Providence Roofs. Lake Norman's leading roofing company.
Free roofing estimates in North Carolina
FREE Estimates
704-883-6052

Roof Coating Buyer’s Guide

If you’re considering ways to extend the life of your roof without committing to a full replacement, roof coatings may be an option worth exploring. A roof coating is a protective layer applied to the surface of an existing roof to improve its durability, weather resistance, and energy efficiency. 

What is a Roof Coating?

A roof coating is a liquid-applied membrane that cures into a durable, waterproof layer over your existing roof surface. Unlike paint, roof coatings are made from high-performance materials designed to resist UV rays, moisture, and temperature changes.

Common types of roof coatings include:

  • Acrylic Coatings: Great for UV protection and reflectivity.
  • Silicone Coatings: Ideal for waterproofing and ponding water resistance.
  • Elastomeric Coatings: Flexible and excellent for expansion/contraction.
  • Polyurethane Coatings: Highly durable, often used in commercial settings.

Roof coatings can be applied over specific roofing systems, especially:

  • Flat or low-slope roofs
  • Certain metal roofs
  • Some commercial roofing membranes (TPO, EPDM, modified bitumen)
  • Older roofs that are still structurally sound

Important note: Roof coatings are not a replacement for shingles and are typically not used on standard asphalt shingle homes.

Get a free roofing estimate
Hero Estimate

Who Roof Coatings are Best For

Roof coatings are ideal for specific situations and types of property owners.

You may be a good fit if:

1. You own a home or building with a flat or low-slope roof.

These roof types benefit most from coatings, especially if ponding water is a concern.

2. You want to extend the life of an aging roof.

A coating can add years of service life when the roof is still structurally sound.

3. You want a cost-effective alternative to full replacement.

A coating is often less expensive, making it a budget-friendly improvement option.

4. You want better energy efficiency.

Reflective coatings help reduce heat absorption, lowering cooling costs in warm months.

5. Your roof is in “worn but repairable” condition.

Coatings can seal cracks, improve waterproofing, and stabilize surfaces.

6. You want reduced roof maintenance.

Coatings resist UV damage, slow material aging, and protect against weathering.

Coatings are especially valuable for property managers or owners of buildings with wide roof surfaces.

When Roof Coating is Worth Buying

Roof coating is a strategic investment when your roof meets certain conditions. Here are situations where coating is absolutely worth considering:

1. Your Roof Is Aging but Still Structurally Sound

If your roof has minor wear but no severe leaks, soft decking, or structural issues, a coating can delay replacement by years.

2. You Want to Improve Water Resistance

Coatings provide seamless coverage that helps:

  • Seal small cracks
  • Reduce leak risks
  • Improve resistance to standing water (depending on the coating type)

This is especially helpful on flat roofs where water tends to sit instead of draining.

3. You Want to Cut Cooling Costs

Reflective and energy-efficient coatings reduce heat absorption, keeping the building cooler and reducing HVAC workload.

4. You Want a Cost-Saving Alternative to Replacement

Full roof replacements can be expensive and disruptive.
A coating is minimally invasive, quicker to install, and significantly more affordable in many cases.

5. You Want to Reduce Environmental Impact

Coating your roof instead of replacing it reduces landfill waste and uses fewer materials — an eco-friendly choice.

When Roof Coating Might Not Be the Right Choice

Roof coatings are powerful solutions, but they aren’t ideal for every property or roof type.

You may not want a coating if:

  • Your roof has major structural damage
  • There are large areas of saturated decking
  • The existing membrane is peeling or failing extensively
  • You have an asphalt shingle roof (coatings are NOT recommended)
  • You need a long-term roof solution beyond the coating’s typical lifespan
  • You want a specific finish or appearance coatings can't provide

A proper inspection is essential to know whether a coating can perform effectively.

Why Choose Providence Roofing for Roof Coating Services

A roof coating is only as effective as the preparation and application behind it. Here’s how we ensure quality results:

Thorough evaluation first

We determine whether your roof is a good candidate before we recommend a coating.

