What Is a Roof Coating and How Long Can They Last?
Roofs serve as our protection over our heads. But do you know that roofs need protection too? Roof coating is an enhancement to prevent the roof to fade and get damaged quickly.
The sun is a powerful source of energy, but the UV rays coming from the sun and the extreme heat it spews is also powerful to cause damage to the topcoat of roofings. Roofers apply roof coats to fortify the roof’s integrity. This is also to avoid leaks, slow down mould growth and buildup of moisture that destroys roof membranes slowly.
Waterproofing is vital to the life of the roof and the whole house structure. With roof coating, the roof becomes impermeable to water, no matter how strong the rain could be. Without an effective coating, the roof becomes vulnerable to all kinds of damage.
The Benefits of Applying Roof Coating
Different roof materials need different roof coatings. A roof coating is thicker than paint. It has elastomeric properties that enhance the roof’s surface, producing a thick film that seals cracks between flashings, gutters, and tiles.

Metal roofs and other types such as EPDM, bitumen, tar, or spray polyurethane are perfect examples of roofs required with a roof coating. Several factors degrade the roof in time. Hazards include UV rays, snow, strong wind, and water. The roof becomes an impeccable piece of work when upon installation roof coating is applied. Altogether, the roof maintains its integrity because of the coat’s protective properties.
Roof coating types
Roof coatings are manufactured to come up with a different formula that applies to each type of roof material. Choose the roof coating that complements your roof’s surface.
- Acrylic coat—the properties of acrylic coating include moisture resistance, weather resistance, flexibility, and oxygen permeability. Roof coating made from acrylic is elastomeric and has excellent reflective properties against the harmful ultraviolet rays. Acrylic roof coating is recommended for sloped roofs, and it is much cheaper compared to other types of coatings.
- Silicone—best known for its waterproofing ability, the silicone coating is a sealant used against air and water penetration, thus, keeping the roof’s temperature on the average. Silicone coating is a little bit expensive because when applied, a primer is not necessary as the coat is thick enough to protect the roof.
- Asphalt—typically asphalt roof coating works best on the roof based on asphalt. Thus, some flat roofing makes use of tar or asphalt. Asphalt roof coating has high water adaptability and is reflective against UV rays.
- Polyurethane—Most flat roofs have high foot traffic since builders and roofers utilise the rooftop for the installation of HVAC or for another reasonable occupancy. With such activity, the surface is exposed to human traffic, thereby, reinforcing the roof with a polyurethane coating will protect the surface from abrasive damage.
How long can a roof coating last?
Even with the toughest roof coating around, it wears off in time. But adding the number of years on the lifespan of any type of roof, roof coatings are vital to the roof’s longevity. The number one enemy of the roof is leaks and recurring leaks. Issues on membranes and insulation blamed to leaks, give the implication that the roof has not been properly coated.

An ineffective roof coating cannot be spotted quickly by the naked eye. However, an expert roofers could know the problem in your roof. If the roof coating fades off sooner than expected, call a reliable roofer to fix any potential damage immediately.
Roof coatings last based on the thickness applied on the roof. The ideal time it can last is ten years. Imagine that the additional years for your roof’s lifespan is a matter of making the right decision and knowing how to improve the stability of the roof. However, the performance of roof coatings depends on where you live or on what weather conditions you are experiencing.
Extend your roof’s life with roof coatings
If you want to ensure to get the roof coating that lasts the longest, consider your primary purpose for applying roof coats. Are you headed for a roof repair? Do you want to save on energy? Or is your location prone to weather hazards?
To know the roof coating with the best property that applies to your building or home, hire a professional roofing contractor and let him check the integrity of your roof. At Roofers Bristol, your roof is safe in their hands. Protect your roof, protect your investment, and protect your life. Call roofers in Bristol now and enjoy our free quote.