Roof Coatings: Do They Really Work? A Comprehensive Review

Saad Ingraham
Mar 25
7 min read

Updated: Aug 19

At St. George Roof Coatings we are dedicated to providing long lasting solutions for homeowners and business owners in Southern Utah, helping you protect your property with top quality roofing materials. We get asked all the time: Do roof coatings really work? It’s a fair question—your roof whether on a residential home or commercial building is your first line of defense against the desert sun, occasional storms and harsh weather in St. George. Working with trusted St. George roofers for repairs we apply premium coatings to extend your roof’s life and avoid full replacement and save you time and money. In this blog post we will get into the effectiveness of roof coatings for commercial buildings and homes, we will look at how they extend roof life, review real world feedback from Southern Utah property owners and give you the facts to decide if coatings are the right choice to avoid full roof replacement for your property.

What Are Roof Coatings?

Roof coatings are liquid-applied membranes that, once cured, form a durable, protective layer over your existing roof. Made from materials like silicone, acrylic, polyurethane, or asphalt-based compounds, they’re designed to seal leaks, reflect sunlight, and shield against environmental wear. But does roof coating work as promised? Let’s look at the evidence.

Do Roof Coatings Work? The Evidence Says Yes—With Caveats

The short answer: Yes, roof coatings can work exceptionally well when applied correctly and under the right conditions. The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) notes that coatings can extend the life of structurally sound low-slope roofs by creating a seamless, watertight barrier. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that reflective coatings can significantly lower rooftop temperatures, reducing cooling costs in St. George’s hot summers.

Silicone coatings, a top choice at St George Roof Coatings, stand out for their durability and resistance to ponding water, per the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance. This is critical for flat roofs that might collect runoff during rare Utah downpours. The Cool Roof Rating Council notes that reflective coatings can reduce energy costs, with savings varying by property and climate. Many St. George clients report noticeable reductions in cooling bills.

That said, there’s a caveat: coatings aren’t a magic fix. The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) stresses that they work best on roofs in decent condition. If your roof has major structural damage, a coating won’t replace the need for repairs—it enhances, rather than rebuilds.

Types of Roof Coatings: Which Is Right for You?

Not all coatings are created equal. Here’s a breakdown of the main types we offer at St George Roof Coatings:

Silicone Coatings: Known for UV resistance and water repellency, these are ideal for flat roofs prone to ponding. They can last up to 20 years with proper care, per industry insights from GAF.
Acrylic Coatings: Water-based and highly reflective, acrylics excel in hot climates, reducing cooling costs by 10-20%, according to West Roofing Systems.
Polyurethane Coatings: Tough and chemical-resistant, these suit roofs with heavy foot traffic, extending life by 5-10 years in demanding settings.
Asphalt-Based Coatings: Affordable and weather-resistant, they can add up to 15 years to an aging roof’s life, per ARMA.

Advantages of Roof Coatings

So, is roof coating any good? Here’s what makes them a smart choice:

Extended Roof Life: Coatings can delay replacement by 10-15 years, per the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance.
Energy Efficiency: Reflective layers reduce heat absorption, cutting cooling costs by 10-20%, as noted by the Cool Roof Rating Council.
Seamless Protection: A uniform barrier eliminates leak-prone seams, crucial for flat roofs in St George.
Cost-Effective: At $2-$7 per square foot (West Roofing Systems), coatings are far cheaper than a $10+ per square foot roof replacement.

Disadvantages to Consider

No solution is perfect. Here are the trade-offs:

Prep Work: Roofs must be clean and sound for coatings to adhere, per GAF guidelines, adding to upfront effort.
Not Universal: Severely damaged roofs or traditional shingles aren’t ideal candidates, per NRCA and ARMA.
Maintenance: Coatings may need reapplication every 10-15 years and occasional cleaning to maintain reflectivity.

Roof Coatings Reviews: Real-World Success Stories

What do users say? Roof coatings reviews from Southern Utah and beyond are largely positive:

Residential Win: A St George homeowner with a leaky flat roof applied our silicone coating. Result? No more leaks and a 15% drop in summer energy bills.
Commercial Success: A local business tackled ponding issues with an acrylic coating, extending their roof’s life by an estimated 7-10 years, per their feedback.

Industry voices agree. American WeatherStar notes that while silicone coatings may attract dirt over time, their waterproofing is unmatched. GAF reports building owners seeing energy savings after reflective coatings, a trend we’ve witnessed firsthand in St George.

Does Roof Coating Work for Your Roof?

