Metal Roof Coating Services in Myrtle Beach
Protect your metal roof from rust, UV damage, and coastal corrosion. Professional coating services that extend roof life, improve energy efficiency, and save you thousands versus replacement.
What is Metal Roof Coating?
Metal roof coating is a protective liquid membrane applied to existing metal roofs to extend their service life, prevent corrosion, and improve energy efficiency. When properly applied, roof coating for metal roof systems creates a seamless, waterproof barrier that protects against UV radiation, salt air, and the harsh elements that cause metal deterioration.
For Myrtle Beach property owners, steel roof coating is particularly valuable due to our coastal environment. Salt air accelerates corrosion on unprotected metal surfaces, while intense UV exposure causes chalking, fading, and coating degradation. A quality metal roof coating acts as a sacrificial layer, absorbing environmental damage instead of your roof panels. When the coating wears, it can be reapplied - extending your roof's life indefinitely.
The best coating for metal roof applications depends on your specific roof type, slope, and condition. Silicone coatings excel at waterproofing and UV resistance, making them ideal for commercial low-slope applications. Acrylic coatings offer excellent color retention and value for residential steep-slope roofs. Polyurethane provides superior durability for high-traffic areas. Our experts assess your roof and recommend the optimal coating system.
Why Coastal Metal Roofs Need Coating
Within 5 miles of the ocean, metal roofs experience accelerated corrosion from salt-laden air. Factory-applied coatings on metal panels typically last 10-15 years in coastal conditions before requiring maintenance. Without recoating, rust begins to form at seams, fasteners, and scratches - eventually compromising the roof's integrity.
Professional metal roof coating before significant rust develops is far more economical than waiting until extensive repairs or replacement become necessary. Coating costs a fraction of replacement while adding 15-20 years of protected service life. For Myrtle Beach homes and businesses, this preventive maintenance is essential for maximizing your roofing investment.
Types of Metal Roof Coatings
Choosing the right coating type is critical for performance. Each has specific advantages for different roof types and conditions.
Silicone Roof Coating
Durability: 15-20 years
Best for: Low-slope roofs, ponding water areas
- Superior UV resistance
- Excellent waterproofing
- Handles ponding water
- No chalking or cracking
- Single-coat application possible
Note: Higher material cost, can be slippery when wet
Acrylic Roof Coating
Durability: 10-15 years
Best for: Sloped metal roofs, budget-conscious projects
- Cost-effective option
- Excellent color retention
- Good UV protection
- Easy application
- Breathable finish
Note: Not for ponding water areas, requires multiple coats
Polyurethane Roof Coating
Durability: 15-20 years
Best for: High-traffic commercial roofs, extreme durability
- Exceptional abrasion resistance
- Impact resistant
- Excellent adhesion
- Chemical resistant
- High tensile strength
Note: Higher cost, UV-sensitive (may require topcoat)
Elastomeric Roof Coating
Durability: 10-15 years
Best for: Temperature extremes, expansion/contraction
- Excellent flexibility
- Expands and contracts
- Bridges small cracks
- Good waterproofing
- Reflects heat
Note: Not for ponding water, may require primer
Not Sure Which Coating is Right for Your Roof?
Our coating specialists inspect your roof and recommend the optimal system based on your roof type, condition, slope, and budget. We explain all options clearly so you can make an informed decision.
Benefits of Metal Roof Coating
Why Myrtle Beach property owners choose coating to protect their metal roof investment
Extends Roof Lifespan 15-20 Years
Quality coating adds decades of protection to your existing metal roof, delaying or eliminating the need for costly replacement. Most coatings can be reapplied, further extending your roof's service life.
Rust & Corrosion Prevention
Creates a seamless barrier against moisture, salt air, and atmospheric pollutants that cause rust. Essential protection for Myrtle Beach's corrosive coastal environment.
Energy Efficiency & Cooling Savings
Reflective coatings reduce roof surface temperature by 50-60°F, lowering cooling costs 10-25%. Light colors reflect up to 85% of solar radiation, keeping your building cooler.
Waterproofing & Leak Prevention
Coating creates a continuous membrane that seals seams, fasteners, and minor imperfections. Eliminates leak points and prevents water infiltration that leads to interior damage.
Cost-Effective Alternative to Replacement
Metal roof coating costs significantly less than full replacement while delivering many of the same benefits. Ideal for roofs that are structurally sound but showing weathering.
Minimal Business Disruption
Coating application is faster and less disruptive than roof replacement. Most projects complete in 1-3 days with no need to vacate the building. Low odor and quiet process.
When to Coat Your Metal Roof vs. Replace It
Honest guidance to help you make the right decision for your situation
Choose Coating When...
Roof is structurally sound
- Surface weathering - Chalking, fading, minor oxidation
- Minor rust spots - Surface rust that hasn't perforated metal
- Seam leaks - Minor leaks at seams or fasteners
- Energy costs rising - Roof has lost reflectivity
- Budget constraints - Need to extend roof life affordably
- Panels tight and secure - No loose or separated panels
Consider Replacement When...
