Should you coat your flat roof or replace it?
Straight answers from TruRoof, a commercial roofing contractor in Cincinnati, OH.
Your flat roof isn’t leaking everywhere, but it’s showing its age. You’ve heard about silicone or acrylic coatings that promise to extend its life. You don’t want to spend on a full tear-off if a coating will work. But you also don’t want to waste money on a coating that fails in two years. In Cincinnati, with our freeze-thaw cycles and summer storms, that’s a real concern.
Your flat roof may show blisters, hairline cracks, or puddles that hang around for days after rain. In Cincinnati, our winters bring freeze-thaw cycles that open up tiny gaps in the membrane. Summers roast the surface, and without a reflective coating, the building absorbs more heat. A coating can seal those gaps and reflect sunlight, reducing cooling costs. But the real danger is underneath. If water has seeped into the insulation, a coating seals moisture in, accelerating rot. That’s why the decision hinges on what’s hidden.
A roof coating system usually falls between $2 and $5 per square foot installed. A full tear-off and replacement, including new insulation, ranges from $6 to $12 per square foot, depending on the roof size and accessibility. The breakpoint is how much of your insulation is wet. A moisture scan will color-map the roof, showing damp areas. If less than a quarter of the roof is saturated, a coating is a smart move. More than that, and a replacement saves you money within a few years. Core samples confirm the scan. It’s a 15-minute process that prevents a $20,000 mistake.
Your next step is a moisture scan and core sample. Do not let any contractor sell you a coating or a replacement without these. At TruRoof, we use infrared cameras to scan your flat roof and extract small plugs to check insulation. We serve Cincinnati’s commercial buildings from Hyde Park to Findlay Market. Call us for an inspection within 24 hours. You’ll get a straightforward report, not a sales pitch.
After the numbers are in, you’ll know exactly what your roof needs. No more worrying whether you made the right call. Your building stays dry, your energy bills stay low, and your roof works for you through every Cincinnati season.
What people in Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati and the area around it.