Roof Coatings
Roof coatings can extend the life of your roof, improve energy efficiency, and provide additional protection. Learn about the different types of coatings available and their specific applications.
Acrylic Coatings
Best for: Modified bitumen, BUR, metal, and single-ply roofsWater-based, reflective coatings that provide UV protection and energy efficiency. NanoTech's Cool Roof Coat is a premium acrylic coating system.
Advantages
- • Excellent UV resistance and reflectivity
- • Good waterproofing capabilities
- • Environmentally friendly with low VOCs
- • Cost-effective solution for extending roof life
- • Easy application and maintenance
Limitations
- • Not recommended for ponding water areas
- • Performance may degrade in cold temperatures
- • Requires reapplication every 10-15 years
- • Multiple coats needed for maximum effectiveness
Silicone Coatings
Best for: Flat roofs with ponding water concernsSingle-component, moisture-cured coatings with excellent ponding water resistance and weatherability.
Advantages
- • Superior resistance to ponding water
- • Excellent weathering and UV stability
- • Single-coat application possible
- • Long-lasting performance (15-20+ years)
- • Maintains flexibility in extreme temperatures
Limitations
- • Higher cost than acrylics
- • Can be slippery when wet
- • Dirt pick-up over time affecting reflectivity
- • Adhesion issues with certain substrates
Polyurethane Coatings
Best for: High-traffic roofs or areas requiring impact resistanceTwo-component systems offering excellent durability, impact resistance, and chemical resistance.
Advantages
- • Superior durability and abrasion resistance
- • Excellent chemical and solvent resistance
- • Good performance in high-traffic areas
- • Can bridge small cracks effectively
- • Strong adhesion to various substrates
Limitations
- • Higher cost than many alternatives
- • More complex application requiring skilled labor
- • Less environmentally friendly (higher VOCs)
- • Sensitive to moisture during application
Elastomeric Coatings
Best for: Roofs in areas with extreme temperature fluctuationsHighly elastic coatings designed to accommodate building movement and temperature changes.
Advantages
- • Excellent elongation and recovery properties
- • Good crack-bridging capabilities
- • Can expand and contract with the building
- • Provides seamless waterproofing membrane
- • Suitable for various substrates
Limitations
- • May require fabric reinforcement at seams
- • Thickness requirements for warranty coverage
- • Proper surface preparation critical
- • Performance varies by manufacturer
Aluminum Coatings
Best for: Modified bitumen and built-up roofs needing UV protectionAluminum-pigmented coatings that provide reflectivity and protection from ultraviolet radiation.
Advantages
- • Good UV protection for asphalt-based roofs
- • Reflective properties reduce heat absorption
- • Relatively low cost solution
- • Easy application process
- • Compatible with asphalt substrates
Limitations
- • Less waterproofing capability than other systems
- • Shorter lifespan than premium coatings
- • Limited tensile strength and elongation
- • May require more frequent reapplication