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Homeowners and commercial property managers often grow concerned about the integrity of their metal roofs over time. They start to notice that the factory-applied finish has started to degrade, and they wonder how long they’ll be able to avoid having a full roof replacement.
But ageing roofs don’t always require replacement. Instead, you can have a new metal roof coating applied, which will help protect the metal, improve its resistance to severe weather, restore its energy efficiency, and add years to its life. Best of all, having a new metal roof coating applied is usually more affordable than replacing the entire roof.
We’ll explain everything you need to know about metal roof coatings, including the different types of coatings, the basics of the installation process, and pricing information below.
What Are Metal Roof Coatings?
Metal roof coatings are exactly what they sound like – protective, fluid-applied membranes designed to extend the lifespan of an existing metal roof. They’re used in part to replace the factory-applied finish that metal roofs feature when first installed. As these factory-applied finishes begin breaking down, a new roof coating can be added to help it last longer.
What Are the Benefits of Metal Roof Coatings?
Metal roof coatings provide value in several key ways. A few of the most noteworthy include:
- High-quality metal roof coatings can extend a roof’s lifespan by 10 to 15 years or more.
- Most metal roof coatings will help seal small leaks, and they can prevent new leaks from forming.
- Metal roof coatings protect your roof from rust and corrosion, especially near seams and fasteners.
- Metal roof coatings provide increased energy efficiency by reflecting sunlight and reducing heat absorption.
- Metal roof coatings reduce the roof’s ongoing maintenance needs and help prevent expensive repairs.
- By applying a metal roof coating, you can avoid full roof replacement for the short term and save money.
- When properly applied, metal roof coatings increase curb appeal and property value.
- Metal roof coatings allow you to avoid full tear-off and replacement, which provides environmental benefits.
As you can see, metal roof coatings provide a ton of advantages, which is part of the reason they’ve become so popular in the last few years.
Similar But Different: Roof Coatings, Sealants, and Paints
Though many people use the terms interchangeably or mistakenly believe they’re all the same, metal roof sealants and paints are much different than metal roof coatings. We’ll break down the differences between these products below to ensure that you understand everything you need to know.
- Metal Roof Paints: Metal roof paints primarily provide cosmetic value. They’ll improve the appearance of a metal roof and provide a minimal amount of additional protection, but they are thinner and less elastic than true metal roof coatings.
- Metal Roof Sealants: Metal roof sealants provide more protection than metal roof paints, but they’re only suitable for use in relatively small areas, not your entire roof surface. For example, they’re often used around flashing, ventilation, and skylights.
- Metal Roof Coatings: Metal roof coatings are engineered systems that form a flexible, seamless barrier over the entire roof surface. They expand and contract along with the roof as the temperatures change, resist water ponding, and provide enhanced durability.
Every one of these three products provides value, and each is useful in certain situations. However, metal roof coatings provide far more protection than either of the other two products, and they’re suitable for use across your entire roof surface.
Types of Metal Roof Coatings: Picking the Right Product for Your Roof
There are a number of different kinds of metal roof coatings, and each provides different strengths and weaknesses. You’ll want to discuss your specific roof with a trusted roofing contractor to determine the optimal product for your situation, but we’ll review some of the primary options and share their pros and cons below:
Acrylic Roof Coatings
Acrylic roof coatings are water-based coatings that cure into a flexible and reflective membrane. They’re widely used due to their ease of application and cost-effectiveness, and they provide fantastic UV protection and reflectivity.
Pros:
- They’re very reflective, which provides significant energy savings
- They’re easy to apply
- They are a very cost-effective solution
- They adhere well to metal
- They produce relatively few VOCs, making them eco-friendly
Cons:
- They aren’t a good choice for roofs with ponding water
- They aren’t ideal in places with high humidity or heavy rainfall
Silicone Roof Coatings
Silicone roof coatings are solvent-based or moisture-cured coatings that form durable, waterproof roof barriers, and provide fantastic weather resistance. They’re best for flat or low-slope roofs — especially those with ponding water.
Pros:
- They provide unmatched water resistance
- They are UV stable and don’t degrade quickly
- They have a very long lifespan
- You’ll need fewer coats than you would with an acrylic coating in many cases
Cons:
- They’re very slippery when wet
- The material itself is somewhat expensive
Polyurethane Roof Coatings
Polyurethane roof coatings are tough, solvent-based coatings that adhere strongly and provide excellent chemical resistance. They’re a great choice for roofs that experience a lot of hail, foot traffic, or other types of impacts.
