Roof coating vs full replacement: What's right for your flat roof?
Straight answers from a commercial roofing contractor in White Oak, OH.
White Oak's freeze-thaw cycles and summer storms are hard on commercial flat roofs. Yours is aging but not leaking everywhere. You've heard about roof coatings and wonder if they're a cost-effective fix or just a temporary patch.
When a flat roof starts showing age, you'll see cracks, blisters, or spots where water collects after rain. A coating can seal surface cracks and reflect sunlight, which helps. But if water has already soaked into the insulation below or the roof membrane is pulling away at seams, a coating won't solve it. The only way to know is to check what's underneath.
A roof coating in White Oak for a commercial flat roof might cost $2 to $5 per square foot installed, depending on the condition and type of coating. A full replacement runs $6 to $12 per square foot. But if a coating fails in two years because the roof was too far gone, you've wasted that money. A proper inspection tells you if the extra cost of replacement is worth it now.
This week, get a moisture scan of your roof. A professional can use infrared imaging to find wet insulation without cutting into the roof. If the scan shows dry insulation and the membrane is intact, a coating might buy you 10-15 more years. If it shows wet spots, you need a full replacement. TruRoof offers free roof assessments for commercial properties in White Oak. We'll give you an honest recommendation based on what we find.
Once you've made the right call, your building is protected from White Oak's weather. You stop worrying about leaks damaging inventory or equipment. Whether it's a coating or a new roof, you'll have a clear plan and a building that stays dry for years.
What people in White Oak 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 White Oak 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 White Oak and the area around it.