Commercial buildings in Dallas, Fort Worth, Irving, Arlington, and the North Texas metro deal with some of the harshest roofing conditions in the country—scorching summers, sudden thunderstorms, strong winds, humidity, and occasional hail. With these weather extremes, commercial roofs face constant stress year-round.
For many businesses, the big question becomes:
“Do we replace the roof… or can we restore it?”
That’s where commercial roof coatings and roof painting systems come in. These solutions allow businesses to extend the life of their existing roof, improve energy efficiency, reduce leaks, and delay a costly replacement—often by 10–20 years.
At Pete’s Builders, we help commercial property owners throughout Dallas, Texas evaluate, restore, and protect their flat and low-slope roofs using industry-leading coating systems. Whether you’re dealing with leaks, UV damage, ponding water, or rising energy bills, coatings offer a practical and cost-effective solution.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn:
✔ What commercial roof coatings are
✔ How roof painting differs from true protective coatings
✔ Types of roof coating systems
✔ Benefits for Dallas businesses
✔ Costs, lifespan, and ROI
✔ When coating is better than replacing
✔ Application process
✔ FAQs answered by roofing experts
Let’s break it all down clearly so you can confidently choose the right option for your building.
What Are Commercial Roof Coatings?
A commercial roof coating is a seamless, waterproof, protective membrane applied over your existing roof. Unlike basic roof paint, commercial coatings are engineered to:
- Stop leaks
- Reflect heat
- Resist UV damage
- Seal cracks and seams
- Extend roof life by 10–20+ years
They create a “liquid-applied roofing system” that cures into a flexible, durable layer.
Roof coatings work on most commercial roofing types, including:
- TPO
- EPDM
- Modified bitumen
- PVC
- Metal roofing
- BUR (Built-Up Roofing)
- Spray foam (SPF)
In cities like Dallas—where roofs bake in 100°+ summer temperatures—coatings have become a popular way to cool buildings and reduce energy costs without tearing everything off.
Commercial Roof Painting vs. Commercial Roof Coatings
Although people often confuse the two, roof painting and roof coatings are very different.
Roof Painting (Cosmetic Only)
- Provides color and cosmetic enhancement
- Offers minimal weather protection
- Does NOT waterproof a roof
- Lasts only a few years
- May help reflect light (depending on paint)
Roof painting is typically used on metal roofs or older roofs to improve appearance—but it does not restore a roof system.
Roof Coatings (Protective System)
- Waterproof and weather-resistant
- Reflects UV and reduces heat
- Repairs and restores aging roofs
- Stops leaks
- Extends lifespan significantly
- Often qualifies for warranties
- May allow a building to avoid full replacement
In short:
👉 Painting makes a roof look better.
👉 Coatings make a roof perform better.
Most commercial buildings in Dallas benefit far more from coatings than simple paint.
Types of Commercial Roof Coating Systems
Different coating materials serve different purposes. Pete’s Builders uses systems designed for Texas weather, offering both durability and long-term performance.
Acrylic Roof Coatings – Affordable & Highly Reflective
Best For:
- Buildings with strong sun exposure
- Retail centers
- Schools, churches, and offices
- Metal roofs and modified bitumen roofs
Advantages:
- Excellent UV protection
- Most budget-friendly option
- White reflective surface reduces heat
- Environmentally friendly
Drawbacks:
- Not ideal for areas with ponding water
- May require occasional re-coating
Dallas summers make acrylic a popular energy-saving choice.
Silicone Roof Coatings – Best for Waterproofing & Ponding Water
Best For:
- Flat roofs that collect water
- Older roofs with minor leaks
- Buildings with heavy rain exposure
Advantages:
- Superior waterproofing
- Maintains elasticity
- Performs well in standing water
- Lasts longer than acrylic
Drawbacks:
- More expensive
- Can attract dirt (may affect reflectivity)
For many commercial roofs in Dallas—especially old flat roofs—silicone is the top choice.
Polyurethane (Urethane) Roof Coatings – Strongest & Most Durable
Best For:
- Industrial buildings
- Restaurants or manufacturing facilities
- High-traffic roof areas
- Areas prone to impact or abrasion
Advantages:
- Superior impact resistance
- Handles Texas hail storms better than other coatings
- Great for roofs with equipment or frequent foot traffic
Drawbacks:
- Higher cost
- Requires proper preparation and skilled installers
If durability is your priority, polyurethane is the strongest option on the market.
Asphalt Roof Coatings – Economical Restoration Option
Best For:
- Older BUR roofs
- Aging roofs needing inexpensive renewal
Advantages:
- Affordable
- Adds protective layer
- Works well on older systems
Drawbacks:
- Less reflective
- Less energy-efficient
- Shorter lifespan
Elastomeric Coatings – Flexible for Temperature Swings
Best For:
- Buildings experiencing big temperature fluctuations
- Metal roofs with expansion/contraction
Advantages:
- Excellent flexibility
- Maintains adhesion in hot and cold
Dallas’s heat makes elastomeric coatings especially effective on metal roofs.
Key Benefits of Commercial Roof Coatings for Dallas Businesses
Here’s why hundreds of Texas businesses choose roof coatings instead of replacements:
1. Extends Roof Life by 10–20 Years
A coating restores your roof and delays a full replacement, saving tens of thousands of dollars.