Structural issues exist
- Extensive rust perforation - Holes through the metal
- Panel separation - Seams have failed or pulled apart
- Widespread fastener failure - Many loose or missing screws
- Deck damage - Rotted or damaged roof decking
- Previously coated multiple times - Excessive coating layers
- Oil-canning or warping - Structural deformation
Not Sure Which Option is Right?
Our honest assessment tells you exactly what your roof needs. We never recommend coating when replacement is the better long-term solution, and we never push replacement when coating can effectively extend your roof's life.
Call (843) 877-5539 for Honest AdviceOur Metal Roof Coating Application Process
Professional application ensures maximum coating performance and longevity
Free Roof Inspection
Comprehensive assessment of your metal roof's condition including rust evaluation, seam integrity check, fastener inspection, and identification of problem areas. We document everything with photos and provide honest recommendations.
Surface Preparation
Thorough pressure washing to remove dirt, debris, mildew, chalking, and oxidation. Rust treatment with appropriate primers. Repair of damaged seams, fasteners, and small holes. This step is critical for coating adhesion and longevity.
Primer Application
Application of rust-inhibiting primer to prepared surfaces. Primer ensures proper coating adhesion, especially over repaired areas and bare metal. Proper dry time before coating application is essential.
Coating Application
Professional spray or roller application of coating in multiple coats at specified mil thickness. Seams, penetrations, and details receive additional coating. Weather Shield uses airless spray equipment for uniform coverage.
Quality Inspection
Comprehensive inspection verifying complete coverage, proper thickness, and seamless finish. Documentation provided for warranty purposes. Detailed maintenance instructions and warranty registration.
Why Surface Preparation is Critical
The majority of coating failures result from inadequate surface preparation, not coating product quality. Dirt, oxidation, mildew, and loose paint prevent proper adhesion. Rust left under coating continues to spread. Weather Shield Roofing spends 50% of total project time on preparation because we know this step determines coating success. Our thorough preparation is why our coating projects last 15-20 years while others fail in 5-7.
Coastal Considerations for Myrtle Beach Metal Roofs
Salt Air Corrosion
Myrtle Beach's salt-laden air is highly corrosive to unprotected metal surfaces. Within 5 miles of the ocean, metal roofs experience accelerated deterioration compared to inland locations. Salt deposits on the roof attract and hold moisture, creating the perfect conditions for rust formation.
Our solution: We use premium silicone and polyurethane coatings specifically formulated for coastal applications. These coatings create an impermeable barrier against salt and moisture penetration.
Intense UV Exposure
South Carolina's southern latitude means intense UV radiation year-round. UV breaks down coating binders, causing chalking, cracking, and color fading. Factory-applied coatings on metal panels lose their protective properties faster in high-UV environments.
Our solution: We specify coatings with high UV resistance ratings and reflective pigments. Cool roof coatings reflect UV while reducing heat absorption, protecting both your roof and lowering energy costs.
Temperature Extremes
Metal roofs in Myrtle Beach can reach 150°F+ on summer days and experience significant temperature swings between seasons. This thermal cycling causes metal to expand and contract, stressing coatings and potentially causing cracking or delamination.
Our solution: Elastomeric and silicone coatings maintain flexibility across temperature extremes. They stretch and compress with the metal without cracking, ensuring long-term waterproofing integrity.
Hurricane Preparation
A properly coated metal roof provides better protection during hurricane season. Coating seals seams and fasteners that could otherwise allow wind-driven rain infiltration. The seamless membrane resists uplift pressure better than aged, deteriorated coatings.
Our solution: We reinforce all seams, penetrations, and vulnerable areas with additional coating and fabric reinforcement. This creates a wind-resistant system that protects during severe weather.
Coating Lifespan & Maintenance
Expected Coating Lifespan
- Silicone Coating15-20 years
- Polyurethane Coating15-20 years
- Elastomeric Coating10-15 years
- Acrylic Coating10-15 years
Lifespans in coastal South Carolina with proper application and maintenance.
Maintenance Requirements
- Annual inspection for coating wear and damage
- Periodic cleaning to remove debris and salt deposits
- Touch-up repairs for any damaged areas
- Post-storm inspection after severe weather
- Recoating when original coating wears (10-15+ years)
The Recoating Advantage
Unlike traditional roofing that requires complete replacement when worn, metal roof coatings can be reapplied indefinitely. When your coating reaches the end of its service life in 10-20 years, a simple recoat restores full protection without stripping the original coating. This means your metal roof can potentially last 50-70+ years with periodic recoating - at a fraction of replacement cost.
Weather Shield Roofing includes maintenance guidelines and offers annual inspection programs to ensure your coating investment delivers maximum value. We track your roof's condition over time and recommend recoating before protection fails.
Metal Roof Coating FAQs
Answers to common questions about metal roof coating services
What is metal roof coating and why do I need it?
