Painting commercial roofs is as crucial as painting the roofs on your house. However, if you end up choosing the same paints for both your residential and commercial roof painting in Melbourne, then you must stop immediately. Choosing the same paints for both purposes may cut the costs — and we understand that.
However, commercial roofs have quite different roofing materials, which require specialised paints to protect their underlying layers. This blog will guide you through choosing the right and best paints for your commercial roofs in Melbourne.
Factors Behind Choosing the Right Roofing Paint
Before understanding the different types of roof paints in Melbourne, knowing how to separate each paint according to your environment is useful to pick the right paint option.
1. Long-lasting Capability:
Commercial roof paints you are choosing should last longer. There is no different way of saying this, knowing that the durability of painters Melbourne naturally extends the lifespan of roofing material as well.
If the particular paint is compatible with the roof surface, protects against UV rays, wind, and snow, and can survive under foot traffic, then you are choosing the right paint. Many commercial roof painting contractors can advise on selecting long-lasting paints. Even visiting your local paint shop can help you to make a better decision.
2. Reflecting Coatings:
Cool roof coatings, another name for reflective coatings, are highly popular for commercial roofs. Considering reflective paints are useful as they reflect sunlight and absorb heat, reducing the need for air conditioning inside the buildings.
There are two ways to understand the energy efficiency of reflective paints: first is solar and thermal ratings, and second is looking at standards like Energy Star and LEED. Ensure that you choose paints with higher ratings only.
3. Chemical Resistance:
If you are choosing commercial paint for industrial settings, then it is wise to confirm their chemical-free properties. This includes resistance to fumes, industrial pollution, acids, oils, and other solvents that can degrade the paint quality.
A commercial painter in Melbourne helps you to identify the industry-specific paints that can sustain heavy industrial emissions.
4. Quick Application:
Many types of paints dry superfast; however, it primarily depends on how you apply them. Look if the roof paint you are choosing is easier to apply. This means that if the paint requires no extra technique or special equipment, you are going to save both time and labour costs.
Additionally, drying and curing times must be taken into account to know the length of the painting project.
5. Eco-friendliness in Paint is Always Better:
Paints with low or zero VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) are going to be useful for commercial roof painting in Melbourne. A commercial painter in Melbourne can suggest eco-friendly paints that match both efficiency and positive environmental impact.
Additionally, eco-friendly paints are known to reduce air quality, which is great for prioritising the safety of customers who are taking the time to shop for your products and services.
Types of Roofing Paint
1. Acrylic Roof Paint
Acrylic roof paint is a versatile and water-based coating that is safe to paint both commercial and residential roofs. Many commercial property owners have been using acrylic roof paint for decades, knowing its strength in extending the years of roof surfaces.
Why to Consider?
● Versatility:
Compatible with various roofing materials like metal, concrete, and asphalt. Also, the paint is compatible with built-up roofs, single-ply, or modified bitumen roofing structures. White is the most common colour, but the availability of different shades is useful if you want to hit the new colour trend.
● UV Resistance:
Offers good protection against sun damage. Moreover, you can choose lighter shades to reflect natural light and prevent outside heat from affecting indoor temperatures. These paints are also durable against harsh weather conditions if you invest in proper maintenance.
● Ease of Application:
Simple to apply using brushes, rollers, or sprayers.
● Cost-Effective:
Affordable and budget-friendly, and reduce energy bills.
Drawbacks:
● Durability:
May only last for a short time in harsh weather conditions, unless maintenance is well-planned.
● Water Resistance:
Less effective in wet climates compared to other paints. However, if your roofs have large and working drainage systems that can drift water away during heavy rains, then you are good to invest in one.
Ideal Usage:
Suitable for commercial buildings in moderate climates where cost is a significant concern, and regular maintenance is manageable.
2. Silicone Roof Paint
While Acrylic paints are not completely weather-proof, which makes people invest in proper maintenance schedules, silicone roof paint is quite the opposite. These are superior-performing paints that can fight against harsh weather conditions, no matter the season.
Why to Consider?
● Waterproofing:
Exceptional resistance to water, ideal for wet climates.
● Weather Resistance:
Stands up well to extreme temperatures and UV exposure.
● Longevity:
Long-lasting with minimal maintenance.
Drawbacks:
● Cost:
Higher initial cost compared to acrylic paint.
● Application:
Typically, it requires a professional application.
Ideal Usage:
Best for commercial roofs in areas with severe weather, including heavy rain and intense sun. A commercial painter in Melbourne ideally uses them for long-term durability and minimal upkeep.
3. Polyurethane Roof Paint
Polyurethane roof paint is also highly durable and does not strip away under severe temperatures. Ideally, these are perfect for use in industrial settings that require roof paints with heavy wear and tear properties.
Why to Consider?
● Durability:
Extremely tough and long-lasting.
● Chemical Resistance:
Resists damage from industrial chemicals and pollutants.
● Flexibility:
Do not crack and remain flexible with the expansion and contraction of roofing material.
Drawbacks:
● Cost:
More expensive and requires a professional application.
● Environmental Impact:
Higher VOC levels may affect environmental safety.
Ideal Usage:
Ideal for industrial facilities with heavy traffic and exposure to harsh chemicals, such as factories and warehouses.
4. Elastomeric Roof Coatings
Elastomeric roof coatings are flexible, waterproof, and provide a seamless protective barrier for commercial roofs.
Why to Consider?
● Flexibility:
Expands and contracts with fluctuations in roof temperatures without laying down the crack lines.
● Waterproofing:
Excellent at preventing water leakage issues. As compared to other paints, these paints are excellent at eliminating water pooling issues.
● Reflectivity:
Ideal for hot climates that require heat-reducing paints.
Drawbacks:
● Application:
Requires professional application for best results. Some types of paints require professional coverage and style.
● Cost:
Generally more expensive than acrylic paint. However, it is only a one-time cost.
Ideal Usage:
Perfect for commercial roofs with significant temperature fluctuations or heavy rainfall. Ideal for flat or low-slope roofs where water pooling is a concern.
Final Words
We hope you enjoyed reading this blog. We outlined all the factors that hide behind choosing the perfect paint for commercial roof painting in Melbourne. It is important to consider the external environment, paint’s compatibility with the roofing materials, energy efficiency, long-term costs, chemical resistance, and lower impact on the environment to establish your business.
We also looked for the best available paints, like acrylic, silicone, polyurethane, and elastomeric paints, with their strengths and weaknesses to help you weigh each factor in your decision.
However, we advise consulting with professional painters in Melbourne like Sunny Dayz Painting to have a clear vision and choice for protecting your commercial roofs.
