Beyond coatings: Evaluating long-term retrofit performance

By The Coffee Shops®. 

Aligning roof solutions with performance goals, service life expectations and future building needs. 

As Roof Hugger celebrates its 35th anniversary, President Dale Nelson joined Heidi J. Ellsworth on an episode of Roofing Road Trips®, to discuss a practical question contractors face every day: How do you determine the right solution for an aging metal roof? According to Dale, the answer starts with understanding what the building owner hopes to accomplish.  

 Heidi J. Ellsworth noted that one common proposal is a roof coating, pointing out that contractors often encounter owners looking for maintenance, aesthetic improvements or short-term life extension. According to Dale, coatings have a place in the market but said it is important to understand their intended purpose. “A roof coating is intended to extend the life of the surface of whatever it is coating,” he explained. “It is not a waterproofing material.” 

Coatings can be effective when an existing roof remains in good condition and has been properly prepared. However, roofs experiencing leaking end or side laps, corrosion or other significant deterioration may require a different approach. 

For those situations, Dale highlighted the advantages of retrofitting. Rather than simply treating the existing surface, a retrofit system adds a new roof assembly over the old one while preserving operations inside the building. 

“When we retrofit, we're putting a new substructure down over the top,” Dale said. “We are actually bringing the building up to the current building code.” 

That approach can create benefits beyond weather protection. Dale explained that retrofit systems can accommodate additional insulation, improve energy efficiency and support long-term building goals. He also pointed to standing seam metal roofing as “the ideal platform for photovoltaics,” allowing future solar installations without roof penetrations. 

Ultimately, success begins by asking building owners the right questions and understanding their expectations before recommending a solution. Dale encouraged contractors to focus on long-term outcomes rather than just initial costs when talking with building owners about the available options. 

Listen to the podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about metal roof retrofit solutions.