Best White Roof Coating for Energy Savings and Durability

White roof coatings reduce cooling costs, extend roof life, and improve building comfort by reflecting sunlight and lowering roof temperatures. This guide compares top white roof coatings, explains performance metrics, and provides practical selection and application advice for U.S. homeowners and building managers.

Top Pick	Best For	Key Feature
GacoRoof	Flat Roofs	Silicone, excellent ponding water resistance
Henry 287	TPO/Modified Bitumen	Acrylic elastomeric, good adhesion
Sherwin-Williams Conflex	Commercial Metal Roofs	High reflectivity, weather resistance
Rust-Oleum 301	Metal & Asphalt Shingles	Budget-friendly, UV resistance

How White Roof Coatings Work

White roof coatings increase solar reflectance and thermal emittance, meaning more solar energy is reflected back and more absorbed heat is re-radiated away, reducing roof surface temperatures and building cooling loads.

Cool roof performance relies on two metrics: Solar Reflectance (SR) and Thermal Emittance (TE). Products rated by the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) provide validated SR and TE values for accurate comparisons.

Types Of White Roof Coatings

Silicone Coatings

Silicone coatings are highly durable and excel at ponding water resistance. They adhere well to many substrates and resist UV degradation, making them ideal for flat roofs subject to standing water.

Acrylic Coatings

Acrylic elastomeric coatings are cost-effective and versatile. They provide good reflectivity and are easy to apply, but they can soften in prolonged standing water and may need more frequent recoat cycles in ponding conditions.

Polyurethane And Polyurea Coatings

Polyurethane formulations offer strong abrasion and impact resistance. They are suitable for roofs with foot traffic or mechanical exposure, but require careful handling due to VOCs and installation complexity.

Asphalt-based And Bituminous Coatings

Asphalt or bituminous reflective coatings are often used on modified bitumen roofs. They provide waterproofing and adhesion to asphaltic membranes, though reflectivity may be lower than silicone or acrylic alternatives.

Key Performance Metrics To Compare

Solar Reflectance (SR): Percentage of solar energy reflected; higher SR yields greater cooling benefits.

Thermal Emittance (TE): Ability to radiate absorbed heat; high TE complements SR for overall cool-roof performance.

CRRC And Energy Star: Look for CRRC listings and Energy Star qualifications for verified long-term reflectance and compliance with program standards.

Top White Roof Coatings And Use Cases

GacoRoof Silicone Roof Coating

Best For Flat Roofs And Ponding Water. Silicone offers long life (10-25 years), excellent UV stability, and remains flexible in temperature extremes. It requires a clean surface and proper primer on some substrates.

Henry 287 Acrylic Elastomeric Roof Coating

Best For Modified Bitumen And TPO Repairs. Henry 287 provides strong adhesion and elastomeric movement capabilities, making it a go-to for large re-roof projects where acrylic performance meets budget.

Sherwin-Williams Conflex Roof Coating

Best For Commercial Metal Roofs. High reflectivity and weatherproofing properties, combined with professional support and color-matching options, make it popular for commercial roofing contractors.

Rust-Oleum Roof Coating (White)

Best Budget Option For Residential Shingles And Metal. Affordable and widely available in retail outlets, Rust-Oleum offers decent reflectivity and ease of DIY application for smaller projects.

Choosing The Right Coating For Your Roof Type

Flat Roofs: Prefer silicone or high-build acrylics with proven ponding-water resistance.

Pitched Shingles: Use reflective acrylics or elastomeric coatings formulated for shingle adhesion and breathability to avoid trapping moisture.

Metal Roofs: Select coatings designed for metal with rust-inhibiting primers and thermal expansion flexibility.

Application Best Practices

Surface Preparation Is Critical: Clean dirt, algae, loose granules, and oils. Pressure washing and repairing cracks or blisters increases adhesion and longevity.

Priming Where Required: Follow manufacturer guidelines—some substrates need a primer for optimal bonding.

Temperature And Weather: Apply in recommended temperature ranges and avoid rain forecasts. Humidity and dew can affect film formation on water-based coatings.

Coat Thickness And Coverage: Follow specified wet mil thickness and coverage rates. Undercoating reduces reflectivity and lifespan; overcoating wastes material and may cause issues if layers are incompatible.

Costs, Savings, And Payback

Initial Cost: Varies widely: budget acrylics may be $0.60–$1.50 per sq ft in materials; premium silicones can be $1.50–$3.50 per sq ft or more when installed professionally.

Energy Savings: Typical cooling energy reductions range from 5% to 20% depending on climate, roof type, and building efficiency. Hot, sunny regions realize the most savings.

Payback Period: Payback is often 3–7 years in hot climates when factoring energy savings plus extended roof life; calculate using local utility rates, roof area, and expected cooling load reduction.

Maintenance And Recoat Intervals

Regular Inspections: Inspect annually for cracks, pooling areas, and seam integrity. Prompt repairs prolong coating life.

Recoat Frequency: Acrylics typically require recoating every 5–10 years; silicones often last 10–25 years. Manufacturer guidance and local weather exposure dictate intervals.

Health, Environmental, And Code Considerations

VOC And Air Quality: Water-based acrylics have lower VOCs compared with some solvent-based products; follow local VOC regulations and choose low-VOC options for occupied buildings.

Reflectivity And Local Codes: Certain jurisdictions incentivize or require cool roofs for specific building types; consult local building codes and utility rebate programs before installation.

Common Problems And Troubleshooting

Peeling Or Blistering: Often due to poor surface prep, moisture entrapment, or incompatible primers. Remove failed areas, correct substrate issues, and recoat following manufacturer steps.

Loss Of Reflectivity: Dirt, biological growth, and aging reduce reflectivity. Regular cleaning and timely recoats restore performance and maintain energy savings.

Installation Options: DIY Vs Professional

DIY Is Viable For Small Projects: Homeowners can apply many acrylic coatings with roller or sprayer, provided safety precautions and proper prep are followed.

Professional Installation For Large Or Complex Roofs: Pros ensure correct substrate assessment, warranty compliance, and safe handling of specialized materials like silicones and polyurethanes.

How To Compare Products Effectively

• Check CRRC Ratings: Use verified SR and TE values for apples-to-apples comparison.
• Review Manufacturer Warranties: Look for material and labor coverage and any maintenance conditions required to keep warranty valid.
• Read Field Performance Data: Seek case studies or contractor feedback for regional performance and longevity insights.

Resources And Rebates

Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC): CRRC provides a searchable database of rated products and performance metrics.

Utility And State Incentives: Many utilities offer rebates for cool roofs or energy-efficiency upgrades. Check local utility websites and state energy offices for programs and eligibility rules.

Manufacturer Technical Documents: Review technical data sheets, SDS, and installation guides to confirm compatibility with existing roof systems.

Final Selection Checklist

1. Verify Roof Substrate Compatibility and any required priming steps.
2. Confirm CRRC/Energy Star Ratings for long-term reflectivity data.
3. Obtain Multiple Quotes if hiring a contractor and compare warranty terms.
4. Plan For Maintenance including inspection schedules and cleaning to sustain performance.

Choosing The Right White Roof Coating depends on roof type, climate, budget, and long-term goals for energy savings and roof preservation. Prioritize products with verified reflectivity, appropriate chemical formulation for the substrate, and clear warranty and maintenance guidance to achieve the best value and performance.