Pros:
- Polyurethane is extremely durable and abrasion-resistant
- Polyurethane roof coatings can withstand a lot of mechanical stress
- These coatings provide good (if not excellent) ponding resistance
- Polyurethane roof coatings are chemical and solvent resistant
Cons:
- These roof coatings are more expensive than acrylic coatings
- They produce more VOCs than some other options, making them less eco-friendly
Asphalt-Based (Bituminous) Coatings
Asphalt-based coatings are often used on flat roofs, and they’re made from a combination of asphalt and solvents or emulsions, with aluminum included for improved reflectivity. These coatings are best for budget-limited customers.
Pros:
- They are an affordable option that provides basic protection
- Asphalt-based coatings provide good waterproofing capabilities
- These coatings can be used in conjunction with reinforcement fabrics
Cons:
- Asphalt-based coatings aren’t very reflective or energy-efficient
- These kinds of coatings don’t last as long as some other options
Signs That Your Roof May Need a Metal Coating
There are a variety of signs that may indicate your metal roof needs to be coated. So, contact your preferred roofing professional if you notice any of the following:
- Fading, chalking, or peeling paint
- Surface rust (or any type of visible corrosion)
- Leaks
- Standing or “ponding” water
- Increasing energy costs
It’s also wise to have an inspection performed if your roof’s warranty has expired or your roof is simply old. It’s always wise to have an inspection once your metal roof hits the 15-year mark, but you may even want to have it assessed at 10 years of age, if you are in an area that experiences a lot of strong sunshine or hail.
The Metal Roof Coating Process: What to Expect
Curious how the process will unfold if you allow Willow Ash Roofing to apply a metal roof coating on your home or commercial property? We’ll outline the basic steps below, so you know exactly what to expect.
- You contact Willow Ash Roofing: The process begins when you call us or submit a request for a free estimate.
- Consultation: One of our roofing professionals will visit your property, discuss your needs, and inspect your roof.
- Plan approval: After the consultation, your roofing professional will provide a metal roofing plan for your approval.
- Prep work: At the agreed upon time and date, our team will prepare the roof, which may entail things like rust removal, fastener sealing, or pressure washing the surface.
- Primer application: If necessary for the type of coating you’ve selected, we’ll add a layer of primer to the roof.
- Applying the coating: At this point, we can spray, brush, or roll on the liquid coating material.
- Curing: Once applied, the metal roof coating will need to dry and cure. This usually takes between 6 and 72 hours, depending on the type of coating applied.
- Review: Your Willow Ash Roofing representative will review the work with you and ensure that you’re completely happy with your new metal roof coating.
Metal Roof Coatings: FAQ
Still have questions about metal roof coatings? Wondering if they’re the right solution for your roofing needs? We’ve rounded up some of the most common questions homeowners and property managers have and answered them below!
What is the best product to coat a metal roof?
While every situation is different, rubber is often considered the best metal roof coating material because of its combination of strength and elasticity. However, it is always wise to discuss your specific situation with a roofing professional.
How much does it cost to coat a metal roof?
There are a number of factors that influence the total cost you’ll pay to coat a metal roof, but depending on the coating material selected, the pitch of your roof, and your roof’s layout, it’ll generally cost between $0.75 and $3.00 per square foot. This means that it would cost between $1,500 and $6,000 to have a 2,000-square-foot roof coated.
Can you put a coating on a metal roof?
Absolutely! Metal roof coatings help protect your roof from damage caused by hail, heavy rain, and UV rays, and it will also help reduce your energy bills.
How often should you recoat a metal roof?
Every roof presents a unique set of circumstances, so it is always wise to contact a roofing professional to discuss the specific recoating frequency that’ll work best for your roof. With that said, metal roofs should generally be recoated about once every 10 years or so.
What color metal roof lasts the longest?
Light-colored metal roofs usually last the longest, as they reflect more of the sun’s rays than dark-colored roofs. However, the difference in durability within these two categories is fairly minimal. In other words, you don’t need to spend a lot of time trying to decide between, say, light gray and beige.
Rely on Willow Ash Roofing for Your Metal Roof Coating Needs!
If you are a homeowner or property manager with an aging metal roof, contact Willow Ash Roofing to discuss the options available to you. We’ll be happy to inspect your existing roof, determine whether or not it’s a good candidate for a roof coating, and provide you with a free, itemized estimate. We’ve been providing roofing services since 2002, and we’ve developed a reputation as roofing professionals that our customers can trust. Contact us today and let us know how we can provide the roofing solutions you need!
