When is a Commercial Roof Restoration the Right Choice?

Are you ready to do something about your leaky or rusted commercial roof? Is your roof a good candidate for roof restoration or is it a candidate for tear-off and replacement? There are many factors to consider when deciding which is the best and most cost-effective solution for your roofing problems. Depending on the state of your roof, you might assume you have to completely tear off and start from scratch; but before you jump to conclusions on whether or not your roof can be salvaged, let’s look at the Inland Coatings SEBS roof restoration process.

Roof Restoration Process

Roof restoration typically involves the application of a durable, water-resistant roof coating system. First, seams, penetrations and exposed fasteners are sealed and reinforced to ensure that the areas with the highest leak potential are heavily addressed and watertight. Products like RC-2200 Rubber Seam Compound and RC-2250 are used for this step. Then, the coating system is applied over the entire roof. This is normally a multi-coat process that seals and protects the existing roof surface, extending the service life well beyond its normal lifespan.

Inland Coatings-approved commercial roofing contractors focus on a number of issues and criteria prior to making a recommendation. Below is the type of information they would typically need about your commercial roof before starting a restoration project:

Condition, Condition, Condition

Depending on the type of roof (Metal, TPO, Hypalon, EPDM, BUR/Modified, SPUF), all have condition-related variables that must be checked to ensure the surface is a good candidate for a coating system. One of the first things to determine is whether the roof is structurally sound. On a metal roof, does it have a significant amount of rust perforation or pinholes? Is there moisture in the insulation that would require a partial or complete tear-off? What condition are the seams, curbs and penetrations in? Is there currently a coating on the surface, and is it compatible with the proposed system? For a free evaluation of your roof and an estimate from an approved Inland Coatings contractor, request a quote today.

Age And Appearance Of Your Roof

Along with the condition of your roof, the overall age of your roof is another important factor. Analyzing how your roof has aged over its lifespan can determine whether a restoration is the right choice. Conditions at certain locations can accelerate the aging process, making it necessary to restore or replace the roof sooner than expected. Wind, hail damage and other factors from Mother Nature also need to be considered. Inland Coatings has a tested, proven line of products to address these issues and restore your roof. Our coatings can also make your roof more resistant to extreme temperatures, severe weather, wear and tear, extending the roof’s service life.

Commercial roof restoration should also be considered if you’re concerned about the current aesthetics of your roof. In addition to adding a watertight seal, you can dramatically improve the roof’s appearance by choosing a different coating color with the same capital expenditure. Select Inland Coatings products are available in a broad variety of colors to meet your needs.

Climate & Your Roof

Climate plays a key role in the aging process. Depending on your geographic region, you may experience very hot summers and/or very cold winters. Some regions have salty coastal air or very rainy seasons. The vast majority of roofing systems also experience significant temperature variations on a daily basis. The roof expands and contracts throughout the year and the products and systems used must have the strength and flexibility to perform under those conditions.

It is recommended that Inland Coatings products be applied in temperatures between 40 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 to 43.3° degrees Celsius). With proper application and cure time, Inland Coatings RC-2000 and RC-2250 can deliver elongation over 500% and tensile strength of at least 1,500 psi. These properties are at the top of the roof coating industry and will help prevent tearing, leak point issues and unnecessary call backs.

The Benefits of Restoring Your Roof

Proper restoration of your commercial roof will not only improve its appearance, but can also add decades to its service life. It can also eliminate leaks and protect your roof from further weathering and deterioration.

Roof restoration is considerably less expensive than a full roof replacement, yet still provides substantial protection and longevity. It is also far less disruptive than a complete replacement, eliminating potential downtime that your company might experience during the installation process.

In addition, finish coats, such as RC-2000 Rubber Roof Coating in white, have high solar reflectance — which cools the roof, reduces energy costs, and maintains a more comfortable environment within your building.

Commercial Roof Maintenance and Inspections

Annual inspections should be scheduled to prevent small problems from creating a premature roof failure. Minor, timely repairs can save a great deal in the long run and extend your roof’s service life. Your Inland Coatings-approved contractor can help you establish this type of proactive service schedule.

Founded in 1978, Inland Coatings is a leading manufacturer of SEBS Elastomeric Rubber Coatings and Mastics. Our products are designed for restoration and repair or full restoration projects on metal, TPO, Hypalon, EDPM, BUR/modified bitumen and SPUF roofs.

For more information on how Inland Coatings can help with your commercial roof restoration, contact us today.