Building owners are increasingly seeking cost-effective, high-performing solutions to manage a roofing portfolio with multiple buildings. One solution taking center stage for building owners is roof coatings.
Let's explore why roof coatings are growing in popularity as an effective way to manage a roofing portfolio.
What Are Roof Coatings?
The Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association explains that roof coatings are "designed for protecting and extending the useful service life of roof assemblies for new construction and, more commonly, existing roof coverings."
The coatings are made up of components that work together to form a seamless, protective membrane and can be applied over most existing roof systems, as long as the roof is structurally sound. The coating can help restore a roof to a like-new condition, and owners can benefit from warranties-available for purchase for qualifying systems through GAF Certified™ contractors-that cover the roof coating system for an additional 5 to 20 years.
7 Benefits for Building Owners
Roof coatings can bring many benefits to both the building owner and the building itself. GAF National Accounts Manager Tim Botkin works with building owners nationally and internationally who are turning to coatings as a strategy to help manage a roofing portfolio.
Based on this experience, Botkin has shared seven reasons why owners are choosing to manage a roofing portfolio with coatings:
1. Stay Code Compliant
"Coatings have become a huge part of building owners' decision-making, especially if their existing roof has two layers," explains Botkin. "In that case, building codes often require a tear-off, which then requires new insulation and will be more costly. With coatings, they can typically go over the two existing layers and capitalize on that expense right away."
2. Improved Energy Efficiency
Coatings can provide an energy-efficient, reflective roofing solution for the building, which can increase the comfort for occupants and reduce cooling costs.
Reflective roofs absorb less solar energy than conventional roofs, and as a result, temperatures inside the building will be lower. This can help building owners save money on air conditioning and reduce heat flow from the roof into the building, making for a more comfortable space within, which occupants will appreciate.
3. Better Resale Value
Roof coating systems can be especially beneficial to building owners when they're planning to sell the building soon, says Botkin. "When an owner is getting ready to sell the property, they're in a powerful position if the roof is in good shape. If the building needs a new roof, they may have to get into a lot of negotiations and lower the price to account for the condition of the roof."
He says that building owners also like the fact that, if well-maintained, the roof coating may be renewed and recoated in the future. "For qualifying systems, there's potential to recoat the roof in another 5 or 10 years and extend the warranty for the roofing system."
4. Less Disruptive to the Building and Occupants
Most roof coating systems can be installed with a small crew of three to four people. It's less noisy, since there's no penetration of the deck needed, and there are no adhesives that emit strong foul odors. With no tear-off, there's no need for dumpsters or other trash removal containers onsite.
In addition, roof coating systems can be installed in a shorter period than a traditional tear-off and reroof, meaning workers don't have to be onsite as long.
5. Good for Busy Roofs
Botkin says that roof coatings are an ideal solution for what he calls "busy roofs," or roofs that have a lot of HVAC equipment, ductwork, chillers, and heavy traffic.
"When you're going up there trying to maneuver heavy rolls of material around the roof, it can get very expensive and labor-intensive," he explains. "If your roof has a lot of foot traffic, it's important to be able to have a renewable system that can be recoated in 5 or 10 years."
Additionally, specialty coatings can be used to delineate walkways and safety markings to ensure foot traffic is kept to the proper areas of the roof.
6. Extends the Life of Aging Buildings
Over the last two decades, the U.S. has seen a boom in the number of warehouses, and many of these roofing systems are approaching the end of their service life. Botkin says that as these warehouse roofs near the end of their warranty period, GAF will reach out to offer an inspection and explain how a roof coating system can enable them to add another 10-20 years to their warranty.
"Coating is the perfect solution at that point, because they want to renew that warranty, and it's an easier process than disrupting the warehouse with a new roof system installation." Plus, a new coating can renew the reflectance of the roofing system, which can provide energy savings.
7. Enhanced Branding
Coatings are a great option for building owners who want to feature their company brand or logo on their roof. Using traditional materials, these rooftop logos look great at first, but they tend to fade quickly due to their constant exposure to UV rays. GAF has solved this problem with Kymax® PVDF coatings, which stay bright and vibrant for years.
Helping Owners Manage a Roofing Portfolio with Coatings
Fortunately for contractors, adding coatings to their product offerings is easy to do. Most coating systems are easily installed with rollers or sprayers and only require a small investment in equipment.
GAF also has a stringent certification program, in which CoatingsPro™ and CoatingsPro+™ levels are identified to ensure quality workmanship and expertise of installation. This can help assure building owners that they'll not only get a quality product but also a high-quality installation.
The GAF Advantage
With the growing interest from building owners in using coating systems to manage a roofing portfolio, GAF is committed to helping contractors succeed in taking advantage of this growing trend.
With the mindset that "easier is better," GAF is continually giving contractors the tools and products that can help them save time and get more projects done. Visit our commercial roofing contractors toolkit page to see how we can help you succeed.
Curious to learn more about how GAF Coatings could benefit your roofing program? Check out the GAF Coatings page for all the information you need to know.
