Introduction
Summers in Wichita can be tough. Temperatures often rise above 90°F, and during heat waves, it can get even hotter. This makes it hard to keep commercial buildings cool. As a result, energy bills go up, HVAC systems work overtime, and people inside may feel uncomfortable or even unsafe.
Local businesses face this heat challenge every year, especially those with large flat roofs that soak up sunlight. These roofs can turn into heat traps, raising indoor temperatures and straining your air conditioning units. Cooling becomes not just a matter of comfort—but also of cost and equipment stress.
One smart solution is using reflective roof coatings. These coatings help lower rooftop temperatures by bouncing sunlight away. That means the building stays cooler inside. Air conditioners don’t have to work as hard, which saves money and improves comfort throughout the day.
In this article, we’ll explain what reflective roof coatings are, how they work, and why they’re a smart investment for Wichita businesses. You’ll also learn how Solid Rock Commercial Roofing can guide you through the process, from inspection to application.
Key Takeaways
Reflective roof coatings reduce heat by bouncing sunlight away, keeping roof surfaces up to 60°F cooler during summer months.
Lower rooftop temperatures mean lower energy costs, with businesses often seeing a 10% to 25% drop in their cooling bills.
Improved indoor comfort benefits both employees and customers, creating better working conditions and customer experiences.
Reflective coatings extend the life of commercial roofs by protecting them from heat, UV rays, and moisture, reducing the need for early replacement.
Best suited for flat or low-slope roofs made of TPO, EPDM, metal, or built-up roofing—especially those in fair to good condition.
Spring and early summer are ideal times for application, ensuring coatings dry properly and deliver savings during the hottest months.
Solid Rock Commercial Roofing offers trusted local expertise, helping Wichita-area businesses evaluate, coat, and maintain their commercial roofs efficiently.
Getting a roof inspection and coating done now can prepare your building for summer heat and reduce long-term operating costs.
What Are Reflective Roof Coatings?
Reflective roof coatings are materials added to the top of a roof. They create a smooth, white or light-colored surface that reflects sunlight. This keeps the roof cooler during the hot summer months.
Different coatings work better for different types of roofs and conditions. Acrylic coatings are popular because they’re affordable and provide good reflectivity. Silicone coatings are more durable and handle standing water better, which makes them great for flat roofs. There are also polyurethane coatings, which are more resistant to foot traffic and chemical exposure.
Your roofing contractor can help choose the right product based on your roof’s slope, material, and exposure to weather. Choosing the correct coating can improve both performance and lifespan.
How Reflective Coatings Keep Your Building Cooler
Dark roofs absorb heat. On a hot summer day, a dark roof can reach 160°F. That heat enters the building, making it warmer inside. A reflective coating can lower the roof temperature by 60 degrees or more.
This helps the air conditioning system. It doesn’t need to run as long or as hard. The inside stays cooler, and you use less energy.
Example:
A delivery center in Wichita had a metal roof that got very hot in July. After applying a reflective coating, the roof stayed much cooler. The warehouse felt more comfortable, and energy bills went down.
Lower Energy Bills
Air conditioning is a big part of summer energy costs. When your roof stays cooler, your building stays cooler too. This means the air conditioner uses less power, which lowers your monthly bill.
Most businesses see energy savings between 10% and 25% after applying a reflective coating. It depends on your roof size, building type, and how much sun your roof gets.
These energy savings can quickly add up. For many businesses, cooling can represent 30% to 50% of total summer energy use. Even a 15% drop in cooling demand can mean hundreds or thousands of dollars saved over just a few months.
Installing a reflective coating typically costs far less than a roof replacement. And depending on the size of your building, the investment often pays for itself in two to five years through energy savings alone.
Also, check with your local utility company. Evergy, which serves much of Kansas, has offered rebate programs in the past for cool roofing or energy-efficient upgrades. These incentives can reduce your upfront costs, making roof coatings even more affordable.
Example:
A small office building in Derby had monthly summer electric bills of $2,800. After coating the roof, the bills dropped to about $2,400. Over four months, that saved $1,600.
Better Comfort Inside
Keeping the building cool doesn’t just save money—it helps people inside feel better. Workers stay focused, and customers stay longer when the space is comfortable.
Cooler buildings also protect items like electronics, food, and supplies. High heat can cause damage or shorten the life of equipment.
Example:
A local shop in El Dorado had trouble keeping cool during hot afternoons. The building’s A/C system often ran nonstop, and it was still hard to keep the back of the store comfortable. After adding a reflective coating, the space stayed 7 to 10 degrees cooler during peak hours. Employees worked more easily, and shoppers enjoyed their visit longer. The owner also reported fewer complaints about stuffy conditions and a noticeable drop in cooling costs month after month.
Protect and Extend Roof Life
Heat and sunlight wear down roofing materials over time. The roof gets hot during the day and cools at night. This constant change can cause cracks and leaks.
