When to coat and when to replace

By The Coffee Shops™. 

Roof coatings can be a great solution for some projects, but there are cases where deeper damage requires a full replacement. 

As roof coatings continue to grow in popularity due to affordability and ease of installation, it can be tempting to automatically default to using them for every project. And there are scenarios where roof coatings are not just the most convenient solution, but also a long lasting, high-performing one. For example, if a roof is bubbling or cracking, choosing a coating is a good way to extend the lifespan. And even in some small leak scenarios, coatings can be used to seal things temporarily and keep further damage from occurring.  

But it’s important to understand that there are also times where coatings are not the right choice – there are limitations to what they can do. A great example of these limitations comes from the Rooferees at WeatherGuard Inc:  

If a leak or roofing issue develops invisibly or extends far beyond the surface of the roof, such as rotting wood, failing flashing or worn-out insulation, a coating on top will not fix it. In fact, if you just put a coating on top of these issues without properly investigating or resolving them, what might have been an initial cost-saving solution will get a lot more expensive.  

How does it get more expensive? Not only can issues like rotting continue to spread under a coating, but coatings can also delay the work needed by hiding it.  

In the case of these larger, more structural issues, a full roof replacement, while more expensive and time-consuming initially, would produce longer lasting and better performing results. Replacing the roof enables contractors to address hidden damage, improve protection against leaks and help keep the building safe and dry. A new roof can also improve the home’s appearance, support energy efficiency and add value if the homeowner decides to sell. 

Learn more about whether a roof coating or full roof replacement is right for your project.