Commercial Gravel Roof Coating Case Study

(Before & After)

Case Study: How Cinnamon Ridge Apartments complied with Colorado’s energy regulations with a commercial roof coating. This commercial gravel roof was leaking and nearing end of life.
Instead of a costly tear-off, we restored the existing roof using a commercial roof coating system—saving significant capital while extending roof life by 20+ years.

Commercial Gravel Roof Coating Case Study

Restore a Gravel Roof Without Replacement

This project demonstrates how a failing commercial gravel roof was restored using a seamless roof coating system—eliminating the need for costly tear-off and full replacement.

Instead of replacing the roof, the building owner chose a commercial roof coating (fluid-applied membrane system) to stop leaks, improve performance, and extend the roof’s lifespan by 20+ years.

Project Overview

  • Roof Type: Gravel / Built-Up Roof (BUR)

  • System Installed: Commercial Roof Coating System

  • Warranty: 20-Year NDL (No Dollar Limit)

  • Estimated Cost: $11–$14 per sq ft

  • Location: Colorado

The Problem:
Aging Gravel Roof & Rising Replacement Costs

The existing gravel roof was nearing the end of its service life and experiencing:

  • Active leaks and water intrusion

  • Loose and displaced gravel

  • Deterioration of the underlying membrane

  • Increasing maintenance costs

A full tear-off and replacement with a new membrane system (TPO, EPDM, or PVC) would have been costly, disruptive, and unnecessary given the roof’s structural condition.

The Solution: Commercial Gravel Roof Coating System

Instead of replacement, we installed a commercial roof coating system designed for gravel roofs, restoring the existing assembly into a seamless, waterproof membrane.

Process Included:

  1. Removal of loose gravel and surface preparation

  2. Cleaning and preparation of the existing substrate

  3. Reinforcement of seams, penetrations, and transitions

  4. Application of a multi-layer fluid-applied membrane

  5. Installation of a reflective, UV-resistant topcoat

This system creates a fully adhered, seamless roofing surface without tear-off.

Results: Extended Roof Life Without Tear-Off

The completed roof coating system delivered:

  • 20-Year NDL Warranty for long-term protection

  • Significant cost savings vs full roof replacement

  • No tear-off, reducing landfill waste and disruption

  • Improved energy efficiency with reflective coating

  • Compatibility with solar installations and modern energy standards

The process

  • BEFORE

    It starts with the removal of loose gravel. The entire roof is power broomed and. Loose gravel is vacuumed and taken off site.

  • DURING

    1st layer is a waterproofing emulsion flood coat is applied over the existing roof. A 2nd emulsion layer applied with fabric membrane embedded.

  • AFTER

    UV reflective layer is the final step in this system. This layer includes a fabric membrane embedded.

    A UV reflective coat can be re-applied every 10-years for an additional 10-year NDL warranty.

Avoid costly roof replacement. Restore your commercial roof without tear-off using a seamless coating system.

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roof coating solutions for every commercial roof

roof coating Warranties

Full System NDL Warranties
Renewable Every 10 Years with UV Topcoat

FAQs

  • Yes. Loose gravel is removed, and the surface is properly prepared before installing a seamless coating system over the existing roof.

  • In most cases, yes. Roof coatings typically cost significantly less than full tear-off and replacement while still extending roof life 10–20+ years.

  • Commercial roof coating systems can last 10–20+ years depending on the system, with options for renewal to extend lifespan further.

  • A roof coating on a gravel roof cost approximately $11–$14 per sq ft. Contact us today for a free quote.