What Is A Roof Coating?
A roof coating works as an additional layer of protection on an existing roof that is applied in liquid form. It can extend a roof’s life anywhere from 10 to 20 years averaging around 15. It does this by forming a seamless barrier on top of the roof that once applied protects the roof against water penetration and UV rays. It does all this while beating out the cost of a roof replacement by the margin of on the high end of 5 dollars per square foot for a roof coating while a new roof comes out to around 11 dollars per square foot.
Coating systems are primarily used on commercial properties as they cannot be applied onto shingle roofs which disqualifies most homes unfortunately. The most common use case for a coating is a commercial property with a flat roof. A coating serves as a more permanent and holistic solution to a roof nearing the end of its life compared to the more piecemeal leak chasing and patching roof repair work.
What is GACO?
GACO is an industry leader in innovative silicone roof coating systems. We here at Cutter Construction are a certified applicator of GACO’s products which means that when we install a GACO roof coating or any other GACO product it is covered by GACO’s 10 to 20 year warranties depending on the product used.
GACO takes their warranty very seriously what this means for you as a property owner interested in getting a roof coated is that after we apply the coating GACO will send out its own in house inspector to take a look at the job, take detailed notes, and come back to us with an approved warranty after making sure it meets the standard for warranty coverage. This commitment to providing only the highest possible quality of work is why we work with GACO.
In addition to providing the warranty GACO also works with us hand in hand during the application process of coating providing us with cutting-edge products as they are developed. We are the only GACO certified contractor in eastern Iowa which means no other local contractor in Cedar Rapids or Iowa City will be able to provide GACO’s warranty like we can here at Cutter Construction.
When it comes to protecting your business, a durable and well-maintained roof is essential. Here at Cutter Construction, we take pride in providing top-quality roofing solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of businesses across various industries. With years of experience and a commitment to taking care of our customers, we offer services not provided by any other commercial roofing contractor in the area such as roof coatings.
Our team works with a wide range of roofing materials, including flat roofs, metal roofing, TPO, EPDM, and more, ensuring that your commercial property remains leak free. Whether you need a full roof replacement, leak detection, or preventative maintenance, we have the expertise and resources to deliver reliable, cost-effective solutions.
We take pride in our craftsmanship, using the highest quality materials and the latest industry technology to provide long-lasting roofing systems. Contact us today for a free inspection from our project manager and see what we can do for your commercial property.
Case Study: 2nd Ave Corner Pocket
The 2nd Ave Corner Pocket right here in Cedar Rapids was one of the first coating system jobs we took on here at Cutter Construction. It was managed by Brad Weatherman, our lead liquid applied roofing system project manager.
Brad got up on the roof personally and not only taught our team how to apply the coating but also stayed up on the roof to help get the job done. Brad has over half a decade working with liquid applied roof systems and brings that expertise to every job we tackle here at Cutter involving them.
Why We Don't Put Coatings On Shingle Roofs
Applying a roof coating to a shingle roof—especially asphalt shingles—is not recommended and is often considered a code violation or warranty risk for several important reasons. Shingle roofs are engineered to allow for natural ventilation and the escape of moisture through the small gaps between shingles.
When a roof coating is applied, it forms a continuous, waterproof membrane that seals those gaps. This can trap moisture beneath the surface, leading to significant problems such as rotting of the roof decking, warping of structural components, and the development of mold or mildew, all of which can compromise the roof’s integrity over time.
In addition, virtually all major shingle manufacturers—including Owens Corning, GAF, and CertainTeed—explicitly state in their warranty terms that applying any type of coating over their shingles will void the warranty, as it alters the intended performance and aging process of the product.
Roof coatings also interfere with the natural water-shedding design of shingles. Shingles are layered to guide water off the roof and into gutters. A coating can fill in the channels between shingles, causing water to pool or flow improperly, thereby increasing the likelihood of leaks and structural damage.
Moreover, the rough, granulated surface of shingles makes it difficult for coatings to adhere effectively. Even when applied correctly, the coating may not bond well, leading to issues like peeling, blistering, or cracking, often within a short time frame.
From a regulatory standpoint, many local building codes prohibit roof coatings on shingle systems because of these risks. Inspectors may reject such modifications during resale inspections, and insurance companies may decline to cover related damages.
Ultimately, if a shingle roof is deteriorating or nearing the end of its lifespan, the only reliable, long-term, and code-compliant solution is to replace or re-roof it with materials designed for that purpose.
Luckily if your shingle roof is nearing the end of its life we also offer conventional roof replacement as an option for both commercial businesses and home owners.