2. Stops Leaks & Waterproofs the Roof
A seamless membrane seals cracks, seams, and penetrations—no more patching leaks after every storm.
3. Massive Energy Savings
White and reflective coatings dramatically reduce heat absorption, leading to lower cooling costs during Texas summers.
Some buildings report 20–30% energy savings.
4. Cheaper Than Roof Replacement
Roof replacement can cost $8–$20 per square foot.
Coatings cost a fraction of that.
5. Reduced Disruption & Downtime
No tear-off. No debris. No closing your business.
6. Improved Building Comfort
Coatings reflect heat, making interior spaces cooler and more consistent.
7. Eco-Friendly Solution
No landfill waste
No tear-off debris
Restoration instead of replacement
8. Tax Benefits (Section 179)
Many commercial coating systems can qualify as fully deductible in year one, depending on project scope.
9. Works on Most Roof Types
TPO, EPDM, metal, PVC, modified bitumen—you name it.
When Should You Use a Roof Coating Instead of Replacing the Roof?
Roof coatings are best when:
- The roof is still structurally sound
- Leaks are minor or moderate
- Membrane is aged but not failing
- You want to extend lifespan 10–20 years
- Budget is limited
- You want to reduce heat and cooling costs
- You need a faster, easier solution
If your roof is sagging or deeply compromised, replacement may be required. Pete’s Builders will determine this during inspection.
The Commercial Roof Coating Process (Step-by-Step)
Pete’s Builders follows a proven, professional process:
Step 1: Roof Inspection & Moisture Scan
We check for leaks, saturation, and structural issues.
Step 2: Deep Cleaning & Power Washing
Debris, dirt, oils, and contaminants must be removed.
Step 3: Repairs Before Coating
We fix flashing, seams, cracks, and penetrations.
Step 4: Primer Application (If Needed)
Improves adhesion and extends coating life.
Step 5: Coating Application
We apply one or multiple layers based on system type.
Step 6: Curing & Final Inspection
Ensures thickness, coverage, and performance quality.
Step 7: Warranty Issuance
Coating systems can come with 10-, 15-, or even 20-year warranties.
Commercial Roof Types That Work Well with Coatings
- Metal roofs
- TPO and PVC roofs
- EPDM rubber roofs
- Modified bitumen
- Built-up roofs (BUR)
- Foam roofs
Pete’s Builders has coating solutions for each roofing type commonly found in North Texas.
Cost Comparison: Roof Coatings vs. Roof Painting vs. Replacement
| Roofing Option | Cost per Sq. Ft. | Lifespan | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roof Painting | $0.50 – $1.50 | 2–5 years | Cosmetic |
| Roof Coating Systems | $2.50 – $6.50 | 10–20 years | Performance + waterproofing |
| Roof Replacement | $8 – $20+ | 20–30 years | New system |
Conclusion: Coatings provide the best ROI of any option for most commercial buildings.
Dallas Retail Building Restored with Silicone Coating
A large retail building in North Dallas had:
- Multiple leaks
- Ponding water
- Heat retention issues
- A 17-year-old modified bitumen roof
They contacted Pete’s Builders.
What We Did:
- Repaired problem areas
- Applied high-build silicone coating
- Added reinforced mesh over seams
- Installed reflective white finish
Results:
- Leaks eliminated
- Energy bills dropped by 22%
- Roof life extended by 12–15 years
- No tear-off required
This is the power of using coatings instead of replacing a roof.
FAQs:
1. How long do commercial roof coatings last?
10–20 years depending on thickness and coating type.
2. Can roof coatings fix leaks?
Yes—coatings seal cracks, seams, and problem areas.
3. Are commercial roof coatings good for flat roofs?
Absolutely. They’re ideal for flat and low-slope roofs.
4. What’s the difference between roof coating and roof replacement?
Coatings restore the roof. Replacement builds a new system.
5. Does roof painting protect the roof?
Not really. Paint is cosmetic. Coatings offer true protection.
6. Which coating is best for Texas weather?
Silicone or polyurethane for durability
Acrylic for heat reflection
7. Can coatings be applied over any roof?
Most roofs qualify unless they’re saturated or structurally compromised.
Conclusion: Protect Your Commercial Roof the Smart Way
When it comes to extending the life of your commercial roof in Dallas, Texas, few solutions offer more value, performance, and long-term protection than roof coatings.
Whether your building needs:
✔ Heat reduction
✔ Leak prevention
✔ Extended roof life
✔ A budget-friendly alternative to replacement
✔ A cooler, more energy-efficient workspace
Commercial roof coating systems from Pete’s Builders are an excellent choice.
Instead of spending tens of thousands on a full replacement, a high-quality coating system can restore your roof and keep your business protected for years.
📞 Ready to Restore Your Commercial Roof?
Pete’s Builders – Dallas, Texas
➡ Commercial Roofing Experts
➡ Roof Coatings, Restoration, Painting & Repairs
➡ Serving Dallas, Fort Worth, Irving, Arlington, Plano & more
📱 Call Us Today: 214-997-6501
🌐 Book an Inspection Today
Protect your business. Protect your investment.
Choose a roofing partner that puts durability, honesty, and long-term performance first.