Your Guide to the Different Types of Roof Coatings

When it comes to protecting a commercial building, the roof is one of your most important assets. A well-installed system can last decades, but even the strongest materials face wear over time. That’s where roof coatings come in. Designed to restore, protect, and even improve energy performance, the right coating can feel like a new roof without the cost of a full replacement. Understanding the types of roof coatings available helps you make the right decision for your property’s long-term performance and budget.

Understanding Roof Coatings

Before exploring the different options, it’s important to know what roof coatings are and why they’re so widely used.

What Is a Roof Coating?

A roof coating is a fluid-applied layer designed to protect and improve the performance of an existing roof. Once cured, it creates a seamless membrane that guards against water, UV rays, and daily wear. In many cases, a high-quality coating can act almost like a new roofing system—extending service life and lowering operating costs.

Why Choose Roof Coatings Instead of Full Replacement?

Not every roof needs to be torn off and replaced. Roof coatings offer a cost-effective alternative by addressing issues before they require a major investment. Coatings:

Save thousands compared to full tear-offs.
Can be installed quickly with minimal business disruption.
Provide warranty options of up to 20 years, depending on the system.

For property owners balancing performance and budget, coatings offer a smart middle ground.

The Different Types of Roof Coatings

There are several types of roof coatings on the market, each with its own advantages. Choosing the right one depends on your building’s structure, climate, and long-term goals.

Acrylic Roof Coatings

Acrylic coatings are water-based and highly reflective, making them a popular choice for reducing heat absorption. They provide UV protection at an affordable price point, which is why they’re often used on low-slope roofs in sunny, dry climates. The trade-off is weaker performance against standing water, so they’re not always the best fit for areas prone to ponding. Acrylic is also easy to apply, and recoating can be done relatively quickly, making it a flexible option for budget-conscious property owners. For facilities that don’t face frequent heavy rain, acrylic roof coatings deliver reliable protection and strong value.

Polyurethane Roof Coatings

Polyurethane coatings are known for toughness. They hold up well against heavy foot traffic and physical impact, which makes them ideal for buildings where equipment or service crews frequently access the roof. While polyurethane coatings come with a higher upfront cost, the durability and abrasion resistance pay off over time. They also resist chemicals and solvents better than other coatings, making them a strong fit for industrial facilities. For businesses with roofs that see constant use or exposure, polyurethane coatings deliver long-lasting confidence.

Silicone Roof Coatings

Silicone coatings are one of the most versatile and long-lasting options available. They offer unmatched performance when it comes to ponding water, UV exposure, and weather resistance, which is why they’re trusted on so many commercial properties.

Key benefits of silicone roof coatings include:

Superior ponding water resistance: Silicone won’t degrade under standing water.
Reflectivity for energy savings: Keeps buildings cooler and reduces HVAC strain.
Versatility across systems: Applies to flat roofs, metal roofs, and even RVs.
Warranty coverage: With Showalter, coatings can qualify for warranties up to 20 years.

Because silicone requires little upkeep and can extend roof life by decades, it provides one of the highest returns on investment. For many owners, applying a silicone coating restores performance so completely that it feels like an entirely new roof system has been installed.

Asphalt-Based Roof Coatings

Asphalt coatings are among the oldest options. They adhere strongly to many surfaces and provide reliable waterproofing. However, they’re less reflective than modern coatings, meaning they don’t reduce energy usage as effectively. Asphalt coatings are also heavier than other options, so they’re best suited for structures that can support the added load. While not as advanced as silicone or acrylic, asphalt coatings remain a dependable, cost-conscious choice for certain applications.

Explore how Showalter’s coatings and sealants can extend the life of your roof while improving energy efficiency. Schedule a free inspection today to see which option is right for your building.

Our Coating Solutions

How to Choose the Right Type of Roof Coating

With so many options, how do you decide which roof coating is best for your property? The answer comes down to evaluating your building’s unique needs.

Key Factors to Weigh

When selecting a roof coating, consider:

Roof Condition: Older roofs with significant wear may need replacement first.
Climate Challenges: Ponding water, sun exposure, or temperature swings all matter.
Budget vs. Performance: Coatings can extend life affordably, but not all are equal.
Business Goals: Energy savings, long-term warranties, and durability can influence the decision.

A thoughtful inspection will reveal what your roof can support and which coating will deliver the best value.

The Showalter Difference

At Showalter Roofing, we’ve been helping Chicagoland businesses choose between types of roof coatings since 1979. Our certified crews are trained across every system and have specialized expertise in silicone roof coatings. What sets us apart is transparency—we don’t recommend a solution unless it’s right for your roof. Through detailed inspections, advanced tools like FLIR imaging, and clear communication, we help you understand your options and move forward with confidence.

Why Silicone Roof Coatings Stand Out

While each type of coating has its place, silicone consistently delivers the broadest benefits for commercial property owners.

Acts Like a New Roof: Restores waterproofing and performance without the need for a tear-off.
Compatible With Many Surfaces: Applies seamlessly to flat roofs, metal systems, and even RVs.
Low Maintenance: Resists ponding, cracking, and UV degradation.
Energy Efficiency: Reflective properties reduce utility bills and ease HVAC strain.
Warranty-Backed: When installed by Showalter, silicone systems can carry warranties of up to 20 years.

It’s this combination of protection, efficiency, and value that makes silicone the standout choice for many businesses.

Protect Your Roof With the Right Coating

When it comes to extending the life of your commercial roof, coatings offer one of the smartest investments available. From acrylic to polyurethane to silicone roof coatings, each system has a role to play—but the best choice depends on your building, your budget, and your long-term goals.

At Showalter Roofing, we’ve spent over four decades helping property owners make the right call on types of roof coatings. With certified crews, proven warranties, and a reputation built on care and precision, we’re here to deliver results that last.

Ready to explore your options? Schedule a free inspection with Showalter today and discover how the right coating can save money, improve performance, and give your roof years of added life.