Overview

Building owners and managers across Texas’ Permian Basin are turning to commercial roof coatings as a cost-effective way to enhance energy efficiency. In this blog post, Sunbelt Insulation and Roofing, LLC. explains how sealing your roof reduces energy consumption, what to expect from the installation process, and how coatings protect your roof, extend its lifespan, and lower utility costs over time.

Highlights

Introduction

If your energy bills are rising or indoor temperatures feel difficult to control, your commercial roof may be to blame. An energy-efficient roof coating improves insulation, reduces solar heat gain, and lightens the load on your HVAC system. With the right installation, you can reduce energy use, cut maintenance costs, and extend your roof’s lifespan. The best part? You can do it all without the high cost of a complete replacement.

What Are the Long-Term Benefits of Investing in Energy-Efficient Roof Coatings?

Energy-efficient roof coatings can make a big difference for your building and your bottom line. By cutting down on energy use and reducing the need for frequent repairs, they help you save money over time. That means more room in your budget for other priorities, whether it’s growing your business or upgrading different parts of your property.

They can also boost your building’s value. More and more, buyers and tenants are looking for energy-smart spaces, and a coated roof adds to your property’s appeal as a cost-effective, sustainable option.

Let’s not forget the environmental impact. Coatings are a smart move for your business and the planet since they help your company produce less carbon by lowering its overall energy demand.

How Do Roof Coatings Actually Help Reduce Energy Bills?

Reflective roof coatings minimize rooftop temperatures by bouncing solar radiation away from the surface. High emissivity helps release absorbed heat quickly, while thermal insulation reduces heat transfer into your building. These combined properties decrease the demand on HVAC systems and lead to measurable utility savings.

How Do Roof Coatings Perform in the Permian Basin’s Climate?

The Permian Basin’s climate presents unique challenges for commercial roofing systems. Intense sun, drastic temperature swings, dust storms, and occasional hail can accelerate wear and increase energy usage. Fortunately, high-performance roof coatings are well-suited to our region’s extreme conditions.

Silicone and acrylic coatings perform exceptionally well in West Texas thanks to their UV reflectivity, flexibility, and weather resistance. By reflecting solar radiation, coatings reduce rooftop surface temperatures by up to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, helping your building maintain stable indoor temperatures and lowering your HVAC system’s workload.

Additionally, many coatings resist dirt and debris buildup, which is especially valuable in dry, dusty environments like Midland and Odessa.

With correct application, a roof coating creates a resilient barrier that withstands wind-driven dust and temperature fluctuations while enhancing your roof’s lifespan and your building’s energy efficiency.

Are Roof Coatings Suitable for Older Commercial Buildings?

Yes. Many older commercial buildings are ideal candidates for roof coating systems. Aging roofs often suffer from degraded insulation, cracked seams, or sun-worn surfaces. Coatings can address these issues without any major roof reconstruction work.

If your rooftop is weathered-looking but still structurally sound, a fluid-applied coating will work to restore its waterproofing, reflectivity, and thermal control.

Coatings are especially valuable for preserving older or historical structures since they provide protection without altering a building’s original design.

To ensure a successful application, schedule a thorough inspection first. Be selective when choosing your installer. Your coating system’s performance depends on proper preparation and expert application.

Can You Apply a Roof Coating Over an Existing One?

Yes, you can apply a new roof coating over an existing one in many cases, but only if your rooftop’s underlying coating and substrate are in stable, sound condition.

Before applying a new layer, your roof coating installer will:

  • Conduct a thorough inspection to ensure the old coating shows signs of proper adhesion and is free from significant damage
  • Clean the surface using pressure washing or chemical cleaning
  • Repair any cracks, blisters, or soft spots
  • Perform adhesion tests if switching coating types (e.g., acrylic to silicone)

Incompatible materials or poor preparation can lead to bonding failure, so it’s crucial to match coating chemistry and use experienced applicators. When done right, recoating can add 10 to 20 years of energy-saving performance to your existing roof system while minimizing environmental impact and business disruption.

Which Roof Types Can You Seal?

Roof coatings adhere well to EPDM, TPO, metal, and other single-ply systems. These materials support coatings that form a seamless, watertight membrane. However, coatings are most effective on structurally sound substrates.

