Which is Better for Your Roof: A Coating or Coating System?

By Western Colloid. 

It’s time to reject the notion that coatings are a quick fix and understand why a coating system could be the next best thing for your roof. 

Roof coatings have long been seen as a good way to quickly fix an issue with a roof, such as leaks and UV damage. They have been viewed as a patch or ‘band-aid’ product to be used on top of traditional materials, like built-up (BUR) or single-ply roofing. But have you ever thought of using that coating as the whole entire roof system? 

It makes sense if you think about it. If coatings can fix the problems an existing roof has, wouldn’t they be good to use as the entire roof system? This is the approach that Western Colloid has always taken with our roof coating systems. We realized a while ago that when manufactured correctly, roof coatings have the potential to make great roof systems.  

Western Colloid is among a small group of roofing trailblazers who have figured out how to make the most out of fluid applied roof coating products. For 50 years, we have been restoring roofs with the power of roof coating systems and changing the minds of contractors and building owners everywhere. 

What are roof coatings? 

According to the Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association (RCMA), roof coating protect and extend the life of roof assemblies. They are typically used over top of existing roofs like, BUR, metal, spray polyurethane foam and single-ply membranes. Coatings are thicker than paint and designed to protect a roof from elements such as water, wind and UV light.  

Western Colloid’s main roof coating system is our Fluid Applied Reinforced Roofing (FARR) system. Our systems are made of durable, water-based membranes that are reinforced with polyester fabric and a reflective coating. The end result is a high-quality membrane that is tough against the elements and kind to the environment. 

Why is the industry slow to accept roof coating systems? 

The roofing industry is slow to adopt new change, hence why it’s taken a while for roof coating systems to be seen as a viable option. What Western Colloid has been creating for the past 50 years is currently at the forefront of new roofing technology. These days, everyone is in the roof coatings business. Nearly every major commercial roofing manufacturer has their own line of roof coatings. But because of this rush to put a coating out there, not all of them are good for your roof. 

If a coating needs a respirator to be installed, it can’t be good for the health of the contractor and tenants. A toxic roof coating could end up in a landfill, causing further damage to the environment. Some coatings that are being used start out fine initially, but end up not lasting very long, causing further problems with your roof. It’s better to trust a company with a long history in roof coatings and solid track record, like Western Colloid. 

It has taken our company over five decades to show that FARR systems can make a roof watertight and last a long time. Our history in this business is a testament to the resiliency of our roofing products. We’ve always said that “Western Colloid was cool before cool roofing was cool!” 

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