Not every aging commercial roof in Calgary needs a full tear-off and replacement. In many cases, a properly designed roof coating system can stop leaks, restore waterproofing, and extend roof life by 10+ years—at a fraction of the cost and disruption of a new roof.

But not all coatings are the same.

Silicone, acrylic, and polyurethane each behave differently under Calgary’s unique mix of hail, UV, snow load, and freeze–thaw cycles. Choosing the wrong one can lead to premature failure, warranty hassles, and wasted capital. Choosing the right one can turn a “problem roof” into a manageable asset.

This guide breaks down the differences between silicone, acrylic, and polyurethane coatings for commercial roofs in Calgary, and shows how coatings fit into your overall strategy (not just as a quick band-aid).

For a broader overview of how coatings fit into repairs and replacements, see:

When Are Roof Coatings a Good Option in Calgary?

Coating systems are best thought of as restoration rather than replacement.

They can be a strong option when:

  • The existing roof (TPO, SBS, EPDM, metal, or BUR) is mostly dry and structurally sound
  • Leaks are present, but not catastrophic or associated with major structural failure
  • You want to extend roof life and push out a full replacement by 10+ years
  • You need to reduce disruption for tenants and operations
  • Capital budgets are tight, but you want more than “patch and pray”

They are usually not appropriate when:

  • Insulation is saturated across large areas
  • The deck is compromised or severely rusted/rotted
  • Multiple roofing layers already exceed code or manufacturer limits
  • The membrane is failing globally, not just in isolated areas

CMP Roofing typically confirms coating suitability with full inspections and selective core samples. If a coating isn’t appropriate, we’ll recommend alternative options like partial or full replacement. You can request a coating assessment through https://cmproofing.ca/contact-2/ and confirm coverage at https://cmproofing.ca/locations/.

Silicone Roof Coatings: Strengths and Limitations

Silicone has become a leading choice for flat roof restoration, especially for properties dealing with ponding water and harsh UV.

Strengths of Silicone Coatings

  • Outstanding UV resistance
    Silicone stands up very well to Calgary’s high-elevation UV exposure, maintaining elasticity over time.
  • Excellent performance with ponding water
    Unlike many acrylics, silicone is more tolerant of areas where water sits for extended periods—common on older flat roofs with marginal drainage.
  • Strong waterproofing properties
    Once fully cured, silicone forms a durable, flexible membrane over the existing roof, sealing many minor defects and reinforcing problem areas.
  • Good fit for hail-exposed roofs
    When combined with proper reinforcement around seams and details, silicone systems can help manage the lifecycle of roofs regularly exposed to hail. For more on hail risks, see “Hail Damage to Commercial Roofs in Calgary: Inspection, Insurance Claims & Repair Options” at https://cmproofing.ca/blog/.

Limitations of Silicone Coatings

  • Future adhesion challenges
    Many materials do not bond well to cured silicone. If you ever want to apply something over the silicone in the future, surface prep and product choice become more critical.
  • Surface dirt pickup
    Silicone can attract dirt over time, which may reduce reflectivity unless periodically cleaned as part of a maintenance plan.
  • Higher material cost
    Silicone coatings are often more expensive than acrylic on a per-gallon basis—but can offer better lifecycle value in ponding and high-UV situations.

Best Use Cases for Silicone in Calgary

  • Older flat roofs with local ponding issues where full slope correction is not immediately possible
  • Buildings seeking strong waterproofing and UV performance with minimal disruption
  • Properties where hail and intense sun are major lifecycle drivers

Silicone coatings tie in naturally with long-term restoration and maintenance strategies. For programmatic planning, see “Commercial Roof Maintenance Plans in Calgary: How to Extend Flat Roof Life by 10+ Years” at https://cmproofing.ca/blog/.

Acrylic Roof Coatings: Strengths and Limitations

Acrylic coatings have been used on commercial roofs for decades and are often the “go-to” when budgets are tight and ponding water is limited.

Strengths of Acrylic Coatings

  • Cost-effective
    Acrylic systems are typically more affordable upfront than silicone, making them attractive for budget-conscious projects.
  • Reflective and energy-friendly
    White acrylic coatings can help reduce heat gain on large, sun-exposed roofs—beneficial for some big-box and office environments.
  • Easy to work with
    Acrylics are water-based, relatively straightforward to install, and familiar to many contractors.
  • Good over certain substrates
    When the underlying roof drains well and is in decent condition, acrylic can be a solid restoration choice.

Limitations of Acrylic Coatings

  • Not ideal with persistent ponding water
    Long-term ponding can degrade many acrylic systems, leading to premature failure in low spots.
  • More sensitive to weather during application
    Being water-based, acrylics are sensitive to temperature and moisture during install. This matters a lot in Calgary’s shoulder seasons.
  • Can be less elastic than silicone or polyurethane
    In extreme movement or heavy freeze–thaw conditions, some acrylics may be more prone to cracking if not specified correctly.

Best Use Cases for Acrylic in Calgary

  • Roofs with good drainage and minimal ponding
  • Buildings where energy reflectivity is a priority and ponding risk is low
  • Projects requiring a lower-cost restoration option within strict budgets

Where ponding or extreme conditions are expected, silicone or polyurethane may be a better long-term fit.