Coatings shine on low-slope roofs—think metal, modified bitumen, or single-ply membranes—common in St George’s commercial and modern residential builds. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency praises “cool roof” coatings in hot climates like ours, where UV protection is key. However, ARMA advises against coating asphalt shingles, as it can trap moisture and harm performance.

How to Choose the Right Roof Coating in St George UT

Assess Your Roof: Ensure it’s structurally sound with a professional inspection.
Consider Climate: In St George’s heat, reflective acrylics or durable silicones are top picks.
Consult Experts: Our team at St George Roof Coatings tailors solutions to your needs.

Maintenance Tips for Longevity

To keep your roof coating effective, follow these maintenance tips:

Inspect Regularly: Catch wear early to preserve the coating.
Clean Debris: Prevent moisture buildup that could degrade the layer.
Act Fast: Address minor damage promptly to avoid bigger issues.

Why St George Roof Coatings?

We know Southern Utah’s climate—intense sun, UV exposure, and sporadic rain. Our silicone and acrylic coatings are chosen to thrive here, applied with precision after thorough prep and roof repair if needed. With a free quote, consultations and solid warranties. We’re here to protect your investment.

Why St George Roof Coatings for High Solids Coatings?

We know Southern Utah’s climate—intense sun, UV exposure, high winds, and sporadic rain. Our silicone and acrylic roof coatings are specifically chosen to thrive here, applied with precision after thorough preparation and roof repair if needed. With free quotes, expert consultations, and solid warranties, we’re here to protect your investment.

Roof coatings are a proven, cost-effective solution for extending the life of your roof, improving energy efficiency, and preventing leaks. According to trusted sources like the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA), the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), and the U.S. Department of Energy, high-quality coatings deliver long-lasting protection when applied by a professional roofing company using premium materials.

St. George, Washington County, Southern Utah Options

For properties in St. George, Utah, and throughout Washington County, silicone roof coatings and acrylic roof coatings provide excellent alternatives to costly roof replacement. These advanced coatings adhere to a wide range of roofing substrates—including built-up roofs, metal, concrete, PVC, and even EPDM roofs—forming a strong bond that protects against cracking, peeling, and other damaging effects caused by the desert climate.

Whether your roof surface is old and worn or simply in need of added durability, coatings are an affordable way to enhance performance and longevity.

Why Roof Coatings for Ponding Water Makes Sense

Not every roof qualifies for coatings, but many with minor leaks, wet spots, water damage, or excessive heat absorption are prime candidates. A high-solids silicone roof coating offers unique advantages:

Withstands standing water without breaking down.
Creates a seamless barrier with just one coat in some cases (though two coats may be recommended for added thickness and durability).
Uses less material, reducing waste compared to traditional roofing systems.
Holds strong in high winds while remaining flexible instead of brittle.
Resists mold, mildew, and algae growth.
Performs exceptionally well in Southern Utah’s intense heat and UV exposure.

Acrylic coatings are also widely used for their reflective, energy-saving properties. They can significantly reduce cooling costs, though they are less effective than silicone when exposed to ponding or standing water. That’s why selecting the right coating—silicone, acrylic, or an EPDM/PVC-compatible system with specialized additives—is a critical decision.

Professional Application of Silicone Coatings Matters

While coatings may sound simple, true performance depends on surface preparation, repair work, and proper application techniques. Some projects may only require one gallon per 100 square feet, while others need more material to ensure adequate coverage and long-term protection. If applied incorrectly, coatings can become slippery, wear unevenly, or fail prematurely.

At St. George Roof Coatings, our experienced team evaluates your roof thoroughly before recommending the best solution. We address all key factors—from roof slope and ponding water to the condition of the substrate—so your coating delivers maximum performance.

We only use premium coatings designed to resist peeling, cracks, brittleness, and premature wear in the harsh Southern Utah climate.

Trusted Results & Positive Feedback

Our clients consistently give us positive feedback and roof coating reviews, praising the durability, improved energy efficiency, and long-lasting protection their roofs now provide. Many have noted that their coated roofs look better and perform better against leaks, UV rays, and extreme weather.

With regular maintenance, a professionally applied coating can extend the life of your roof for many years—at just a fraction of the cost of replacement.

Protect Your Roof With a Silicone Roof Coating

Ready to protect your roof, lower your energy bills, and extend the life of your property? Contact St. George Roof Coatings today for a free estimate. Whether your roof is metal, concrete, PVC, EPDM, or another roofing substrate, we’ll help you choose the right system to ensure lasting results in Washington County’s unique desert climate.

Ready to protect your roof and save on energy costs? Contact St. George Roof Coatings today for a free estimate. Let us help you achieve a long-lasting roof that thrives in Washington County’s hot weather.