page_title: Roof coating
section_title: Benefits
hierarchical_section_title: Roof coating / Benefits
caption_attribution_description: English: Infrared image clearly shows the heat reflective properties of elastomeric roof coatings. Almost 100 degrees F heat reduction at the roof surface. Picture was taken March in Atlanta.
context_page_description: A roof coating is a monolithic, fully adhered, fluid applied roofing membrane. Many roof coatings are elastomeric, that is, they have elastic properties that allow them to stretch and return to their original shape without damage.
  Typical roof coating dry film thickness vary from paint film thickness
context_section_description: Roof coatings are seamless and when installed correctly, can solve roof leaks on almost any type of roofing material.
  There are exceptions: "professionals do not recommend using cool coatings over existing shingles. This technique can cause moisture problems and water damage because the coating can inhibit normal shingle drying after rain or dew accumulation, allowing water to condense and collect under the shingles."
  Field-applied reflective roof coatings can extend the useful life of nearly every roof substrate keeping a roof surface cool and providing a level of protection from the sun and weather. 
  However, coating asphalt shingles and built-up composition roofs requires more caution. The National Roofing Contractors Association’s (NRCA) director of technical services has stated "The roofing industry is aware of a number of issues that could have negative consequences for field application of coatings over asphalt shingle roof systems. Anyone considering this type of application should be aware of the concerns so they can weigh them against the benefits claimed in coating product promotional materials."
  Roof coatings can add 25 years to the service life of a roof and reduce the amount of discarded roofing materials that end up in landfills.  The infrared image on the right shows 79 °C (174 °F) on the uncoated (black) section of the modified bitumen roof. The coated (white) section is 26 °C (79 °F). Field studies have shown that cool roof coatings can lower rooftop temperatures and reduce air conditioning bills.
caption: A 35 °C (95 °F) heat reduction was observed on this modified bitumen roof with a white, reflective roof coating.
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