Determining the right roof coating for different roofing substrates

Once you determine the function of a roof coating you need to consider the type of roof system you will be applying it to.


Roof coating suppliers and manufacturers like Conklin generally offer two types of coatings: all-purpose (which are suitable for a range of substrates) or application-specific (which are tailored to one type, or a limited range of substrates).

Different substrates require different roof coatings. For example, it is difficult for most coatings to adhere to hard, smooth, chemically-inert surfaces. Instead, you would typically want a rough, irregular, chemically-active surface.

Coating adhesion to a substrate improves when you apply a primer or base coat. Manufacturers will recommend certain primers or base coats to match a specific top coat with a specific substrate. PLEASE NOTE: You should only use the base coat or primer specified by the coating manufacturer.

Primers and base coats for built-up roofs offer a good example. Manufacturers have designed products specifically to work on these surfaces - they work well on the hot surface by bonding to the asphalt and preventing it from bleeding into the white topcoat.

Enhancing a coated roof’s sustainability requires periodic re-coating to extend service life.
Most coatings are field-applied, and success depends on real-world conditions and the skill of you, the installer. To ensure proper curing, you should pay careful attention to consistent application and changing weather conditions.




Join the Conklin Roofing Systems team!
The Conklin Company provides innovative roofing systems for a wide variety of roofing applications, including metal roof renovation, single-ply recoat, fabric reinforced, polyurethane foam and EPDM coating systems. Conklin’s roofing systems are VOC compliant, lightweight, easy to maintain, and EPA Energy Star Rated.



Conklin is the nation’s #1 acrylic coating company by volume, offering low overhead and high profitability, 30 years of proven labor-saving applications, regional and national training programs, and low start-up costs.

Conklin Roofing Systems have been applied to over 2 billion square feet of roofing throughout the United States since 1977. We were the first manufacturer of acrylic roof coatings, which protect investments from the weather and provide energy efficiency. Our top products have met or exceeded the strictest standards for fire rating and code approvals.

For more information, please contact Randy Patton at (309) 303-3128, via email at rpatton55@comcast.net or visit WhiteRoofingSystems.com to learn more.