Elastomeric Roof Coatings
Elastomeric coatings are among the most popular choices for commercial properties in Arizona. These thick, rubber-like coatings create a seamless, waterproof membrane that stretches and contracts with the building as temperatures change throughout the day. This flexibility is critical in Phoenix where roofs can experience a 100-degree temperature swing between a summer afternoon and early morning.
Elastomeric coatings excel at bridging hairline cracks in the substrate, providing waterproofing protection, and reflecting solar heat to reduce cooling costs. They work well over most substrates including stucco, concrete, and previously coated surfaces. Typical lifespan in Arizona is 10-15 years with proper application.
Silicone Roof Coatings
Silicone coatings are the top choice for flat commercial roofs, especially those with ponding water issues. Unlike most other coatings, silicone does not break down when exposed to standing water, making it ideal for flat roofs with less-than-perfect drainage — a common reality on older commercial buildings in Phoenix.
Silicone also offers excellent UV resistance and maintains its reflective properties over time without chalking or hardening. The trade-off is that silicone surfaces can be slippery when wet and may attract dirt in dusty environments. Typical lifespan is 15-20 years.
Acrylic Roof Coatings
Acrylic coatings are the most budget-friendly option and provide good reflectivity and UV resistance. They’re best suited for roofs in good condition that need a reflective, protective layer without the higher cost of silicone or elastomeric systems.
The main limitation of acrylics in Arizona is that they don’t perform well in ponding water conditions and may require more frequent recoating than silicone or elastomeric options. Typical lifespan is 7-10 years in Arizona’s climate.
How to Choose the Right Coating for Your Property
The best coating for your property depends on roof condition, drainage performance, budget, and long-term plans for the building. If you have ponding water issues, silicone is typically the best choice. If you need crack-bridging and flexibility, elastomeric is the way to go. If your roof is in good condition and budget is tight, acrylic can be a smart interim solution.
The most important factor is proper application by an experienced commercial coating contractor who understands Arizona conditions. Even the best coating system will fail if surface preparation is inadequate or application thickness is insufficient.
Energy Savings and ROI
One of the biggest advantages of roof coatings in Phoenix is the energy savings. Cool roof coatings can lower roof surface temperatures by up to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, significantly reducing the HVAC load on your building. For a large multifamily community running dozens of AC units, this translates to meaningful utility savings — often enough to offset a significant portion of the coating cost over its lifespan.
Many coating systems also qualify for utility rebates from Arizona energy providers, further improving the return on investment.
Get a Professional Assessment
Need help choosing the right roof coating for your property? American Exterior Systems specializes in commercial roof coatings across Arizona. Call (480) 707-3707 for a free roof assessment and coating recommendation.