If you own a commercial building or even a home with a flat or low-slope roof, chances are you’ve heard about roof coatings. These coatings are a smart way to extend the life of your roof, improve energy efficiency, and protect it from the harsh Arkansas weather.
But with so many options silicone, acrylic, polyurethane, and more—how do you know which one is right for your roof?
At Hostetler Roofing, we’ve been applying flat roof coatings across Nashville Arkansas and the ArkLaTex region for decades. In this blog, I’ll walk you through the most common types of coatings, the pros and cons of each, and which might be best for your specific roofing situation.
What Is a Flat Roof Coating?
Flat roof coatings are fluid-applied membranes designed to protect and seal the roof surface. Once cured, they form a seamless, waterproof barrier that can prevent leaks, reduce UV damage, and even help lower cooling costs.
They’re especially useful for aging roofs that still have a solid structure but need a performance boost.
Why Use a Roof Coating Instead of Replacement?
There are a few solid reasons:
- Cost Savings – Coating a roof is often less expensive than a full replacement.
- Less Disruption – No tear-off means fewer labor hours and less mess.
- Energy Efficiency – Reflective coatings can reduce roof surface temps and help with cooling costs.
- Extended Roof Life – A good coating can give you 10–20 more years, depending on the product.
The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) recommends coatings as part of a long-term roof maintenance plan, especially for commercial buildings.
Types of Flat Roof Coatings
Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly used coatings and when they work best:
1. Silicone Roof Coatings
- Best For: Areas with heavy rain or ponding water
- Pros: Extremely waterproof, UV-resistant, doesn’t chalk or crack easily
- Cons: Can be slippery when wet, harder to recoat later
- Lifespan: 10–20 years
Our take: We often recommend silicone for flat commercial roofs here in Arkansas, where ponding water is a real issue.
2. Acrylic Roof Coatings
- Best For: Dry climates or roofs with good drainage
- Pros: Cost-effective, easy to apply, highly reflective (great for energy savings)
- Cons: Not ideal where ponding water occurs
- Lifespan: 5–10 years
Our take: Acrylic works well on metal or single-ply roofs, but we only recommend it when we know ponding isn’t a concern.
3. Polyurethane Roof Coatings
- Best For: High-traffic or industrial roofs
- Pros: Strong abrasion resistance, great for foot traffic, good waterproofing
- Cons: More expensive, can be trickier to apply
- Lifespan: 10–15 years
Our take: Polyurethane is great for flat roofs where people need access—like restaurants or service buildings.
4. Asphalt-Based Coatings
- Best For: Older built-up or modified bitumen roofs
- Pros: Affordable, good adhesion, adds thickness
- Cons: Less reflective, more odor during application
- Lifespan: 5–8 years
Our take: We sometimes use asphalt emulsion as a base layer with other reflective coatings on top.
Also Read: Flat Roof vs. Pitched Roof for Businesses
So, Which Flat Roof Coating Is Best?
It really depends on your roof’s condition, location, and how the building is used. Here’s a quick guide:
| Condition | Best Coating |
| Ponding water | Silicone |
| Hot sunny weather | Acrylic or Silicone |
| Foot traffic areas | Polyurethane |
| Older asphalt roofs | Asphalt-based coating |
Before applying any coating, the roof must be cleaned, dried, and in sound structural shape. A coating won’t fix a failing roof—but it can preserve a good one.
How Much Do Roof Coatings Cost?
The average cost of flat roof coatings ranges between $1.50 to $5.00 per square foot, depending on the material and prep work needed.
It’s often much more affordable than replacement, especially for commercial buildings with large surface areas. We provide detailed estimates so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
Get Expert Advice on Flat Roof Coatings
Choosing the right coating can make a big difference in how long your roof lasts and how well it performs. At Hostetler Roofing, we’ve coated everything from warehouses and schools to churches and retail spaces.
We’d be happy to take a look at your flat roof and give you honest feedback—no pressure, no upsell.
Call Hostetler Roofing at (870) 557-4797 for a free consultation or roof inspection. Serving Nashville, Arkansas and the surrounding ArkLaTex region with quality you can count on.
You May Also Like To Read: How to Fix a Sagging Roof