Roof coating vs full replacement for your flat roof?
Honest answers from TruRoof, commercial roofing in Burlington, KY.
Your flat roof is aging but not gone. You've heard coatings can buy you time, but you're not sure if it's a smart investment or just delaying the inevitable. In Burlington, where freeze-thaw cycles and summer storms hit commercial roofs hard, the wrong call wastes money.
Most flat roofs start leaking because the membrane has small cracks or seams have failed. Water ponds in low spots, then freezes and thaws, widening the gaps. A coating can seal these surface cracks if the insulation underneath is still dry. But if the roof feels spongy or you see water stains inside, the damage is deeper.
A coating job runs $2 to $4 per square foot, while a full tear-off and replacement is $6 to $10. The coating might last 10 years if the roof deck is sound. But if moisture is trapped in the insulation, a coating just hides the problem. You'll end up paying for a coating now and a full replacement later. A moisture scan and core sample tell you which path is cheaper long-term.
Before you decide, get a no-charge inspection from a commercial roofer who uses infrared moisture scans. TruRoof will check your roof in Burlington, take core samples, and show you exactly what's happening under the surface. Don't let a coating salesperson talk you into a quick fix without proof the roof is dry.
With the right data, you'll know whether a coating can safely extend your roof's life or if replacement is the smarter money move. Either way, you'll stop worrying every time it rains and have a clear plan for your building.
What people in Burlington 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 Burlington 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 Burlington and the area around it.