Cool Roof Coating Installation in NYC
A reflective cool roof coating bounces sunlight back instead of absorbing it, which can reduce rooftop heat on summer days. On a suitable flat roof it also adds a protective layer. We inspect first, because a coating cannot fix a roof that is wet or failing underneath. Free written estimates.
- 20 years in business
- 10-year warranty on replacements
- Within 2 hours for leaks
- Free written estimate
Problems this solves
- Top-floor apartments that get very hot in summer
- Dark roof surface that gets extremely hot
- Weathered roof surface that is chalking or cracking
- Small blisters or splits that need sealing
- Aging flat roof that is still sound underneath
- High cooling use in a top-floor unit
- Failing coating from an earlier application
- Seams and flashings showing wear
- Need for a lighter-colored roof surface
- Wanting to extend roof life instead of tearing off
Cool Roof Coating explained
A cool roof coating is a liquid-applied, light-colored, reflective layer rolled or sprayed onto a roof surface. It reflects more sunlight than a dark roof, so the surface stays cooler, and it forms a protective skin that helps seal minor wear. Coatings work best on flat or low-slope roofs that are dry, stable, and mostly intact. They are not a repair for wet insulation, widespread leaks, or structural problems. The roof is inspected, cleaned, repaired where needed, and primed if required before coating goes on, because adhesion depends on the surface being properly prepared.
Options and materials
Acrylic reflective coating
A water-based reflective coating commonly used on suitable flat roofs. Needs dry weather to cure and is not meant for areas with standing water.
Silicone reflective coating
A moisture-tolerant coating that handles ponding water better. Suited to roofs where water collects. Dirt pickup and recoating need to be considered.
Seam and flashing reinforcement
Reinforce seams, penetrations, and details with fabric and mastic before the coating, since these are where roofs usually leak first.
Coating over existing roofing
Applied over compatible existing membranes or modified bitumen after cleaning and repair, avoiding a full tear-off when the roof allows it.
Recoating an older coating
Renew a worn reflective coat to restore reflectivity and protection if the base roof remains sound.
Our process
- Inspect and test the roofWe check for wet insulation, blisters, open seams, ponding, and loose flashing. If the roof is not suited for coating, we say so.
- Repair the roof firstDamaged areas, seams, and flashings are repaired and reinforced so the coating goes onto a stable surface.
- Clean the surfaceThe roof is cleaned, loose material is removed, and the surface is prepared to the coating's requirements for good adhesion.
- Prime where requiredIf the existing roof type or condition calls for a primer, it is applied before the coating.
- Apply the coatingThe reflective coating is applied in the number of coats called for in the system, in suitable weather, to a consistent thickness.
- Cure, inspect, and documentWe inspect the finished surface, confirm coverage at details, and provide photos for your records.
What affects the price
Roof size
The area covered is the biggest cost driver, since both material and labor scale with square footage.
Condition of the existing roof
A clean, sound roof needs less prep than one with blisters, open seams, or old failing coatings.
Repairs before coating
Seam reinforcement, flashing repair, and patching are done first and add to the scope.
Coating type and thickness
Acrylic and silicone systems, and the number of coats required, differ in material cost and application.
Roof details and penetrations
Many vents, curbs, and parapets mean more hand detailing than an open roof.
Access and weather windows
Coatings need dry, suitable conditions. Access difficulty and scheduling around weather can affect the job.
Getting a price
Because these factors change from roof to roof, we don't publish one-size-fits-all prices. We inspect your roof for free and give you a written, itemized estimate before any work starts.
Every cool roof coating job includes
- Written roof inspection and suitability assessment
- Cleaning and preparation of the roof surface
- Seam, flashing, and detail repair as scoped
- Primer where the system requires it
- Reflective coating applied in the specified number of coats
- Protection of rooftop equipment and surrounding areas
- Debris removal and cleanup
- Photo documentation of before and after conditions
- Written workmanship warranty, terms on our warranty page
Written workmanship warranty on every job; full roof replacements carry our 10-year warranty. Warranty terms.