When is Acrylic Roof Coating the Right Choice to Protect a Roof?

There are relatively few investments a building-owner can make into their property which will provide more long-term benefits versus the initial price than a roof coating.  There are several options in the market, such as rubber, silicon, and acrylic, and all of them can greatly extend the lifespan of a roof while providing substantial extra protections to the assets within.

One of the less-common options is use of acrylics.  However, this does not mean acrylic roof coating is without its benefits.  In certain cases, it is precisely what a building needs due to properties of acrylics that other roof coating options lack.

When Acrylic Roof Coating Makes Sense

Price Concerns

While prices on roof coatings can vary wildly depending on type, amount needed, and desired functionality, in general acrylics are one of the least expensive options.  Acrylics are usually water based and utilize extremely well-known and commonplace component materials, resulting in low costs.  Likewise, installation is relatively cheap as well, since acrylics can be sprayed on or even applied with rollers, like paint.

Speaking of paint:

Aesthetics

Acrylic coatings come in a wide variety of colors, another area in which they're paint-like.  While, for example, rubber coatings are generally either black or white, acrylic roof coating can come in nearly any color.  Additionally, lighter-colored acrylic coatings, like pastels, can provide the same heat and UV reflectivity properties as other coatings and therefore keep your cooling costs lower.

So, if your roof is visible from the street and you want to add attractiveness to your building, acrylics are a good option.

Gas Permeability

While situations where this is desired are somewhat rare, acrylics are unique among common roof coatings in that they're water and snow resistant but still allow significant gas pass-through.  This can be useful in situations where undesired odors or other gases may build up, and need to be allowed to "leak" through the roof to escape the building.

Downsides to Acrylic Roof Coating

Besides the gas permeability, which may be either a pro or a con, the primary issue with acrylics is that they are relatively less resistant to damage over the long term.  While they stand up well to high variations in temperature, they tend to be easier to chip and flake.  Areas with high winds or chance of debris may require frequent re-applications of acrylic coatings.

That said, the low application price may still balance this out, depending on circumstance.

Looking for Roof Coating Options?

TRUCO Coatings carries a full line of options in roof coating, including acrylics, rubber, and modified bitumen.  Contact us today to discuss which is right for your roof and future needs.