Metal roof coating is a protective liquid membrane applied to existing metal roofs to extend their lifespan, prevent rust and corrosion, improve energy efficiency, and seal minor leaks. In coastal Myrtle Beach, salt air and UV exposure accelerate metal roof deterioration. A quality coating creates a seamless, waterproof barrier that reflects solar heat and protects against the elements. Most metal roofs benefit from coating every 10-15 years to maintain optimal performance and appearance.
What types of coatings work best for metal roofs?
The four main types of metal roof coatings are: Silicone coatings offer superior UV and ponding water resistance ideal for low-slope roofs. Acrylic coatings provide excellent UV protection and color retention at lower cost for sloped roofs. Polyurethane coatings deliver outstanding durability and abrasion resistance for high-traffic commercial roofs. Elastomeric coatings expand and contract with temperature changes, making them ideal for Myrtle Beach's climate extremes. Weather Shield Roofing assesses your specific roof to recommend the best coating type.
How long does metal roof coating last?
Quality metal roof coatings typically last 10-20 years depending on the coating type, application thickness, and environmental conditions. Silicone coatings generally last 15-20 years in coastal conditions. Acrylic coatings last 10-15 years when properly applied. In Myrtle Beach's harsh coastal environment with salt air, humidity, and intense UV exposure, we recommend premium silicone or polyurethane coatings for maximum longevity. Proper surface preparation is critical for achieving the full coating lifespan.
Can coating fix a leaking metal roof?
Coating can seal minor leaks, small rust holes, and deteriorating seams on metal roofs. The coating creates a continuous waterproof membrane over the entire surface. However, coating is not a substitute for structural repairs. If your metal roof has significant rust damage, large holes, loose panels, or failed fasteners, these must be repaired before coating. Weather Shield Roofing performs a thorough inspection to determine if your roof is a good candidate for coating or if replacement is more economical.
How much does metal roof coating cost compared to replacement?
Metal roof coating typically costs a fraction of full roof replacement while extending your roof's life by 15-20 years. The exact investment depends on roof size, condition, accessibility, coating type selected, and preparation work needed. For roofs in generally good condition with moderate weathering, coating delivers excellent return on investment. Contact Weather Shield Roofing at (843) 877-5539 for a free inspection and detailed quote comparing coating versus replacement for your specific situation.
What is the metal roof coating application process?
Professional metal roof coating involves several steps: First, thorough cleaning with pressure washing to remove dirt, debris, mildew, and oxidation. Second, rust treatment and repair of damaged areas, seams, and fasteners. Third, application of primer to ensure coating adhesion. Fourth, application of coating in multiple coats (typically 2-3 coats) at proper mil thickness. Finally, quality inspection to verify complete coverage. Weather conditions must be suitable - no rain expected for 24-48 hours after application.
When should I coat my metal roof instead of replacing it?
Choose coating when your metal roof is structurally sound with minimal rust, tight seams, and secure fasteners. Coating is ideal for roofs with surface weathering, fading, minor leaks at seams, or moderate rust spots. Choose replacement when rust has perforated the metal in multiple areas, panels are warped or separated, significant structural damage exists, or the roof has already been coated multiple times. During your free inspection, we provide honest recommendations based on your roof's actual condition.
Does metal roof coating improve energy efficiency?
Yes, reflective metal roof coatings significantly improve energy efficiency. White and light-colored coatings can reflect up to 85% of solar radiation, reducing roof surface temperatures by 50-60°F on hot Myrtle Beach summer days. This reduced heat transfer means lower cooling costs - typically 10-25% savings on summer energy bills. Cool roof coatings may qualify for utility rebates and contribute to LEED certification points for commercial buildings.
How do I maintain a coated metal roof?
Coated metal roofs require minimal maintenance. Annual inspections to check for coating wear, ponding water areas, and debris accumulation are recommended. Clean the roof periodically to remove leaves, branches, and dirt that can trap moisture. In coastal areas like Myrtle Beach, rinse the roof annually to remove salt deposits. Address any coating wear or damage promptly with touch-up applications. Most quality coatings can be recoated in 10-15 years without stripping the original coating.
Can I coat my metal roof myself or should I hire professionals?
While DIY metal roof coating products exist, professional application is strongly recommended. Proper coating requires specialized equipment, safety gear for roof work, expertise in surface preparation, understanding of coating compatibility, and application at correct thickness. Improper preparation or application leads to coating failure, wasted material, and potential roof damage. Professional coating also maintains any existing roof warranties and may qualify for manufacturer coating warranties that DIY applications cannot receive.
Get Your Free Metal Roof Coating Estimate
Find out if coating can extend your metal roof's life by 15-20 years. Weather Shield Roofing provides honest assessments and competitive coating quotes for Myrtle Beach properties.
Free Roof Inspection
Complete condition assessment
Detailed Written Quote
No hidden fees or surprises
Honest Recommendations
Coat or replace - we tell the truth
Serving Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Conway, Surfside Beach, Pawleys Island, and all of Horry & Georgetown Counties.