Roof coating vs full replacement: Which one for your flat roof?
Straight answers for commercial building owners in Withamsville, OH, from TruRoof.
Your flat roof is getting old but it hasn't failed yet. You keep hearing about coatings that promise to extend the life for a fraction of the cost. But you don't want to waste money on a fix that won't last in Withamsville's wet springs and summer heat.
A coating is a liquid applied right over your existing roof. It cures into a seamless, waterproof layer. It works when the roof deck is solid and the insulation underneath is dry. If you have a few small blisters or minor surface wear, a coating can buy you 5 to 10 more years. But if water is already trapped inside, the coating seals it in. That trapped moisture rots the deck from the inside out. You end up paying for a coating and a full replacement a year later.
Cost is the big question. A silicone or acrylic coating job on a typical commercial flat roof in Withamsville might run $3 to $6 per square foot. A full tear-off and replacement with a new membrane often starts at $8 to $12 per square foot. The coating looks cheaper on paper. But that math only works if your roof is a good candidate. If a core sample shows wet insulation, the coating is money down the drain. The real cost depends on what's happening under the surface.
This week, do not let anyone sell you a coating without proof. You need a moisture scan and at least one core sample. A core sample is a small cut that lets a contractor see the insulation layers. If the insulation is dry and the deck feels solid, a coating is a smart move. If it's wet, you need a full replacement. TruRoof can do both tests and give you a straight answer. We serve commercial buildings all over Withamsville, from the shops near Eastgate Mall to the warehouses along State Route 32.
Once the right fix is done, you stop worrying every time it rains. You have a roof that handles ponding water and keeps your building dry. You know you didn't throw money away. You have a plan for the next 15 to 20 years, not a temporary patch.
What people in Withamsville 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 Withamsville 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 Withamsville and the area around it.