Roofing Tar vs Roof Coating

Roofing Tar vs Roof Coating: Which Fix Lasts in Nashville?

Choosing between roofing tar and roof coating depends on your long-term goals for your property.

Roofing tar is a cheap, temporary patch for small leaks, but it often cracks in the Nashville sun. On the other hand, elastomeric roof coatings provide a seamless, stretchy shield that lasts for decades.

Specifically, coatings save you money by reflecting heat and preventing major repairs.

What is the difference between roofing tar and roof coating?

Roofing tar is a thick, black liquid used for small patches, while roof coating is a liquid shield that covers the entire roof. A shield (or membrane) is a thin, skin-like layer that keeps your building waterproof.

Tar is usually just a “quick fix” for a single hole. But a coating is a full restoration of the whole roof. Because of this, coatings offer much better protection against the heavy rain we see in the greater Nashville area.

Specifically, roof coatings are much thinner and easier to spread than heavy tar. So, they create a smoother finish that does not trap water.

Most commercial owners prefer coatings because they cover seams and fasteners completely. Seams are the places where two pieces of roofing material meet. If these areas are not sealed, they can leak during a big storm.

How do temperature swings affect roofing tar?

Traditional roofing tar often becomes brittle and cracks when Nashville temperatures change from hot to cold. Brittle means the material is hard and breaks easily instead of bending.

Middle Tennessee sees very hot summers and freezing winters. This cycle causes roofs to expand and contract. Since tar does not stretch, it pulls away from the roof surface.

Also, the sun’s UV rays dry out the oils in the tar. UV rays are invisible light from the sun that can damage materials over time.

Once the oil is gone, the tar turns into a hard crust. That’s why water can seep through the new cracks so easily. Many owners in the Nashville area find themselves patching the same spot every year for this reason.

Why is elastomeric coating a better choice for Middle Tennessee warehouses?

Elastomeric coatings are the best choice because they act like a giant rubber band that stretches and shrinks without breaking. The term elastomeric refers to the material’s ability to return to its original shape after being stretched.

This is vital for large warehouses that face direct sun all day. Specifically, these coatings reflect the sun instead of soaking up the heat.

There are many benefits to choosing a high-quality coating over a simple tar patch:

  • Lower Cooling Costs: Reflective coatings keep your building much cooler in July.

  • Longer Roof Life: A good coating can add 10 to 20 years to your current roof.

  • No Leaks: The seamless layer stops water from finding small holes.

  • Easier Maintenance: You can simply wash the roof to keep it performing well.

Does asphalt emulsion provide a long-term leak solution in?

Asphalt emulsion is a strong waterproofing base, but it usually needs a top coating to stay protected from the sun. An emulsion is a mixture of two liquids that usually do not stay together, like oil and water.

In roofing, this creates a thick layer that fills in gaps. It is much better than basic tar for large areas.

But asphalt emulsion is not “UV-stable.” This means the sun will eventually break it down if it is left bare.

So, SRL experts often apply a white elastomeric topcoat over the emulsion. This two-step process creates a “cool roof” system. Because of this, your building stays dry and your energy bills stay low.

Which fix is the most cost-effective for Nashville property owners?

Roof coatings are the most cost-effective fix because they prevent the need for a total roof tear-off. A tear-off is when workers remove the old roof completely before putting on a new one. This process is very expensive and messy. Instead, a coating goes right over your existing roof.

Specifically, you should look at the “life-cycle cost” of your roof. This is the total amount of money you spend on a roof over many years.

A tar patch is cheap today, but it will fail soon. This means you will spend more money on repairs later. A coating costs more at first, but it saves you thousands of dollars over time. That’s why it is the smarter investment for any Nashville business or home.

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