Commercial tool
Is this roof a coating candidate?
A coating only works on a roof that is dry, sound and compatible. Answer honestly, and use “Not sure” when you don't know. An unknown answer always means professional review.
Result
Answer the questions and press Check feasibility.
Coating, recover and replacement are different
- Coating (restoration): a fluid-applied layer over the existing roof, which stays the waterproofing layer. It needs a dry, sound, compatible roof.
- Recover: a new roof system over the existing one, where code, moisture and the deck allow. Recover guide.
- Replacement: tear-off to the deck and a new system. It is usually the answer when insulation is wet across large areas, the deck is damaged or the membrane has failed.
This check screens eligibility; it doesn't price anything. For planning ranges on coating versus replacement, use the commercial roof cost planner. More in the silicone coating guide.
How to use this tool
- Answer the moisture, deck, membrane and ponding questions honestly. “Not sure” is fine.
- Any stop condition means a coating is not the next step. Get a moisture survey.
- If the screen passes, enter your area and a coverage rate from the product data sheet.
- Ask the coating manufacturer to confirm the roof qualifies for the warranty you want.
Coating season in Ohio and Michigan
Many coating data sheets require at least 40°F and a surface 5°F above the dew point, with no rain or frost. That makes late spring through early fall the working season here. Plan the moisture survey in spring so the work fits the weather.
Roof coating types compared
| Coating | Strengths | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Acrylic | Reflective, water-based, lower cost | Not for ponding water; needs warm, dry curing weather |
| Silicone | Handles UV and many ponding conditions | Hard for most products to stick to later; recoat with silicone |
| Polyurethane | Tough against foot traffic and impact | Solvent odor; more steps |
| SEBS / rubber-based | Stretchy; often used on metal and mod bit | Fewer suppliers; check compatibility |
Every coating needs a dry roof, a sound deck and the manufacturer’s prep. Check the product data sheet for temperature, dew point and ponding limits.
Get a free inspection or multiple bids
Free Asset Protection Inspection
Have the roof you're worried about looked at in person, at no cost and with no obligation. Homes, commercial buildings and HOA communities in Ohio and Michigan.
Inspections are done by our founder, Jonathan Blake, or, if you allow it, by the independent roofing and exterior contractor he works for.
Get three comparable bids
- Save or print this tool's result so every contractor starts from the same numbers.
- Ask at least three contractors for a written proposal on the same scope.
- Compare line by line: area, tear-off, repairs, materials, permits, warranty.
Why plan here first
| What you get | Midwest Roof Calculators | National cost websites | A first number on the doorstep |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built for Ohio and Michigan weather and permits | Yes | Rarely | Varies |
| Shows the formula and every assumption | Yes | Sometimes | Rarely |
| See results before giving contact details | Yes | Often not | No |
| Ranges labeled with what they include and exclude | Yes | Varies | Varies |
| Questions to ask every contractor | Yes | Sometimes | No |
| Replaces an in-person inspection | No, and we say so | No | No |
General comparison of approaches, not of any named company.
Frequently asked questions
Can any flat roof be coated?
No. A coating needs a dry, sound, compatible roof. Wet insulation, a damaged deck, unexplained leaks, failed membrane, ponding and failing old coatings all rule it out as the main solution.
What is the difference between a coating and a recover?
A coating is a fluid-applied layer that renews the existing roof, which stays the waterproofing layer. A recover installs a new roof system over the old one where code and conditions allow.
Why does the tool ask about a moisture survey?
Coating over saturated insulation seals water in. Infrared, capacitance or nuclear surveys, confirmed with cores, find wet areas before anyone chooses a solution.
Why don’t you show a coating price?
Coating cost depends on the substrate, preparation, repairs, the manufacturer system and warranty. We have no reviewed specifications or local prices loaded, so we do not estimate it.
Ask for a professional roof assessment
A qualified assessment can include a moisture survey, cores and adhesion tests before anyone recommends coating, recover or replacement.