Aging commercial roofs in the Denver metro often face intense UV, freeze–thaw cycles, and spring hail that accelerate wear long before the insulation or deck has failed. Fluid-applied coatings can be a smart, lower-cost way to stop leaks, extend service life, and avoid a disruptive tear-off. Here’s how AC INC. Roofing (Advanced Consulting, Inc.) delivered exactly that outcome for a local property owner.
Project snapshot
- Property: Distribution warehouse (confidential client)
- Location: North Denver, CO (Front Range)
- Roof area: ~56,000 sq. ft.
- Existing system: Aged modified bitumen with localized seam splitting and UV granule loss
- Owner goals: Stop recurring leaks, improve energy performance, avoid tear-off and business disruption
- Solution: Fluid-applied, high-solids silicone recoating system with reinforced seams and detail work
- Duration: 6 working days
The challenge
Denver’s high altitude means stronger UV exposure, while freeze–thaw cycles and snow loads stress older membranes and seams. This warehouse reported:
– Persistent leaks at rooftop units and wall flashings
– Ponding water near drains after snowmelt
– Surface cracking and granule loss from UV exposure
– Concern about downtime and debris from a full replacement
Why recoating (not replacement) was the right call
Our HAAG-certified inspectors performed a comprehensive assessment:
– Visual inspection and moisture screening to identify wet insulation (limited and isolated)
– Core sampling to confirm deck integrity
– Detailed photo documentation for the owner’s capital planning
Findings showed the roof was structurally sound with repairable defects—ideal conditions for a coating restoration. Recoating offered:
– Significant cost savings versus a tear-off and re-roof
– Minimal business interruption (no dumpsters, limited noise, no interior exposure)
– Reflective surface to reduce heat gain during high-altitude summers
– A renewable service life extension (future re-coats can further extend service)
Scope of work
- Pre-clean and prep
- Power-washed the membrane to a clean, sound surface
- Rust treatment on metal details; primer applied where required for adhesion
- Targeted repairs
- Re-adhered and patched open seams, blisters, and alligatoring areas
- Rebuilt suspect curb and penetration flashings
- Created small crickets to reduce minor ponding at drains
- Reinforcement
- Polyester seam fabric set in base coat at all laps and transitions
- Extra detail coats at HVAC curbs, scuppers, parapets, and fasteners
- Coating application
- Two-pass, cross-hatch application of high-solids silicone to achieve specified dry film thickness across the field
- Walkway pads installed around rooftop equipment for future service traffic
- Quality assurance
- Wet-mil thickness checks during application
- Final inspection and punch list prior to closeout
Results and savings
- Leaks eliminated: No reported leaks through late-winter storms following completion
- Energy performance: Noticeably cooler roof surface in summer sun, contributing to reduced heat gain
- Cost efficiency: Approximately 45–60% less than a full tear-off and replacement of similar scope
- Lifecycle value: Extended service life without filling landfills or disrupting operations
Built for Colorado conditions
- UV resistance: High-solids silicone maintains flexibility and reflectivity at altitude
- Freeze–thaw durability: Monolithic membrane bridges small movements at seams and penetrations
- Hail and wind awareness: Detailed reinforcement and robust flashing work help the system resist typical Front Range weather; damaged areas can be repaired locally without a full replacement
Why partner with AC INC. Roofing
AC INC. Roofing is a licensed, insured contractor based at 6145 Broadway, Suite 25, Denver, CO 80216, serving the Denver metro, the Front Range, and Cheyenne, WY. We combine expert diagnostics with premium materials to deliver resilient roofs that fit your budget and timeline.
Credentials that protect your project:
– Master HAAG Certification (Colorado’s first company to reach Master level) for forensic-grade inspections
– Atlas Pro+ Platinum and GAF Certified contractor status for industry-leading systems and warranties (for applicable roof types)
– Directorii-certified, backed by up to a $20,000 customer guarantee
– Fortified Roofing Solutions certified for wind- and impact-resilient practices
– Active memberships: RSRA (invitation-only), CRA, NRCA, and APA
When recoating makes sense
A coating restoration is often a strong option when:
– The deck and insulation are sound (limited wet areas can be repaired)
– Seams, flashings, and penetrations are repairable
– You want to control costs, reduce disruption, and add reflectivity
If your roof is at the end of its life, has widespread saturation, or structural issues, a replacement may be the safer choice. AC INC. Roofing offers both solutions—plus free roof inspections by HAAG-certified inspectors to help you choose the right path.
Materials we install
We work with a range of premium systems tailored to your roof type and budget:
– Fluid-applied coatings (silicone, acrylic, and other elastomeric systems)
– TPO, EPDM, and Modified Bitumen
– Metal and tile systems; asphalt and impact-resistant shingles
– Roof rejuvenation options for select assemblies
What to expect during your consultation
- Thorough inspection and moisture evaluation
- Clear photo/video documentation and a precise scope of work
- Options that balance up-front cost, service life, and maintenance requirements
- Support with storm-damage evaluation and, when applicable, insurance documentation
Ready to explore a coating restoration for your commercial roof in Denver or along the Front Range? Contact Us today.