with a commercial roofer in your area who has experience installing roof coatings. Our team at RGB Construction, for one, can give you insight and recommendations to best match the needs of your roof.

Get Your Coastal Business a Commercial Roof Coating Today

Liquid-applied roof coatings are a beneficial additional to any flat or low-slope roofing system that uses materials like TPO, EPDM, or modified bitumen. Such coatings can fill in potential weaknesses and cracks to extend protection and lifespan while creating a waterproof barrier. For commercial properties by the coast, roof coatings are a cost-effective way to get more out of a commercial roof .

However, roof coatings need to be applied and maintained correctly to ensure you get the most ROI. Choose a commercial roofing contractor like RGB Construction. We’ve been serving South Jersey’s shore communities for over twenty years and have installed numerous commercial roof coatings.