Over the years, roof restoration has become an increasingly popular alternative to roof replacement, yet it remains relatively unknown to many commercial property owners and facility managers. This comprehensive guide explores why roof restoration, particularly through fluid-applied roof coatings, is an innovative and cost-effective solution for commercial roofing needs.

What is Roof Restoration?

Roof restoration, often called liquid roofing, involves renewing your existing roof to like-new condition using elastomeric roof coatings. Unlike traditional roof replacement, restoration typically does not require removing or replacing existing materials unless small portions of the roof are severely damaged.

Key Features of Roof Restoration

• Encapsulation: Restoration systems fully encapsulate roof surfaces with a seamless, flexible, reflective, and watertight membrane.
• Versatility: Suitable for various commercial roofing substrates like metal, modified bitumen, PVC, TPO, EPDM, and more.
• Sustainability: Minimizes waste by eliminating the need for tear-off.

Benefits of Roof Restoration

1. Cost-Effective

Replacing a roof can cost $5 to $20 per square foot, while restoration costs significantly less—typically 50-70% less. Restoration requires less labor and fewer materials, making it a budget-friendly option.

2. Extended Lifespan

A restoration system can add 10-20 years of serviceable life to your roof, and many systems can be recoated multiple times for even greater longevity.

3. Improved Performance

Restoration coatings form a monolithic, watertight membrane that stops leaks and minimizes maintenance needs. Their seamless design ensures long-term performance.

4. Energy Efficiency

Restoration systems reflect 80-90% of the sun’s UV rays, reducing heat transfer and lowering cooling costs by up to 20%. This improved energy efficiency benefits both conditioned and unconditioned spaces.

5. Environmentally Friendly

Roof restoration is a sustainable solution that reduces landfill waste and meets growing demands for environmentally responsible construction practices.

6. Minimal Disruption

Unlike roof replacement, restoration is less disruptive to daily operations and requires shorter installation times.

When Should You Consider Roof Restoration?

The best time to restore your roof is before significant issues arise. A proactive approach can maximize the benefits of restoration. Ensure the roof is structurally sound, free of saturated insulation, and any corrosion or damage is minor.

Pro Tip: Perform an adhesion test patch to confirm compatibility before proceeding.

How is Roof Restoration Installed?

The restoration process typically involves four steps:

1. Surface Preparation
   • Pressure wash the roof to remove dirt, dust, and debris.
   • Apply a primer if necessary to ensure optimal adhesion.
2. Seams & Details
   • Reinforce seams, transitions, penetrations, and fasteners with waterproofing mastic to address potential leak points.
3. Base Coat Application
   • Apply an elastomeric base coat to build a uniform mil thickness.
4. Top Coat Application
   • Add a top coat for UV stability and moisture protection. Bright white coatings maximize reflectivity, but custom colors are also available.

Application Methods

Roof coatings can be applied using:

• Airless Sprayers: Ideal for large areas and efficient application.
• Tank Spreaders: Cost-effective and user-friendly.
• Nap Rollers: Suitable for small or hard-to-access areas.

How Long Does a Roof Restoration System Last?

Most systems offer warranties of 10-20 years, depending on the applied material thickness. Proper maintenance and re-coating can extend the system’s life indefinitely.

Why Roof Restoration Wins

When comparing roof restoration to replacement, restoration stands out for its cost savings, environmental benefits, and ability to extend a roof’s life without major disruptions. It’s a smart, sustainable choice for commercial properties.

Ready to Restore?

If you think roof restoration could be right for your facility, contact Monolithic Roofing for a free roof inspection. Let us help you protect your investment and reduce costs with innovative roof coating solutions.