EPDM, TPO, and roof coatings

A Coating Isn't the Answer for Every Flat Roof.

Sometimes a repair is enough. Sometimes a prepared, reinforced coating system makes sense. And sometimes the roof has wet insulation or drainage problems that coating can't fix. We check first.

Schedule a Commercial Roof Inspection

Overhead view of a commercial low-slope roofing system

Why flat-roof leaks travel

The drip inside may be far from the opening above.

Low-slope leaks often start at a seam, drain, edge, curb, or penetration, then travel before appearing indoors. We inspect EPDM, TPO, coated, and other low-slope roof areas with that in mind.

Silicone can renew the weathering surface on a suitable roof after cleaning, repairs, reinforcement, and adhesion testing. It doesn't remove trapped moisture, replace damaged insulation, or create slope where the structure doesn't have it.

Before anyone recommends a coating

Check moisture, drainage, seams, and the existing surface.

01The membrane or coating system that's already in place
02Seams, penetrations, drains, and perimeter details
03Known leak locations and areas that hold water
04Photos of visible defects and older repairs
05An honest comparison of patching, coating, and replacement

Patch, coat, or replace?

A coating only makes sense on a roof that can support it.

The membrane, trapped moisture, adhesion, drainage, and prior repairs determine which options remain practical.

EPDM repair

Use compatible primer, flashing, and patch materials on localized rubber-roof defects after proper preparation.

TPO repair

Clean, prepare, and heat-weld compatible repair material where the existing membrane can accept it.

Silicone coating system

Clean, repair, reinforce, test, and coat a roof that meets the selected system's requirements.

Drainage and maintenance

Handle serviceable drains, scuppers, debris, flashing, and recurring defects found during the inspection.

Prove the roof is a candidate

Compatibility and moisture come before the coating proposal.

Before we recommend coating, we'll look at compatibility, moisture concerns, drainage, repairs, and the manufacturer's installation requirements. If the roof isn't a good candidate, we'll tell you.

We work on low-slope commercial, multifamily, and mixed-use buildings in the Dayton and Cincinnati markets. Southwest Ohio's downpours and freeze-thaw cycles make drainage and open seams hard to ignore.

Tell us where the flat roof is leaking

Send the building address, the interior leak location, and any details you know about the membrane or earlier repairs.

Flat-roof questions

What to know before paying for another patch or coating

How can I tell if the roof is EPDM or TPO?

EPDM is commonly a dark rubber membrane with taped or adhered seams. TPO is often white or light-colored with heat-welded seams. We'll confirm the visible system before choosing repair materials.

Will silicone stop every flat-roof leak?

No. The existing defects still need repair, and the roof has to be a suitable substrate. Wet insulation, movement, poor adhesion, and bad drainage may require a different scope.

Why does water keep ponding on my roof?

A clogged drain, low insulation, deck deflection, settlement, or inadequate slope could be responsible. The correction depends on the cause, not just the puddle.

Other ways to stop the water

Commercial repairs, leak investigation, and temporary protection may belong in the same plan.

Considering a coating or another patch? Let's inspect the roof first.

Send the address and tell us what you’ve noticed. Add photos if you can take them without climbing onto the roof.