What makes a roof a coating candidate?
A useful evaluation answers two separate questions: can the existing roof remain in service, and can the proposed coating bond to it? Ask for a roof plan marking the assembly, previous coatings, suspect wet areas, seams, drains and equipment curbs. A clean-looking surface alone does not answer either question.
Manufacturer requirements vary by substrate. GAF’s liquid-applied roofing manual includes separate preparation and testing guidance. Use the current instructions for the actual system specified for your building.
What a coating proposal should include
- Measured roof areas and the existing substrate in each area.
- Repairs, wet-material investigation and drainage work priced separately from coating.
- Exact cleaner, primer, coating and reinforcement products; the applicable specification.
- Application and inspection requirements, excluded areas, access arrangements and closeout records.
Compare silicone and acrylic coating options only after these conditions are understood.
When repair or replacement needs consideration
Recurring leaks, loose materials, unresolved moisture and damaged details need investigation. A coating proposal should explain how these concerns will be resolved and identify conditions that could change the scope. Use the coating-versus-replacement decision table to organize the discussion.
Prepare a useful inquiry
Send the property city, roof type if known, leak locations, previous repair records and whether tenants or equipment limit access. Request a roof review to discuss the next assessment; product selection and availability require confirmation.
This is planning information, not a site assessment or installation procedure. Use current product documents, qualified personnel and site-specific requirements for a project decision.