The decision can be tricky when it comes time to replace or re-coat your flat roof.
Both options have benefits, but what’s the best choice for your home or business? In this blog post, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of roof replacement and coating so you can make an informed decision for your property.
What Is A Roof Coating, And What Are Its Benefits?
A roof coating is a material applied to a roof’s surface and protects it from extreme weather and environmental damage. Roof coatings are available in various forms, from acrylic-based polymer emulsions to high-solid silicone emulsions, and each has its own set of benefits. In addition to extending the roof’s life, these versatile coatings can also act as reflective paving (reducing energy costs), and aid in waterproofing. Additionally, roof coatings can help keep debris from collecting on the surface. Moreover, they can serve as an additional defense against extreme weather conditions such as wind and heavy rain.
Roof Coating For Flat Roofs
For extra protection, some elastomeric products also have reinforcing fabrics that add strength and tear resistance. Beyond protecting your roof, you must look for coatings with good reflectivity ratings; reflective products do an excellent job of reflecting sunlight away, which helps keep your home or building cooler during summer. With all these factors in mind, elastomeric coatings are one of the best choices for coating flat roofs – providing strong weather protection and improved energy efficiency.
What Is A Roof Replacement, And What Are Its Benefits?
A complete roof replacement removes all existing materials and replaces them with brand-new materials chosen to suit the structure and environment. Generally, the best materials come with the most extended warranties. They can last up to 20 years if properly maintained. The primary benefit of a roof replacement lies in having an impenetrable barrier between you, your property, and the elements. Adding new layers also offers extra insulation from cold or heat, lowering energy costs significantly.
Additionally, replacing a roof provides aesthetic improvements that reflect the building’s character and increase its value in the long run. Overall, a roof replacement is an excellent investment for homes and businesses that require maximum protection throughout their lifetime.
How Do You Know Which Option Is Best For Your Home Or Business?
Property owners with a flat roof have two main options for roof replacement: roof coatings over existing roof materials or a complete roof replacement. Deciding which option is best for a given situation can be a challenge. Still, with some basic knowledge of the advantages and disadvantages of each choice, it’s possible to make an informed decision about what will be most beneficial for the property. On the one hand, roof coatings over an existing roof offer a cost-effective solution that drastically extends the life expectancy of existing roof materials. Furthermore, properly applying these coatings protects against rain, sun, cold temperatures, and other environmental harms.
However, because they are only paint-like substances over polyester fabric, they eventually wear away and require reapplication every few years. By contrast, replacing a roof can offer more longevity than coating solutions over an existing roof; however, installing new materials is much more expensive than applying coatings over an existing roof. Ultimately, when choosing between these two options, the owner needs to consider the age of their current roofing system and their budget to determine the most cost-effective solution while still providing quality protection from weathering effects over time.
Choosing A Contractor for Roof Coatings or Replacement
When deciding the best solution for your roofing needs, selecting the right roofing contractor is essential. To ensure a successful project meets your expectations, you should focus on four qualities: reputation, experience, affordability, and professionalism.
In Conclusion
Regarding your roof, you want to ensure that you make the best decision for your budget and objectives. A roof coating can significantly improve your home or building’s energy efficiency while extending your roof’s life.
Greatway Roofing has over 20 years of experience as the leading Ventura County, Santa Clarita Valley, and the west San Fernando Valley roofing company. We offer free, comprehensive estimates, and our workmanship is guaranteed. Contact us today and talk to one of our friendly team members at (805) 523-2550.