Overview

Commercial asphalt roofs can be great candidates for restoration work, but many property owners want to know what the process actually fixes before they commit. This blog answers that question.

National Coatings Of Canada Inc has completed millions of square feet of commercial roof restoration, giving us firsthand insight into solvable asphalt-specific roofing problems. If your system has reached a point in its service life where signs of wear are becoming more noticeable, keep reading.

Introduction

Asphalt is an affordable and durable material for many commercial buildings, but it’s not invincible. Over time, many asphalt roofs develop wear that can often be addressed through restoration, provided the roofing system remains structurally sound. No system lasts forever, but fortunately, the right restoration can help you get more life from the roof you already have. As a business owner, that’s worth understanding before investing in a new roof.

How To Decide if Asphalt Roof Restoration Makes Sense

You’re likely at a point when you’ve decided to take a closer look at your asphalt roof. Maybe you noticed a leak, spotted changes on the surface, or simply realized the roof has been in service for many years. After seeing its condition firsthand, you know immediately that something needs to be done. The next question is deciding which solution makes the most sense.

If you've already been told your roof needs to be replaced, don't assume that's the end of the discussion. Some contractors specialize in replacing roofs. Others specialize in restoring them. Faced with a few potential options, you need to find out if restoration is the right one.

A professional roof inspection will identify areas of deterioration and look for signs of trapped moisture or structural concerns to determine whether the roof is suitable for restoration. If the roof is a suitable candidate, the inspection helps determine which combination of restoration products and techniques will provide the best long-term performance. Depending on the roof's condition, the restoration process may include surface preparation, reinforcing vulnerable areas, waterproofing membranes, and reflective finish coats that work together as a complete restoration system.

Does Restoration Extend Asphalt Roof System Service Life?

Extending the service life of an asphalt roof system is the one overarching aim of a restoration project. Under that umbrella are several objectives, all working together to slow further deterioration, improve the roof's overall condition, and delay the need for replacement.

This becomes possible by:

Addressing repairable conditions that contribute to ongoing deterioration
Restoring the roof's ability to resist water intrusion
Reinforcing vulnerable areas before they develop
Protecting the existing system from constant exposure
Creating a continuous protective surface across the roof

What Asphalt Roof Problems Does Restoration Address?

Repairs address isolated issues. What makes restoration different is that the repairs aren't the end goal. They're performed to prepare the entire roof for restoration. There are many asphalt roof problems that get addressed before the coating system is even applied.

While every roof has its own history and condition, asphalt roof restoration is designed to address a wide range of issues that affect performance, reliability, and service life. They’re explored in detail below.

Roof Surface Wear and Weathering

Every asphalt roof is exposed to the elements. Wind and impact resistance notwithstanding, membranes can lose flexibility, and protective granules can loosen or detach years into a system’s service life. As that protective layer breaks down, the roof becomes more vulnerable to moisture intrusion, ultraviolet exposure, and continued deterioration.

Roof restoration addresses wear as part of a complete system renewal. The roof is thoroughly cleaned to remove dirt, biological growth, loose granules, and other debris that can interfere with adhesion. Any damaged or weakened areas are also repaired before the restoration coating is applied. Once installed, the coating forms a seamless protective membrane, shielding the surface from further weathering while helping slow the aging process.

Roof Cracks, Splits, and Membrane Damage

Wear and actual physical damage can differ by several orders of magnitude. While surface weathering gradually reduces the roof's protective qualities, cracks, splits, punctures, and membrane separation create direct openings that can allow water to penetrate the roofing system. Before asking about restoration, many businesses are actively dealing with persistent issues like a series of small leaks.

This is more apparent at seams, drains, and mastics because these areas experience greater exposure to water and often a higher concentration of stress. During the restoration, each damaged area is repaired according to its condition. That often means repairing membrane defects. Once the restoration system is applied, these vulnerable areas can once again function without creating uncertainty.

