Roof coating or full replacement? What flat roof owners need to know
Honest answers from TruRoof, your commercial roofing contractor in Amelia, OH.
Your flat roof is aging but not falling apart. You've heard about coatings that promise to buy time. But a coating is only as good as what's underneath it. In Amelia, where freeze-thaw cycles and spring rains can turn a small leak into a big problem, you need to know if your roof can handle a coating or if you're just delaying a full replacement.
Flat roofs don't drain like sloped ones. Water sits. Over time, the membrane breaks down, seams open, and ponding water works its way in. A coating is a liquid-applied layer that seals the surface. It works if the roof is still solid and the insulation is dry. But if there's moisture trapped underneath, a coating just seals it in. That leads to rot, mold, and bigger problems later.
A coating costs less upfront than a tear-off. You might spend $3 to $6 per square foot for a coating system, while a full replacement runs $6 to $12 or more. But if the deck is wet or the insulation is saturated, a coating won't last. You'll pay again in two or three years. The real cost comes down to what's hiding under the surface. In Amelia, with our hot summers and cold winters, a roof that's already failing will fail faster under a coating.
Before you decide, get a moisture scan and a core sample. A moisture scan uses infrared to find wet spots without cutting into the roof. A core sample shows the condition of the layers underneath. TruRoof can do both in Amelia, usually within a day. That report tells you whether a coating will work or if you need a full replacement. Don't coat a roof that hasn't been tested first.
Once you know what's underneath, you can make a clear decision. A well-applied coating on a solid roof can add 10 to 15 years of life. A full replacement gives you a fresh start and a warranty that covers decades. Either way, you're not guessing anymore. You know your roof is ready for whatever Ohio weather throws at it.
What people in Amelia say
"I'm reviewing my two new roofs, on my house and my garage, installed by TruRoof. The company, and Damon Chuke, their representative, helped me work with the insurance company, and with understanding all the details of the whole process. They took out an obsolete chimney, were on time and professional, and the finished roofs and flashing are beautiful. Many compliments from neighbors. Highly recommended by me."
"We have a beautiful condo in a historic building from the 1840s. Late November had a bad leak in the dining room area. I called Britt at TruRoof who came out and inspected the entire roof of the building. He said to do the entire roof could be around $50,000. But then he started laughing and said you need to caulk the area around one of the chimneys. I thought he was nuts, but I did the caulking, which cost me about 25 bucks worth of outdoor caulk, and there are no more leaks. I cannot express my appreciation for his diligence and his honesty. That kind of a company and a person is rare these days. Highly, highly, highly recommend these guys."
"TruRoof did an outstanding job from start to finish. Communication leading up to the start date was great. Once on site and the project started, everything went as discussed, and the crew was very professional."
Other things people in Amelia ask
can you reroof over an existing flat roof
A recover works when there is one roof layer and dry insulation. A core sample tells us in an hour.
how much does a commercial roof cost
We price by square footage, system and insulation and give you a written proposal you can put in front of the board.
commercial roof keeps leaking after repairs
When a roof fails despite repeated repairs, the membrane is likely shot. Get a core sample to check insulation. If it is wet, a full replacement or a silicone restoration coating may be needed. Stop wasting money on patches.
TPO vs EPDM flat roof
TPO is white and reflects heat, which helps cooling costs in summer. EPDM is black rubber and handles ponding water well. For most Cincinnati commercial buildings, TPO is the default choice. Get a roof assessment to match the membrane to your roof's slope and drainage.
Ready to talk?
TruRoof handles commercial roofing in Amelia and the area around it.