a roof coating system installed on a school's roof

The Cost of Waiting for a Commercial Roof Leak

Greg PalyaOther

NOTE: This article is perfect for any commercial property with a 15+ year old roof that’s not leaking.

For most commercial building owners, the roof is out of sight and out of mind—until it leaks. And by the time water starts dripping inside, the damage is already done: wet insulation, stained ceilings, tenant complaints, and in some cases, operations coming to a halt.

But what if there was a way to avoid that disruption—and save money while you’re at it?

That’s exactly what a roof coating system offers: a proactive approach that keeps your building dry, extends the life of your roof, and protects your bottom line.

The Problem: Reactive Roofing Is Expensive and Risky

Let’s be honest—most commercial roofs don’t get attention until something goes wrong. But by then, the options are limited and expensive. A leak might mean:

  • Damage to insulation, decking, or the interior
  • Emergency repair costs
  • Tenant disruption or loss of business
  • Full roof replacement if the system is too far gone

Waiting for a leak turns roofing into a fire drill—and one you didn’t budget for.

We did mention “expensive”.

Did you know that a full replacement is roughly 50% more costly than a coating system? It’s also more time-consuming, more disruptive to business (safety setup, moving/covering cars, some decking can be removed and replaced, leaving the roof open, etc.), and it contributes (usually unnecessary) materials to landfills.

TPO-roof-with-a-silicone-roof-coating-system-installed-over-it

The Solution: Roof Coating Systems as Preventive Maintenance

A roof coating system is like a shield applied over your existing roof. It restores the surface, seals seams and penetrations, and adds a seamless waterproof barrier.

More importantly, it allows you to take control before damage occurs.

Benefits of going proactive with a roof coating system:

  • Extends the life of your existing roof by 10–20 years
  • Avoids a costly tear-off or full replacement
  • Reflects UV rays, lowering energy costs
  • Applied with minimal disruption to your operations
  • Comes with a renewable 10-20-year warranty
  • Leaves you with a seamless membrane. Seams are the #1 location of roof leaks.

But What If My Roof Isn’t Leaking?

That’s the perfect time to act.

Roof coatings work best on roofs that are still structurally sound. If your roof is approaching 15+ years old, showing signs of wear, or has had patch jobs in recent years, you’re an ideal candidate for a coating system.

Think of it like putting sealant on your driveway or changing the oil in your car—it’s what protects your investment for the long haul.

Final Thoughts: Out of Sight Shouldn’t Mean Out of Mind

You don’t have to wait for a leak to take action. In fact, the best time to protect your roof is before it becomes a problem.

If you’re managing a commercial building and want to avoid surprises (such as angry tenants, loss of operations, and/or panic when it comes to finances), consider a proactive approach with a roof coating system.

Let’s evaluate your roof and show you how to add 10–20 years of life—without interrupting business or draining your budget.

Additional reading:

About the Author

Greg Palya

Greg Palya is the Digital Content Manager of West Roofing Systems, Inc. He has a B.S. in Marketing from the University of Akron and an MBA in Marketing from Walsh University. When he's not trying to teach others about spray foam roofing and silicone roof coatings, you can find him on the basketball court or golf course.