Reflective coatings help by keeping the roof surface cooler. They also seal small cracks and protect against water and UV rays. That helps your roof last longer and need fewer repairs.
Example:
A property manager in Newton had a roof that was over 10 years old. Instead of replacing it, they used a reflective coating. This added at least five more years of life to the roof and saved thousands of dollars.
Is Your Roof a Good Fit for a Coating?
In general, the best candidates are buildings with flat or slightly sloped roofs that get several hours of direct sunlight each day. These include warehouses, shopping centers, schools, office buildings, and other large commercial properties.
The existing roof doesn’t have to be new, but it should be dry and stable. If your roof already has big leaks, wet insulation, or surface damage, those issues will need repair before a coating can be applied. A professional inspection can tell you whether the roof is ready or if other steps are needed first.
Even buildings with older roofs that are still watertight can benefit from a reflective coating as a way to extend their life and delay replacement.
Ask yourself:
- Is the roof exposed to lots of sunlight?
- Is the roof mostly dry and in good shape?
- Are energy bills high in summer?
If you said yes, your roof might be a good fit for a reflective coating.
Best Time to Apply Coatings
Spring and early summer are the best times to coat your roof. The weather is dry and warm, which helps the coating cure properly. Getting it done before peak summer heat gives you more time to enjoy the savings.
Late summer or fall can work too, but it’s better to plan ahead. Waiting too long could mean missing out on lower bills during the hottest months.
Why Wichita Trusts Solid Rock Commercial Roofing
Solid Rock Commercial Roofing serves Wichita and surrounding towns. We know how the Kansas sun and storms affect local buildings.
When you contact Solid Rock Commercial Roofing, the process begins with a no-pressure roof inspection. Our team visits your property, checks the roof’s condition, and takes the time to answer your questions.
If a reflective coating is the right option, we’ll explain the materials we recommend and walk you through the steps. We’ll also give you a clear price quote with no hidden fees. During installation, our crew works around your schedule to minimize disruptions. We clean up when we’re done and follow up to make sure you’re satisfied with the results.
We’re proud to serve the Wichita area with honest advice and reliable workmanship. We don’t just coat roofs—we help you protect your building investment.
Conclusion
Reflective roof coatings are a smart choice for Wichita businesses. They help reduce rooftop heat, lower energy bills, and create a more comfortable space for employees and customers. With rising summer temperatures and increasing utility costs, adding a reflective coating is one of the most effective ways to prepare your building for the heat.
If your business has a flat or low-slope roof, and you’re noticing high cooling bills or signs of roof wear, now is the right time to act. A simple inspection could reveal that your roof is a great fit for a reflective coating—saving you money and headaches for years to come.
📞 Call Solid Rock Commercial Roofing at (316) 227-2628
🌐 Or visit https://solidrockcorp.com/contact-us to schedule your roof checkup.
Start saving money and staying cool this summer—with help from Solid Rock.
FAQs – Reflective Roof Coatings for Commercial Buildings
What is a reflective roof coating?
A reflective roof coating is a liquid material applied to the surface of a roof. Once dry, it forms a light-colored layer that reflects sunlight and helps keep the roof—and the building underneath—cooler.
How does a reflective coating help save energy?
By keeping the roof surface cooler, the building absorbs less heat. This reduces how hard the air conditioner has to work, which can lead to lower electricity bills, especially in the summer.
What types of roofs can be coated?
Reflective coatings work best on flat or low-slope commercial roofs made from TPO, EPDM, metal, or built-up roofing. The roof should be in fair or good condition before applying the coating.
How long does a reflective coating last?
Most reflective coatings last 5 to 10 years, depending on the material used and weather conditions. Recoating can extend the life of your roof even further.
Can a coating fix leaks or damage?
No, coatings are not a fix for major leaks or structural issues. Minor cracks or wear can be sealed by a coating, but serious problems should be repaired before applying one.
When is the best time to apply a roof coating in Kansas?
Spring and early summer are ideal because the weather is dry and warm. This helps the coating cure properly and provides immediate energy savings during peak heat months.
How long does it take to apply a reflective roof coating?
Most commercial roofs can be coated in a day or two, depending on the size and weather. The process is usually non-disruptive, allowing businesses to stay open during installation.
Will a coating change the appearance of my building?
Yes, the roof will likely appear brighter—usually white or light gray. However, this change helps with reflectivity and energy efficiency.
Is it expensive to coat a roof?
Coatings are generally much cheaper than full roof replacements. While the cost depends on roof size and material, many businesses see a return on investment within a few years due to energy savings.
Who should I call to find out if my roof is a good fit?
Contact Solid Rock Commercial Roofing at (316) 227-2628 or visit solidrockcorp.com/contact-us to schedule an inspection and get expert advice for your building.
This article is a collaboration between Solid Rock Corporation and OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Created on July 22 2025, it combines AI-generated draft material with Solid Rock’s expert revision and oversight, ensuring accuracy and relevance while addressing any AI limitations.
