The rise of liquid-applied roof coatings

By Jesse Sanchez. 

How modern coatings are transforming the roofing industry and offering long-term solutions. 

In this CoatingsTalk webinar, host Heidi J. Ellsworth sat down with Ed Klonowski, senior product manager at Gaco, to discuss the basics of liquid-applied roof coatings. For over 60 years, Gaco has pioneered solutions in the roofing and waterproofing sectors and Ed’s insights are crucial for contractors and industry professionals looking to stay ahead in the steadily growing market. 

Ed explained the evolution of traditional roofing materials. “Traditional coatings have been around for centuries. But more recently… your tar and gravel roof systems [have] kind of dominated the liquid-applied portion for roofing for the last 60, 70 years,” he said, noting the recent shift. Now, polymer-based products, such as acrylics, urethanes and silicones, are gaining traction due to their superior performance and versatility. He added that “the cool roof movement” has also driven growth, offering solutions that reflect UV radiation and reduce heat absorption. 

One of the standout benefits of these coatings is their adaptability, especially for existing structures. As Ed explained, liquid-applied roof coatings offer building owners an option to extend the life of their roofs without the labor-intensive and costly process of tear-offs. He noted, “You can apply a coating that’ll get you 10, 15, 20 years of additional life… you can come back and coat it again almost indefinitely to prolong the life of that roof.” 

Another major point of discussion was the industry's growing labor challenges. The scarcity of skilled roofers has made liquid-applied coatings an attractive alternative. These coatings are less labor-intensive and can be applied quickly, reducing project timelines and costs. Ed shared the variety of options available, saying, “Your selection of a system is going to depend on the roof type, where it’s located, how it’s being used, what it’ll be subjected to over its life.” 

Read the transcript, Listen to the conversation or Watch the webinar to learn more about the benefits of liquid-applied coatings and gain valuable insights into the future of the roofing industry!