Business structures perform many important functions. They hold your merchandise or production machinery. They shelter your employees and customers. They also connect with your brand and reputation. It makes sense that you want to protect your premises and ensure that the structure stands the test of time.
One of the most important considerations is your building’s roof. It’s responsible for protecting the interior from rain, snow, sleet, hail, and damaging UV rays. Whether you’re installing a new roof or replacing an aging commercial roof, you must choose the right material. Increasingly, business owners opt for a butyl rubber roof coating, but is this the right choice for you?
Lifespan
Business owners want to invest in products that will last. A butyl rubber roof coating is one of the longest-lasting roofing types out there, with a lifespan that can measure up to 50 years with the right installation and care. That means you can apply a couple of coats of liquid rubber to your roof and then not worry about it again for five decades. Talk about peace of mind!
Performance
Of course, the level of performance you can expect is also an important factor. Happily, a butyl rubber roof coating offers outstanding performance across all temperature ranges and climates. When properly installed, it is weathertight, waterproof, and UV-resistant. In addition, white coatings can reflect up to 90% of the sun’s UV rays, helping you keep the building cooler, reduce your energy usage, and even improve the environment.
Ponding Water Resistance
Many commercial structures are built with flat roofs that can suffer from ponding water. A butyl rubber roof coating is one of the best solutions for this type of issue because, once cured, it’s entirely impermeable. That means even if ponding water stands for long periods, you don’t need to worry about it seeping through the roofing material and into the structure of your building.
Ease of Application
When you think of roofing projects, you probably imagine long, drawn-out processes that involve lots of equipment and plenty of noise that will disrupt your business. While that might be the case with some roofing systems, applying a butyl rubber roof coating doesn’t have to bother your customers or employees. That’s because it can be applied using sprayers, rollers, and brushes. While some power washing equipment might be required to clean the roof initially, the application process involves very little noise and no disruption of your business.
Color Instability
If there is one drawback with butyl rubber roof coatings, it’s that the material is not particularly color-stable. Within three to six months, the material’s color begins to fade. That’s bad news for business owners interested in custom-colored roofs. However, if your roof is flat, it cannot be seen from the ground anyway. There are also workarounds, particularly if you’re interested in maintaining a bright, clean white color. For example, you can top-coat the rubber with white acrylic. Clear acrylic can help keep black butyl rubber from fading, too.
In Conclusion
Is a butyl rubber roof coating the right option for your business? For most, the answer is yes. It’s incredibly durable, affordable, and easy to apply. It’s also one of the strongest materials on the market and can easily stand up to both UV exposure and ponding water.
However, there may be better choices for some locations. We recommend taking a long look at your structure and choosing a material that works best with the architecture, as well as your goals in terms of style, design, and coloration.