A durable, sealed roof is critical to protecting and insulating a building and its tenants. Many commercial roofing manufacturers offer warranties on the lifespan of commercial roofs (e.g., Holcim Building Envelope’s Elevate Red Shield Limited Warranty). But if your roof is damaged and not under warranty, you have options that may be more cost-effective and waste-avoidant than a full roof tear-off. At the end of a roof’s lifecycle — or whenever the roof is damaged — commercial roofers should perform a thorough inspection of the full roof. Then, when possible, Gaco encourages commercial roofers to consider a liquid-applied roof coating over a complete roof tear-off as a customizable, environmentally considerate, and cost-effective option for roof restoration.

Choose the Right Coating
Where appropriate, selecting a roof coating over a complete roof tear-off provides numerous advantages for contractors, building owners, and their tenants, allowing for customization to meet the unique needs of each building. Opting for a roof coating reflects a cost-effective and life-extending approach and also allows for customization based on a geographic location, surrounding environment, climate conditions, and specific building requirements. By choosing the appropriate coating option, contractors can enhance the durability and overall performance of their roofs. Below are several roof coating material options, designed for various use cases to address distinct challenges:
Silicone Coatings can be applied to most existing roof substrates in a wide range of temperatures. Because they have good adhesion, are highly flexible, and resistant to ponding water, silicone coatings are popular in areas with a lot of precipitation or on a roof with minimal slope. However, substrates still need to be dry and repaired prior to the application of the coating.

Urethane Coatings are known for their durability and impact resistance, making them ideal for locations that are prone to severe weather events or that have frequent rooftop traffic. They have great chemical resistance, serving as a viable option for manufacturing and restaurant applications. Urethane coatings also surpass other coatings regarding tensile strength and can withstand extreme weather conditions.
Acrylic Coatings are the most popular roof coatings. They can help extend the life of a roof and are highly reflective, which can help a building owner save on cooling costs in particular climates. Acrylic coatings are typically used in high-heat, low-humidity locations where ponding water isn’t common. With any coating, labor and time can be a constraint for both the contractor and the building owner. GacoFlex A48 is a leading high-build acrylic roof coating that can be applied up to 80 mils thick with a single pass, compared to a multi-coat system. This provides significant labor savings for the contractor, and the product’s quick-cure nature helps roofers in rainy climates.

General Benefits of Restorative Coatings
Roof coatings stand at the intersection of innovation and sustainability. By choosing a coating over a roof overhaul, contractors and building managers can reduce material consumption and minimize roofing waste. Additionally, the application of white coatings can help reflect heat away from a building — especially when the building is not equipped with high-performing insulation. This can help a building reduce energy consumption for air conditioning, leading to lower utility bills. Such coatings, especially those recognized by the Cool Roof Rating Council, align with certain municipalities’ white roof mandates and provide a cost-effective method of increasing the sustainability of a building and delaying the need for a full re-roof.

A full roof tear-off is expensive, and additional insulation for a replacement roof is required to meet current code regulations. This could lead to further expenses and may not be feasible due to the height of existing parapet walls, the existence of skylights, and other obstacles. From a tax-savings perspective, the classification of restorative coatings may be an expense or maintenance item rather than a capitalized investment that yields a key tax break.

While there are a variety of roof coating products available, some coatings have a greater proven benefit in certain climates. Gaco, a recognized leader in innovative roofing solutions, offers waterproofing and insulation for commercial, industrial, and residential applications in every climate.

Restorative coating products and practices allow contractors to extend the life of roofs in a sustainable, cost-friendly manner. Consider a Gaco liquid-applied roof coating before embarking on your next roofing project.