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Key Takeaways

  • Coating warranties run 5 to 20 years. Solvent-based products generally last longer. Water-based products cost less and give off fewer odors, which matters on occupied buildings. Cost, installation difficulty, warranty length, and maintenance load are the four factors worth comparing before anything else.
  • Silicone handles water better than anything else here. It keeps low-slope roofs watertight in heavy rain and reflects UV, which lowers cooling costs through a Dallas summer. The tradeoff is price, since silicone typically costs more per square foot than the alternatives.
  • Polyurethane is the choice where the roof takes abuse. It has high abrasion resistance, which makes it the preferred coating for roofs with regular foot traffic and for hail-prone regions. It comes in aliphatic and aromatic versions, and aromatic is the less UV-stable of the two.
  • Acrylic, bitumen, and asphalt cover the budget tier. Acrylic weathers well and reflects UV, in both solvent and water-based formulas. Bitumen is among the cheapest and works with almost any roofing material, though its dark color hurts energy efficiency. Asphalt coatings come aluminized or as black emulsion, are reflective and UV-stable, but don’t last as long as other options.
  • Pick the coating that solves your roof’s actual problem. Leak control, energy savings, UV reflection, and life extension pull toward different products. A coating that’s ideal for a heavily trafficked roof is the wrong answer for one where cooling load is the concern.

When it comes to protecting your commercial roof, the roof substrate is almost as important as the roof itself. Low slope roofs have many advantages, but they also require some extra care and attention.

Therefore, when it is time to extend the life of your existing roof, it’s important to consider the type of roof coating which best suits the needs of your roof. Different coatings have their pros and cons in terms of waterproofing, protection from harsh weather, and controlling heat loss. One size does not fit all; and yet, the right coating can greatly extend the lifespan of your roof.

Roof Waterproofing Considerations

Here in the Dallas area, roofs are exposed to a wide range of conditions. From high winds and heavy rains to intense sunlight and scorching heat, your roof has to withstand it all. Generally speaking, these are the factors you should be considering before you choose a roof coating material:

It also helps if your roof is energy-efficient and able to deflect harmful UV rays.

With proper care and maintenance, any roof coating can extend the lifespan of your roof. Plus, depending on the coating you choose, you can get a warranty that lasts anywhere from 5 to 20 years.

Waterproofing Products for Flat Roofs

Every coating is different so there isn’t a simple answer to which one is the best waterproofing for a low slope roof. Many roof coatings are available in either solvent-based or water-based materials. Solvent-based coatings are typically longer lasting. Water-based coatings are generally more affordable and emit fewer odors. The “best” coating depends on a variety of considerations including your needs and priorities.

Silicone Coatings

One of the key benefits of silicone roof coatings is their ability to defend against leaks. Silicone coatings are popular in areas with a lot of rain because they do a great job keeping roofs watertight. They also reflect ultraviolet rays effectively to keep your building cooler and reduce air conditioning costs. The only real downside if silicone roof coatings is they tend to cost more than other materials.

Acrylic Coatings

You can choose between acrylic coatings in both solvent and water-based formulas. The quality of the coating depends on the formula used. The choice between formulas depends on the type of roof, adhesion, and temperature changes, among others. Be sure to talk to your roofing professional about the right formula for your roof. Overall, acrylic coatings are budget-friendly, have good weathering properties, and effectively reflect away UV rays.

Polyurethane Coatings

Polyurethane coatings are solvent-based and come in two basic types: aliphatic and aromatic (aromatic is less UV stable than aliphatic). One of the greatest assets of a polyurethane coating is high abrasion resistance. This makes it a preferred roof coating on roofs where there is likely to be high foot traffic, and in parts of the country which regularly experience hail storms.

Bitumen Based Coatings

Available in both water-based and solvent-based variations, bitumen roof coatings are among the most inexpensive options. In addition to being budget-friendly, they are compatible with a wide range of roofing materials. This makes them applicable to almost any roof. Bitumen based coatings are fairly durable. However, due to its dark color, bitumen coatings may have a negative impact on energy efficiency.

Asphalt Coatings

Asphalt roof coatings come in two types: aluminized or black emulsion. In addition to being reflective and UV-stable, and offering good weather adaptability, they work well on both bitumen and asphalt-based roofs. Asphalt roof coatings are among the most affordable roof coatings and are popular among business owners who need a commercial roof on a tight budget. Keep in mind they are perhaps not quite as long-lasting as some other types,

Understanding Your Low Slope Roofing Needs

At the end of the day, the right waterproof coating for your roof comes down to your needs. Every situation is unique, which is why it’s so important to work with a roofing team who has your best interests at heart. Choosing a roof coating depends on your priorities, which might be restoring or repairing your roof, saving energy, reflecting UV rays, or making your new roof last longer.

Consider the coating with the best properties based on the main problem with your roof. If you’re still unsure what is the best waterproofing for a low-slope roof, consult with a professional who can evaluate your current roof and make a recommendation based on its condition.

At KPost Company, we’re committed to helping you make the right choices for your specific roofing needs. Contact us today to learn more about working with our team of commercial roof experts in Dallas, TX.

FAQs

Low-slope generally means anything under 3:12, which is three inches of rise for every twelve inches of run. Below that pitch, water moves slowly enough that the roof depends on a continuous waterproof membrane rather than on shingles shedding water downhill. Most commercial buildings in Dallas fall in the 1/4:12 to 1/2:12 range, which is enough to drain but not enough to forgive a low spot.

The deciding factor is whether the insulation below the membrane is dry. Core cuts or an infrared scan will show wet areas, and saturated insulation has to be replaced no matter how good the surface looks. A membrane with sound insulation, intact seams, and scattered surface wear is a coating candidate. Widespread seam failure or wet insulation across the field points to replacement.

Coating systems are specified in dry mil thickness, and the manufacturer sets a minimum for whatever warranty length you are buying. A silicone restoration system carrying a longer warranty typically calls for more material than one carrying a short warranty. Thickness is what the warranty rests on, not the number of gallons that showed up on site. Ask for wet mil gauge readings taken during application, since that is how a contractor documents that the specified thickness actually went down.

Yes, and that is one of the main reasons owners choose coatings over tear-offs. Water-based products give off far less odor than solvent-based systems, which matters in offices, medical buildings, and schools. Work still needs coordination around outside air intakes and rooftop units so nothing gets pulled into the building, but tenants generally stay in place.

Plan on a walk twice a year plus a check after major storms, focused on drains, penetrations, and any spot where equipment gets serviced. Silicone in particular holds dirt, so periodic cleaning is part of keeping the reflectivity you paid for. Catching a small break in the coating early is the difference between a touch-up and a recoat. Our commercial roofing team can set up a scheduled inspection cycle.
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