Commercial Roof Coatings

Restore, Protect, and Extend the Life of Your Commercial Roof

Commercial roof coatings provide a cost effective way to restore and protect commercial and industrial buildings across Illinois and Iowa. These systems seal seams, reinforce weak areas, stop leaks, and reflect heat, which helps extend roof life without the disruption and cost of a full replacement. Building owners choose roof coatings because they strengthen an existing roof structure while keeping operations running with minimal downtime.

We install reinforced coating systems on metal roofs, TPO, EPDM, PVC membranes, spray foam roofs, and various older substrates. Our coating work includes surface prep, fastener correction, seam reinforcement, rust treatment, and the application of high performance materials designed for long term waterproofing. If you are unsure whether restoration or replacement is the right path, the Services page explains how we evaluate each roof type and determine the best solution.

For buildings with extensive rust or structural wear, commercial roof coatings often work hand in hand with options shown on our Metal Roofs page. When coatings are not appropriate, our Full Replacements page outlines the process for installing a new system. If you want to compare coatings to other restoration solutions, review Spray Foam Systems or Membrane Systems for side by side performance differences.

For technical coating specifications, material testing, and reflectivity standards, you can also reference Conklin Roofing Systems.

How Commercial Roof Coatings Work

Commercial roof coatings form a continuous membrane over the roof surface that seals gaps, reinforces seams, and reflects sunlight. When applied correctly, they stop leaks, reduce heat transfer, prevent rust, and protect the underlying roof from weather damage.

Coating systems work especially well on:

  • Aging metal roofs
  • TPO and EPDM membranes
  • PVC systems
  • Spray foam roofs
  • Coated or previously restored roofs
  • Roofs with recurring seam leaks or fastener issues

Because coatings improve reflectivity, many building owners see energy savings after installation. If your roof has large metal spans, the Metal Roofs page offers details on how coatings extend metal roof life.

Crew applying commercial roof coatings on a flat commercial roof in Illinois

Our Commercial Roof Coating Process

Roof Condition Assessment

We inspect the roof, document problem areas, measure moisture levels, and decide whether commercial roof coatings are the right solution.

Cleaning and Surface Preparation

A properly cleaned roof ensures coating adhesion. We remove old contaminants, loose coating, and debris.

Seam and Fastener Reinforcement

On metal roofs, we tighten fasteners and treat rust. On membrane roofs, we reinforce seams and penetrations with fabric.

Coating Application

We apply the coating to create a monolithic, reflective, waterproof surface.

Review and Maintenance Plan

Coatings can be renewed every several years, making them a long term investment.

If you want to see coating projects completed across our region, the Projects page includes examples from Illinois and Iowa.

Types of Commercial Roof Coatings We Install

Roof Coatings
Roof Coatings

Acrylic Coatings

Acrylic coatings provide strong UV resistance and are often used on metal roofs and membranes. They help reduce heat gain inside the building and offer good durability with proper maintenance.

Roof Coatings
Roof Coatings

Silicone Coatings

Silicone performs well in areas with ponding water, making it a strong option for older commercial roofs with low spots.

Roof Coatings
Roof Coatings

Fabric Reinforced Systems

Fabric reinforcement strengthens seams and penetrations, creating a stronger waterproofing layer that moves with the roof structure.

To see how coatings integrate with full restoration systems, review our Spray Foam Systems page.

Benefits of Commercial Roof Coatings

Commercial roof coatings help building owners extend roof life and avoid costly replacements. Key benefits include:

  • Seamless waterproofing
  • Lower roof temperatures
  • Extended roof life
  • Reduced leak points
  • Strong performance in Illinois and Iowa weather
  • Minimal disruption to daily operations
  • Renewable system for long term maintenance

When roof coatings are not enough to solve structural issues, the Full Replacements page explains what a complete rebuild involves.

When Commercial Roof Coatings Are the Right Choice

Coatings are ideal when:

  • The roof deck is sound
  • Leaks are caused by seams, penetrations, or surface breakdown
  • Energy efficiency is a priority
  • You want minimal disruption to daily operations
  • You want a renewable system that avoids tear-offs
  • The building can remain occupied while the roofing work is completed

Not every roof qualifies. Roofs with deep structural issues are better candidates for a full replacement, which you can learn about on our Full Replacements page.

If you want to compare roofing types by region, the Service Areas page provides a breakdown of how Illinois and Iowa weather affects system selection.

Comprehensive Commercial Roofing Solutions

From emergency repairs to complete restoration, we provide the right system and services for every stage of your commercial roof’s lifecycle.

Commercial Roof Repair

Roof Coatings

Complete Roof Replacement

Roof Coatings

Spray Foam Roofing

Roof Coatings

Membrane Systems

Roof Coatings

Metal Roofing

Roof Coatings

FAQs

How long do commercial roof coatings last?

Most commercial roof coatings last 10 to 20 years depending on building conditions, maintenance, and coating type.

Do roof coatings help with energy efficiency?

Yes. Reflective coatings reduce heat absorption and help moderate interior temperatures, lowering cooling costs in many buildings.

Do roof coatings help with energy efficiency?

Yes. If the roof deck is solid and only the surface needs renewal, coatings can extend the life of the roof at a lower cost than replacement.

Will commercial roof coatings hold up in Illinois and Iowa?

Yes. Quality coating systems handle heavy rain, freeze-thaw cycles, wind, and strong UV exposure when installed correctly.

Contact Us

Ready to restore your building with commercial roof coatings? Contact Big River Roofing to schedule an inspection.