Yes, sealing and coating a commercial flat roof are the same thing. Coating is the preferred term in the industry, but customers and building owners sometimes use the two words interchangeably.

What is a Flat Roof Coating?

A flat roof coating is a fluid-applied elastomeric coating that waterproofs and protects the roof from UV light. The roof seams get reinforced with either mesh scrim or fibered coating. Then the top coat is applied making a monolithic roof surface. Roof coatings are generally white and do not heat up like traditional roof membranes (like EPDM which can reach 180 degrees in the bright sun). With a cooler roof, the membrane experiences far less thermal shock, such as when cool rainwater strikes a scalding hot roof. Less thermal shock will make the underlying membrane last longer.

A roof coating waterproofs all the seams, enclosures, fasteners, and penetrations on the covering and applies a top coating (typically white in color) that is waterproof and UV resistant. A roof coating extends the life of the existing roof membrane.

Why Coat a Flat Roof?

Is Painting a Flat Roof the Same Thing?

Both sealing and coating are distinct from “painting” a flat roof. Painting a flat roof is something that is done for aesthetic purposes only (changing or restoring the color). The paint is typically only one-quarter the thickness of a flat roof coating. It does not have the protective or life-extending properties of a flat roof coating.

How Often Should a Flat Roof Be Coated?

It is a good idea to discuss whether a coating is needed at the time of your annual commercial flat roof inspection. If you notice cracking, leaking, pooling, or any other sign of roof damage in the interim, it would be a good idea to get in touch with a reputable flat roofing contractor to schedule an inspection and ask them their advice.