Proper surface preparation

Cleaning, repairing, and prepping the roof ensures the coating bonds securely.

Correct material selection

We choose the type of coating that matches your specific roof material, slope, and environmental conditions.

Professional application

Even coverage, correct mil thickness, and proper curing are essential for performance.

Clear expectations

We explain what a coating can and cannot do so homeowners make the right decision.

Extended roof life

A high-quality coating adds years of protection and reduces maintenance needs.

Providence Roofing treats each coating job with the same detail-focused approach we bring to full roof replacements and major repairs.

Is a Roof Coating Right for Your Property?

Let’s evaluate your roof and explore your best options.

A roof coating can be a smart investment — but only if the roof is in the right condition for it. Providence Roofing is here to guide you through that decision with clear inspection results, honest recommendations, and high-quality workmanship.

Whether you're looking to extend your roof’s lifespan, reduce leaks, or lower cooling costs, a coating may be the perfect solution — and we’ll help you determine that with confidence.

Providence Roofing Provides Services in and around these locations:

Banner Elk
Bessemer City
Bethlehem
Blowing Rock
Boone
Carolina Shores
Catawba
Charlotte
Cherryville
Concord
Conover
Crouse
Davidson
Denver
Gastonia
Granite Falls
Harmony
Hickory
Hiddenite
Hudson
Huntersville
Kings Mountain
Lenior
Lincolnton
Linville
Little River
Maiden
Mooresville
Morganton
Mt. Holly
Shallotte
Stanley
Statesville
Stony Point
Taylorsville
Troutman
Union Grove
Valdese
Vale
Valle Crucis
West Jefferson
Winston-Salem

How to Know If Roof Coating Fits Your Needs

Coatings thrive in these environments.
Coatings deliver strong value.
If yes, a coating can delay the need for replacement.
Coatings check both boxes.
Coatings are quiet, clean, and fast compared to a tear-off.
If most of these apply, a roof coating may be an excellent option.
100%
CUSTOMER
SATISFACTION
We strive to ensure that you will be 100% satisfied with the Roof Repair, Roof Replacement, or Gutter Installation services you receive from Providence Roofing, In other words, customer satisfaction is our top priority. However, don’t take our word for it. We prefer to let our Google Reviews speak for themselves:
  • Providence Roofing was a pleasure to do business with from the moment I began speaking with them. They were excellent at communicating their findings on the roof and keeping me updated on installation dates and progress. Mr. Hull provided an honest assessment and walked through how the job would go. They were punctual and cleaned up prior to leaving. I would highly recommend them for any roofing or gutter work needed in the Statesville area.
    Brian Bluhm
  • I could not have been more satisfied with my services from Providence Roofing. Thomas responded to my initial call in a very timely manner, he was professional , knowledgeable, and courteous. I am thrilled to have my new roof before winter! This roofing crew worked hard. They were respectful of the property and neighborhood during the job and when the job was done, they left NO trace that they had been there , except for the new roof of course! Thomas makes himself very available and they do quality work at a good price point. I recommend Providence Roofing without hesitation!
    Colleen Tarantino
  • Ashley and his team were great from start to finish. They arrived on time and worked hard and finished just in time to beat out an incoming storm so that my new roof got to be tested right away. (It held up just great)I found two small things the next day and they came back quickly to take care of them. Ashley was very personable and in fact that is what won them the business over other competitors who were not so. He seemed genuinely interested in me as a person and my project. Others were only there to make the sale and nothing more. I highly recommend Providence Roofing.
    Coach West
Providence Roofs. 5 star rated roofing company in North Carolina
Providence Roofing is your trusted, Veteran Owned and Led, local roofing contractor. Our business was formed out of a desire to build long-lasting, beautiful roofs for residential and commercial customers.
info@providenceroofs.com
Ⓒ 2023,2026 Providence Roofing. All rights reserved.
TAP TO GET A FREE ESTIMATE
chevron-down