.webp?crop=yes&k=c&w=1600&h=687&itok=IbcD-h7M)
Roof coatings can be a powerful tool for extending roof life, controlling costs, and reducing waste—but only when they’re applied to the right roof, under the right conditions.
In a recent Roofing Road Trips® podcast episode from Roofer’s Coffee Shop, host Megan Ellsworth sat down with Gabe Lane of CertainTeed Commercial Roofing to tackle one of the most common—and most critical—questions contractors face in the field: Can I coat this roof?
The answer, as Gabe explains, isn’t always simple. It requires careful evaluation, technical due diligence and honest conversations with both building owners and manufacturers. Read on for more of his practical guidance to help contractors protect their reputation, their customers’ investment, and their bottom line.
The Advantages of Roof Coatings—When Done Right
Liquid-applied roof coatings offer a compelling alternative to full tear-offs when conditions allow. As Gabe explains, coatings enable contractors to restore and protect existing roof systems without sending tons of material to the landfill.
Rather than removing the roof, contractors can:
- Repair the existing system with like materials
- Clean and prepare the surface
- Apply a coating system designed to extend service life
For suitable roofs, this approach can significantly reduce project timelines, labor demands and overall cost—while still delivering long-term performance and warranty options.
However, coatings are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Applying them without proper evaluation can lead to adhesion failures, moisture entrapment and costly callbacks.
Knowing When Not To Coat
One of the biggest takeaways from the conversation is the importance of knowing when not to coat. Gabe shares real-world examples of roofs that may appear viable at first glance—but ultimately aren’t good candidates due to contamination, system design or underlying conditions.
Key factors contractors should evaluate include:
- Roof system type and condition (TPO, EPDM, BUR, metal, etc.)
- Presence of ballast or heavy contamination
- Off-gassing or corrosive byproducts from interior operations
- Age and remaining integrity of the membrane
.jpg?crop=yes&k=c&w=272&h=225&itok=NuO62qMA)
In industrial environments especially, what’s happening inside the building can be just as important as what’s happening on the roof. Certain byproducts—like oils, dust or corrosive chemicals—can compromise coating performance if not properly addressed.
Testing Always Comes First
Before any coating is applied, due diligence is essential. Gabe emphasizes that testing isn’t optional—it’s how contractors protect themselves from expensive failures.
Adhesion testing helps determine whether a coating will properly bond to the roof surface, especially in the most challenging areas like low spots, around penetrations or near exhaust points.
Infrared scanning and moisture probing help identify wet insulation and determine whether a roof is still repairable. While infrared scans highlight areas of heat retention, follow-up moisture testing confirms whether insulation is actually wet—or simply holding heat due to thickness or material buildup.
This data-driven approach allows contractors to:
- Identify localized problem areas
- Remove and replace only what’s necessary
- Avoid unnecessary full tear-offs
- Save building owners significant money
As Gabe notes, even large roofs with visible leaks may have a relatively small percentage of wet insulation—making targeted repairs and coatings a smart alternative.
Setting Yourself Up for Coating Success
Perhaps the most important message of the episode is this: not every contractor—and not every crew—is ready for every coating project.
Beyond roof conditions, contractors must consider:
- Crew skill sets and experience
- Available equipment
- Climate and weather windows
- Project complexity
Pushing a crew into a project they’re not prepared for doesn’t just risk the roof—it risks the contractor’s reputation. That’s why Gabe strongly encourages contractors to lean on manufacturer expertise early in the decision-making process.
At CertainTeed, technical teams are there to help contractors evaluate roofs honestly, choose the right system, or recommend a different path entirely if coatings aren’t the right solution.
A Smarter, More Confident Approach to Coatings
As the coatings market continues to grow, successful contractors will be those who deliver roofs that perform as promised, provide forward-thinking maintenance, and develop long-term relationships with clients.
Explore our comprehensive lineup of repair and coating solutions designed to make your service and maintenance business more efficient—and more profitable.
Content adapted from the Roofing Road Trips® podcast “Can I Coat This Roof?” Listen to the full podcast episode at Roofer’s Coffee Shop.