Polyurethane Roof Coatings: Strengths and Limitations

Polyurethane coatings (often aromatic or aliphatic) are the heavy-duty players—known for their toughness, abrasion resistance, and impact performance.

Strengths of Polyurethane Coatings

  • High impact and abrasion resistance
    Excellent for roofs with frequent foot traffic, mechanical work, or potential impact from tools and equipment.
  • Strong adhesion and toughness
    Polyurethane forms a tough, durable membrane that can handle harsh service conditions, including some industrial environments.
  • Good flexibility
    Many polyurethane formulations offer strong elongation and crack-bridging capability in freeze–thaw cycles.

Limitations of Polyurethane Coatings

  • Higher cost and more specialized installation
    Polyurethane systems generally cost more and may require stricter application controls.
  • Odour and chemical sensitivity
    Some products can have stronger odours during application, which may require coordination with sensitive tenants or operations.
  • UV stability considerations
    Some polyurethane products (aromatic types) may require a UV-stable topcoat (often silicone or acrylic) to prevent degradation.

Best Use Cases for Polyurethane in Calgary

  • Roofs with high traffic or heavy mechanical activity
  • Industrial environments where chemical or mechanical exposure is a concern
  • Situations where extra toughness is needed beyond typical coating systems

Polyurethane can also be part of a hybrid system—for example, polyurethane reinforcement in critical areas with silicone or acrylic as the field topcoat.

How CMP Roofing Chooses the Right Coating System

There is no one “best” coating for every Calgary roof. CMP Roofing evaluates:

  1. Existing system type
    • TPO, SBS, EPDM, BUR, metal, or previous coating
    • Age, condition, and history of leaks
  2. Moisture levels and structural condition
    • Core samples to check for saturated insulation
    • Deck condition (steel, concrete, wood)
  3. Drainage and ponding patterns
    • Are there chronic low spots or long-standing ponding areas?
    • Are slope corrections or new drains possible?
  4. Building use and sensitivity
    • Retail vs warehouse vs manufacturing vs institutional
    • Tenant sensitivity to odour, noise, or access restrictions
  5. Budget and lifecycle goals
    • Do you need a “bridge solution” for 5–10 years, or a longer-term system?
    • How does this roof fit into the broader asset and capital plan?

Based on these factors, we may recommend:

  • Silicone restoration system
  • Acrylic coating where drainage is good
  • Polyurethane or hybrid system for high-traffic or industrial conditions
  • Or, if conditions don’t support coatings, a partial or full replacement with TPO, SBS, or EPDM instead

For system comparisons, see “TPO vs SBS vs EPDM in Calgary’s Climate: Choosing the Right Commercial Roofing System” at https://cmproofing.ca/blog/ and our services hub at https://cmproofing.ca/services/.

Coatings and Insurance: Hail, Leaks, and Claims

After major hail events, coatings are sometimes discussed as part of a repair strategy:

  • In some cases, coatings can restore surface protection and address hail-related surface damage.
  • In other cases, full membrane replacement is required due to deeper damage.

A proper hail inspection from CMP Roofing includes:

  • Roof surface examination
  • Core sampling or test cuts if needed
  • Documentation suitable for insurance claims

For more detail, see “Hail Damage to Commercial Roofs in Calgary: Inspection, Insurance Claims & Repair Options” at https://cmproofing.ca/blog/.

Maintenance After Coating: Still Essential

A coated roof is not maintenance-free. To get the full expected life:

  • Schedule routine inspections (typically spring and fall)
  • Clean drains, scuppers, and gutters
  • Check for mechanical damage, punctures, and wear at high-traffic zones
  • Touch up or repair damaged areas promptly

This is where coatings integrate naturally into a formal maintenance program. For a framework, see “Commercial Roof Maintenance Plans in Calgary: How to Extend Flat Roof Life by 10+ Years” at https://cmproofing.ca/blog/ and related services at https://cmproofing.ca/services/.

When Coatings Are Not the Right Answer

CMP Roofing will recommend against coatings when:

  • There is widespread saturated insulation or deck damage
  • Multiple roof layers already exceed code or manufacturer limits
  • Structural issues, slope, or drainage problems must be addressed at the assembly level
  • The roof is already far beyond its service life and a coating would only mask deeper problems

In these cases, we’ll pivot to repair, sectional work, or full replacement, and reference planning resources like “Commercial Flat Roof Replacement in Calgary: Costs, Options & Timelines for Property Managers” at https://cmproofing.ca/blog/.

Next Steps: Is a Coating System Right for Your Calgary Roof?

If you’re considering a coating instead of a full tear-off—or you’re not sure which direction makes the most sense—the best next step is a professional evaluation.

CMP Roofing can:

  • Inspect your existing roof and test for moisture
  • Determine whether silicone, acrylic, polyurethane, or no coating is appropriate
  • Provide options with expected lifespan, warranties, and budget ranges
  • Integrate coatings into a broader maintenance and replacement plan across your portfolio

To schedule a commercial roof coating assessment in Calgary or surrounding areas, visit https://cmproofing.ca/contact-2/. You can confirm service coverage at https://cmproofing.ca/locations/ and explore related system comparisons, leak response guides, and maintenance strategies on our blog at https://cmproofing.ca/blog/ and the full Commercial Roofing Services hub at https://cmproofing.ca/services/.

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