Ponding Water and Roof Drainage Issues

Standing water is one of the fastest ways to accelerate roof deterioration. When water remains on the surface long after a rainfall, it increases the amount of time the roofing system is exposed to moisture, distributing additional stress across components. This repeated exposure can contribute to leaks, material breakdown, and ultimately a shorter service life.

It can happen as a result of:

Clogged or undersized roof drainage
Low spots in the roof surface
Structural settlement
Insufficient roof slope
Blocked scuppers or gutters

Once repairs have been completed and the fully reinforced restoration system has been installed, the roof is protected by a seamless waterproofing membrane that resists prolonged moisture exposure. So, even if water remains on the surface for a period after heavy rainfall, the restored system is far better equipped to prevent that moisture from finding its way into the roofing assembly.

Surface Irregularities

Over years of service, asphalt roofing systems can develop an uneven surface due to repeated repairs, weathering, exposed reinforcement, and the gradual breakdown of roofing materials. These irregularities can make it more difficult for the roof to shed water effectively and may contribute to continued deterioration if left unaddressed.

During restoration, the roof is prepared to create a sound, uniform substrate for the restoration system. Surface preparation, repairs, and compatible waterproofing materials help produce a continuous protective membrane that better resists weathering and moisture intrusion.

Failed Roof Coating Products and Corrections

Some business owners attempt to take matters into their own hands by applying some off-the-shelf roof coating products or by making a few repairs themselves. The urgency with which leaks and other roofing problems demand attention often makes these seem like practical short-term solutions. When they’re eventually proven inadequate, they’re addressed during the restoration.

However, here’s a chance to highlight the difference between a basic coating and product and a professionally engineered restoration system. One of the biggest problems with the first is that it doesn’t properly adhere, meaning moisture still gets through. Professional restoration systems begin with proper surface preparation using products compatible with the existing roof. Preparing the substrate before the restoration membrane is installed helps promote strong adhesion and long-term performance. The result is a secure bond between the restoration membrane and the existing roof.

Lack of Roof Energy Efficiency

A commercial roof may begin its service life with a certain level of energy efficiency, but that performance changes as the system ages. Over time, weathering can reduce the roof's ability to reflect solar energy, allowing more heat to be absorbed into the building. This makes a building work harder to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.

Restoration can significantly improve the roof's energy performance. Once cured, the restored roof reflects a much greater percentage of the sun's radiant heat instead of absorbing it, creating what’s commonly known as a “cool roof.” Less heat enters your building through the roof, which can reduce cooling demands and improve overall energy efficiency.

Business owners overlook just how much energy they waste when the system also has other points of failure, like leaks and saturated insulation. The difference is often a lot greater than expected.

How Restoration Reinforces the Entire Roofing System

By this point, it's worth reiterating that restoration is intended to reinforce the entire roofing system, not just the areas where problems are most obvious. Instead of addressing isolated defects one at a time, it creates a continuous, seamless membrane across the roof, strengthening every section while restoring consistent waterproofing performance.

This means that:

Weak areas are no longer left surrounded by aging roofing materials
Every section of the roof benefits from protection
Water can't simply bypass one repair and exploit another vulnerable area
Maintenance becomes more predictable because the roof is consistent
Small issues are less likely to develop into widespread failures

On the surface, it may seem like a roof replacement would naturally produce the same result, since it also addresses the entire system. However, assuming the system is the right candidate, restoration preserves and strengthens, making it a far more cost-effective and comprehensive solution.

Find Out if a Roof Coating Is Right for Your Asphalt Roof

Is your commercial roof reaching a point where you’re questioning how to move forward? A roof coating may provide the answer if the existing asphalt roof still has a solid foundation. National Coatings Of Canada Inc has restored commercial roofing systems for decades, helping businesses extend roof life through proven restoration methods.

Call (519) 323-4597 to schedule a free quote with your inspection!