Pros and Cons of Roof Coatings
Date: 12 April 2025
roof coating application for sealing roofs
Is Sealing a Roof Worth the Investment?
When it comes to maintaining the integrity of your roof, you may have come across roof coatings or roof sealing, as a potential solution. As a cost-effective roof repair option, roof coatings have gained popularity recently, especially for those looking for a quick fix to leaks and weather damage.
However, while roof coatings or sealants might seem like an appealing solution, they fall short of providing a long-term resolution. In this blog, we'll explore the pros and cons of sealing over a roof with a roof coating.
What Are Roof Coatings?
Roof coatings or roof sealants are essentially a liquid application that is spread over an existing roof to create a waterproof layer. This layer is meant to extend the life of the roof by providing a protective barrier against weather elements like rain, sun, and wind. Roof coatings are available in various types, including acrylic, elastomeric, and silicone, each designed to address specific roof types and conditions.
Pros and Cons of Applying Roof Coatings
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Pros of Roof Sealing |
Cons of Roof Sealing |
| Cost-Effective Temporary Solution Roof coatings are generally less expensive than a full re-roof, providing a quick, budget-friendly alternative for minor roof issues. |
Short-Term Fix, Not Permanent Roof coatings typically last only 5 to 10 years. They require frequent reapplication and do not solve underlying roofing issues, making them a short-term fix rather than a permanent solution. |
| Quick Application and Minimal Disruption A roof coating can be applied quickly (usually in 1-2 days), minimizing disruption to your daily life. |
Inadequate for Severe Damage Roof coatings are not effective on roofs with severe structural damage or significant deterioration. They can mask underlying issues, leading to more expensive repairs later on. |
| Waterproofing and Leak Prevention Roof coatings can provide temporary waterproofing for minor leaks and cracks. |
Does Not Address Root Causes A coating only addresses symptoms like leaks, and not the root cause of roofing issues. Eg, structural damage and poor ventilation. It doesn’t improve the actual roof material or prevent the issue from recurring. |
| Improved Energy Efficiency Reflective roof coatings can reduce heat absorption, potentially lowering cooling costs. |
Degrades Over Time Due to UV Exposure UV rays, extreme weather, and temperature fluctuations break down the coating over time, causing it to crack, peel, and lose its effectiveness. |
| Limited Warranty and Coverage Roof coatings often come with short warranties (usually 5 years or less), whereas new roofs come with warranties that can last 30 to 50+ years. |
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| Non-Industry Standard and Inadequate Expertise Many contractors offering roof coatings are not ‘roof experts’ and following recommended industry standards. This can lead to improper application, using low-quality materials, or applying the coating on inappropriate roof types, which increases the risk of failure. |
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| Potential for Trapped Moisture If applied on an already damaged roof, a coating can trap moisture underneath, promoting mold, mildew, and further deterioration of the roofing materials. |
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| Can Lead to Structural Issues Applying a coating can mask serious underlying issues like structural instability or rot. Over time, these hidden problems may worsen, leading to major damage that requires more costly repairs. |
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| Risk of Surface Damage During Application If the roof is not properly cleaned or prepped, the coating can damage the existing surface, causing further wear and tear. |
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| Increases Roof Weight Roof coatings add an additional layer to your existing roof, potentially increasing its weight. This could stress older or weaker roof structures and lead to structural issues, especially in regions with heavy snow or rain. |
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| Not Suitable for All Roof Types Roof coatings may not adhere well to all materials or roof types, particularly high-pitch roofs or those with severe curvature, which can cause the coating to wear unevenly. |
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| Difficult to Apply in Extreme Weather Roof coatings can’t be applied effectively in extreme temperatures. Cold weather can prevent the coating from curing properly, and hot weather can cause it to dry too quickly, leading to uneven coverage. |
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| Increased Risk of Damage During Reapplication Reapplying a coating may damage the previous coating layer, especially if it has deteriorated. This can create a cycle of repeated repairs and lead to further roof degradation. |
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| Not a Long-Term Solution for Energy Savings While roof coatings might offer temporary energy savings by reflecting sunlight, this effect diminishes as the coating degrades, and you'll need to reapply the coating every few years to maintain any benefits. |
Expected Life of Roof Coatings / Sealants
The expected life of a roof coating generally ranges from 5 to 10 years, depending on the quality of the material used, it’s applied correctly, the type of roof and the exposure conditions. After this period, the coating will likely need to be reapplied, as it will begin to degrade due to exposure to the elements. A new roof can have a warranty of up to 50+ years.
Why Roof Coatings & Sealants Are Not Recommended by Experts
While roof coatings might seem like a quick and cost-effective solution, they are not generally recommended by the roofing industry authorities as they fall short of industry standards. Many contractors who offer roof coatings as a solution are not experts in roofing, and their work may not meet the necessary guidelines for proper roof maintenance or repair. As a result, roof coatings can end up masking underlying issues without properly addressing the root cause of the roof's problems, leading to further damage and potentially higher costs down the line.
Conclusion: A Roof Coating Might Not Be the Best Investment
While roof coatings or sealants may seem like a quick, affordable solution to minor leaks and damage, they are ultimately a short-term fix with several limitations. Roof coatings require frequent maintenance and often fail to address the root causes of roofing issues. More importantly, they don’t offer the same long-term value as a complete roof replacement. It’s a false economy if you see it as a cheaper option – you’d be better putting that money towards a new roof.
If you’re considering roof coatings because of the cost of re-roofing, it’s important to understand the long-term implications. While re-roofing may involve a higher upfront cost, the investment pays off with a durable, reliable roof that can last for decades. Many modern roofing materials come with warranties of 30, 40, or even 50 years, providing peace of mind for property owners.
Rather than spending money on temporary fixes that may cost you more in the long run, it’s often wiser to invest in a permanent solution like a full re-roof. This will save you from the recurring costs of roof coatings and provide you with a long-lasting roof that will protect your home for years to come.
If you’re after professional advice on suitable re-roofing options to suit your requirements contact the company known for Excellence in Roofing, Topline Roofing. We can help guide you to the right solution to suit your roofing needs. Request a Free Roofing Quote Now >
