First Class Roofing provides roof restoration services for commercial and industrial buildings in Ohio. Restoration means repairing a sound roof and applying a coating to protect it, which can extend the roof’s service life when the existing roof is a good candidate. It is not right for every roof, so the first question is whether yours is one of them.
This page explains the benefits of roof restoration, the conditions that make a roof a sound candidate and the conditions that rule coating out. To talk through your roof, call First Class Roofing at 888-699-9321.
Is Your Roof a Restoration Candidate?
A roof is usually a good restoration candidate when its structure is sound and the problems are on the surface: weathering, minor leaks, worn seams or a faded surface. It is a poor candidate when water has already gotten into the roof system. Use this table to see how common conditions point toward restoration, repair or replacement.
| Condition | Restoration may fit when | Repair first when | Replacement is likely when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moisture in the roof | Roof is dry, or only isolated wet spots that can be cut out and replaced first | Localized wet insulation is removed and repaired before any coating | Insulation is saturated across large areas |
| Adhesion of the existing surface | Surface is clean and firmly bonded, or can be cleaned and primed to accept coating | Loose or blistered areas are repaired, then the roof is reassessed | Membrane is delaminating or failing widely |
| Substrate and deck | Deck and insulation are sound | Isolated damaged sections are repaired | Decking is rotted or insulation has failed |
| Drainage and ponding | Water drains acceptably | Clogged drains, flashings and minor defects are fixed first | Persistent ponding from a structural or slope defect, which coating does not correct |
| Compatibility | Coating is compatible with the existing membrane or surface | A different coating or primer is selected | No compatible coating option exists for the existing system |
A roof inspection from First Class Roofing checks these conditions, so the recommendation is based on the roof in front of us.
Lower Utility Costs
Some coatings make the surface of a commercial roof more reflective, which can reduce the heat the roof absorbs in summer and may ease the load on cooling equipment. How much a building saves depends on its roof, insulation, climate, equipment and how it is used, so energy savings should not be treated as guaranteed. Reflectivity also changes over time as a coating collects dirt and ages.
Lifespan and Realistic Expectations
Restoration can extend the useful life of a roof that is otherwise sound, but no one can promise an exact number of years. Results depend on the existing roof, the quality of the preparation, the coating selected, weather exposure and how well the roof is maintained afterward. Ask any contractor what the proposal covers, including cleaning, repairs, the number of coating coats, the materials and how the finished work will be inspected. Compare proposals line by line, because two bids that look similar may include very different preparation.
A restored roof still needs care. Clearing drains, checking seams and flashings and inspecting after severe storms help small problems stay small.
Roof Restoration Experts
Restoring commercial roofs is one of the services First Class Roofing provides, with more than 25 years of experience on commercial and industrial buildings. For EPDM systems, EPDM rubber roof coatings are one possible restoration approach when compatible. More generally, a coating can be a practical investment when the roof qualifies. You can read more on our commercial roof coatings page.
A restoration project generally follows these steps, subject to the roof assembly and the selected coating system:
- Preparation: the roof is cleaned so the coating can bond to a sound surface.
- Repairs: seams, flashings, penetrations and damaged areas are repaired, and wet or damaged material is addressed before coating.
- Application: the coating is applied to the repaired, prepared surface.
- Acceptance: the finished roof is checked for coverage and any missed details.
- Follow-up inspection: the roof is inspected again afterward, and ongoing roof maintenance helps the coating perform.
Coating does not correct ponding-water drainage defects, rotted decking or saturated insulation. Those problems need to be repaired or addressed through replacement first.
Other Services
Restoring a roof will not always be the best route forward. The right service depends on several factors, which is why we start with an inspection. Depending on what we find, the better answer may be commercial roof repair or roof replacement, and First Class Roofing handles those services as well.
Fast Response Times
No one wants to wait around while a roof is leaking. First Class Roofing provides 24/7 emergency roofing services for commercial and industrial buildings, so a leak can be addressed promptly while the longer-term plan, including restoration, is worked out. We can discuss solutions that fit the building and the budget.
Talk With a Roof Restoration Contractor
If you think your roof could benefit from restoration, contact First Class Roofing or call 888-699-9321. First Class Roofing offers non-prorated warranty options on qualifying work, and we will explain in writing what applies to your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is a commercial roof a good candidate for restoration?
When the structure is sound, the roof is dry or can be made dry with repairs, and the surface can be cleaned so a coating bonds well.
What conditions make coating inappropriate?
Saturated insulation, rotten decking, widespread membrane failure and ponding caused by drainage defects. Coating does not fix these.
Will a restoration coating lower my energy bills?
It may help by reflecting heat, but savings depend on your building and equipment and are not guaranteed.
What happens after the coating is applied?
The roof is checked for coverage, and follow-up inspections and maintenance help the coating last.