Commercial Roofing Materials

& Coatings for Flat Roofs

Flat and low-slope commercial roofs use either membrane systems (TPO, EPDM, modified bitumen) or protective coatings applied over existing roofs. Membranes are the main waterproofing layer. Coatings are liquid-applied systems that seal and extend the life of existing membranes.

We inspect your roof, explain options in plain language, and recommend repair, coating, or replacement based on actual condition—not what's easiest to sell.

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What Are Commercial Roofing Materials & Coatings?

Commercial flat roof materials fall into two categories: membrane systems and roof coatings.

Membrane systems are the primary waterproofing layer installed during roof replacement—TPO, EPDM, and modified bitumen are the most common commercial roofing materials for flat and low-slope roofs.

Commercial roof coatings are liquid-applied protective layers that seal and protect existing membranes. They're not standalone roofing systems. Coatings can extend roof life, improve reflectivity, and reduce cooling loads when the existing roof structure is sound.

Think of membranes as the roof itself. Coatings are a protective top layer that helps existing roofs last longer and perform better.

Before choosing materials or coatings, consider:

Do you have areas where water sits and won't drain?

Have leaks returned in the same spots repeatedly?

When was your last full roof replacement?

Do you want to reduce roof surface temperature?

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Why Choose Integrity for Commercial Materials & Coatings

We've worked with TPO, EPDM, modified bitumen, and commercial roof coating options across office buildings, retail spaces, warehouses, and churches for over 25 years in Ohio and 3 years in Michigan. Our roofing contractors are employees, not subcontractors.

We inspect membranes, seams, penetrations, and detail areas before recommending coatings. If your roof needs structural repair first, we'll explain why coating won't fix the underlying problem.

What you get with Integrity:

Membrane and coating assessments before proposals

Plain-language explanations of repair, re-cover, coat, or replacement options

Work phased around your operations—off-hours, staged sections, tenant coordination

Lifetime Workmanship Warranty on all roofing work

Gold Standard Protection Plan with annual inspections and priority scheduling

BBB Torch Award for Ethics recipient

What Are the Different Commercial Flat Roof Membrane Types?

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TPO Roofing Membrane

Thermoplastic polyolefin—a single-ply membrane heat-welded at the seams. White TPO reflects sunlight and helps reduce cooling loads on commercial buildings.

Common uses: Offices, retail, light industrial where energy efficiency matters.

Key benefit: Highly reflective, strong seam strength when properly welded.

EPDM Roofing Membrane

Synthetic rubber membrane, typically black, installed in large sheets with adhesive or mechanical fasteners. Long track record in commercial roofing—reliable performance across climates.

Common uses: Warehouses, churches, low-slope buildings where reflectivity isn't the priority.

Key benefit: Proven durability, handles foot traffic well, simpler repairs.

Modified Bitumen Roofing

Asphalt-based membrane reinforced with fiberglass or polyester. Applied in overlapping sheets, heat-torched or cold-applied depending on the system.

Common uses: Buildings with heavier roof traffic, equipment loads.

Key benefit: Thick, durable, puncture-resistant, good for roofs with maintenance access.

What Are the Types of Commercial Roof Coatings?

Commercial roof coatings are liquid-applied systems that protect and extend the life of existing membranes. Not all coatings fit all roofs—some handle UV better, some work where water ponds, some bond better to specific membranes.

Acrylic Roof Coatings

Water-based, highly reflective, strong UV protection. Work best on roofs with good drainage. Lower upfront cost than silicone.
Best for: Roofs without ponding water, buildings prioritizing reflectivity and cooling savings.

Silicone Roof Coatings

Strong water and UV resistance. Perform better where ponding occurs. Higher upfront cost but longer lifespan in wet conditions.
Best for: Roofs with drainage issues, buildings in high-rainfall areas like Ohio and Michigan.

Polyurethane Roof Coatings

Tough, abrasion-resistant. Handle foot traffic and hail better than acrylic or silicone. Often used as a base coat under other coatings.
Best for: Roofs with equipment, heavy maintenance access, or buildings in hail-prone areas.

Asphalt-Emulsion Coating

Budget-conscious option for certain flat roofs. Work in restoration systems on modified bitumen or built-up roofs. Limited UV protection compared to acrylics or silicone.

How Do We Recommend Materials & Coatings?

Inspect & Document

Walk the roof, note membrane type, seams, ponding areas, penetrations, and existing coating if present. Photos and measurements document current condition.

Check Roof Condition

Determine if the roof structure is sound enough for a coating application, or if repair or replacement is needed first. Coatings only work on structurally solid roofs.

Present Options

Plain-language comparison: repair → re-cover → coat → full replacement with pros, cons, and realistic cost ranges for each.

Plan Work Around Operations

Phased approach, off-hours scheduling, staging to minimize disruption. Critical for retail, office, and multi-tenant buildings.

Maintain & Monitor

Maintenance plan and inspection cadence. Coatings still require periodic checks—they're not a set-it-and-forget-it solution.

What Affects Commercial Roofing Material & Coating Costs?

Commercial roof coatings typically cost less upfront than full replacement when the existing roof is a good candidate. Coatings can extend life and reduce energy use. Replacement has higher upfront cost but resets the system and warranty clock.

Cost factors:

Upfront expense → Coating vs membrane replacement

Lifespan extension → 5-10 years (coating) vs 15-25 years (new membrane)

Energy savings → Reflective coatings reduce cooling loads

Timing → Defer full replacement or combine coating with targeted repairs

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