If your roof has significant damage or rot, it may need repairs or partial replacement to bring it up to code before you can install a coating.

Can You Coat a Flat Roofing System?

Yes. Flat commercial roofs are excellent candidates for coating systems. After correct application, roof coatings create a watertight membrane that prevents moisture intrusion, reflects UV rays, and reduces temperature-related stress. This added protection is especially valuable for flat roofing systems prone to ponding water and intense sun exposure.

Are Roof Coatings Effective on Sloped Roofing Systems?

Coatings can also benefit sloped roofs (especially metal), though their performance depends on the pitch and material. The added layer prevents corrosion, limits thermal expansion and contraction, and reflects heat away from your building. Coatings can also bridge small gaps or seams in metal panels, creating a more continuous, energy-efficient surface.

Which Signs Tell You When a Commercial Roof Needs an Energy-Efficient Coating?

Your commercial roof might not be visibly failing, but that doesn’t mean it’s performing efficiently. Here are some clear indicators that it may be time to consider how a coating can lower your business’ energy expenditures.

Watch for these signs:

  • Rising energy bills and fluctuating indoor temperatures: These may signal poor insulation and excess heat absorption.
  • Recurring leaks and frequent roof repairs: A deteriorating roof barrier often lacks proper UV and moisture protection.
  • Deteriorating or aging roofing materials: Older roofs lose reflectivity and insulation performance over time.

Applying a coating improves thermal performance, seals minor cracks, and restores weather resistance, making your roof a better energy-saving asset.

What’s Involved in the Commercial Roof Coating Installation Process?

Here’s what you can expect from the commercial roof coating installation process.

1. Inspecting Your Roof and Preparing It for Coating Installation

Your contractor will assess your roof to identify existing damage. Preparation may include patching and ensuring the surface is clean and dry.

2. Selecting the Right Roof Coating

Your coating company will help you select the best product for your roof material and climate, whether it’s silicone, acrylic, or polyurethane.

3. Applying Protective Roof Coating Products

Your coating installer will apply the coating evenly for maximum durability and energy efficiency. Proper application ensures a watertight seal and long-lasting performance.

How Do You Choose the Right Roof Coating Contractor?

Not all contractors bring the same skill level or product knowledge to roof coating projects, even if they claim extensive experience. You need a contractor who understands the details that make a coating system succeed to get the performance and longevity you’re paying for.

Look for these qualifications:

  • Commercial coating expertise: Experience with silicone, acrylic, and polyurethane systems is critical.
  • Proper training and insurance: Protect yourself from liability and ensure professional accountability.
  • Local knowledge: Contractors familiar with Permian Basin conditions understand how local weather impacts coating performance.
  • Transparent estimates and warranties: Reputable contractors offer straightforward pricing, reliable references, and solid warranty coverage.

A skilled installer will prep your roof correctly, select the right materials, and apply the coating to meet manufacturer specs. These steps directly impact product durability and can affect your building’s energy savings. Before making your decision, take the time to research reviews, check portfolios, and confirm credentials.

Do Roof Coatings Require Ongoing Maintenance?

Yes, but coated roof maintenance is simpler and cheaper than traditional roof systems.

To keep your coated roof in optimal shape:

  • Schedule annual inspections to identify wear or damage
  • Clean debris, leaves, and standing water regularly
  • Touch up small areas as needed to prevent membrane breaches
  • Recoat every 10 to 20 years, depending on the material and usage conditions

Routine maintenance ensures your energy savings and leak protection last for the whole lifespan of your roof’s topmost protective layer.

Coat Your Commercial Roof and Reduce Your Company’s Energy Expenses

Commercial roof coatings offer immediate energy savings, but that’s not all. They also protect your roof, enhance building comfort, and deliver substantial environmental benefits.

You don’t want to get stuck with unnecessary downtime or pay more for installation than you have to. With Sunbelt Insulation and Roofing, LLC., you won’t have to. To see how much you could save with a roof coating, contact us at (432) 337-8247 today. Our team is here to help you increase efficiency and reduce your long-term expenses with a solution built for long-term performance in the Permian Basin.