Project Overview
Central Roofing recently completed a commercial flat roof restoration project for a property in Santa Ana, California. The existing roof was an older flat rock roof system that needed a reliable restoration solution to extend its service life, improve waterproofing, and bring the building into better energy-performance condition.
Instead of recommending a full tear-off and replacement, our team proposed a premium hybrid asphalt emulsion and silicone roof coating restoration system designed to restore the roof, reinforce weak areas, and provide long-term protection.
The Challenge
The existing commercial roof was approximately 7,800 square feet and showed signs of age, wear, and previous roof repairs. Like many older flat roofing systems, the roof required more than a simple coating application.
Before applying the final silicone topcoat, our team needed to address several critical areas, including:
- Loose rock, dirt, leaves, debris, and surface contaminants
- Roof drains and waterways
- Base flashing and parapet walls
- Loose seams, fractures, and blistered areas
- Pipes, vents, skylight curbs, and HVAC equipment curbs
- Areas requiring additional modified bitumen reinforcement
Because of the roof’s age and condition, the restoration included approximately 800–1,000 square feet of modified bitumen roofing membrane reinforcement in key areas before the coating system was installed.
The Solution
Central Roofing installed a premium hybrid asphalt emulsion polyester-reinforced silicone roof coating restoration system over the existing flat roof.
This system was selected because it provides the benefits of a reinforced restoration while avoiding the cost and disruption of a full roof replacement.
The scope of work included:
1. Roof Preparation
The roof surface was cleaned and prepared by removing loose rock, dirt, leaves, loose granules, foreign matter, and debris from the roof membrane, drains, and waterways.
2. Drain Restoration
Existing roof membrane was removed at the drain assemblies as needed. The drains were cleaned, primed, and resealed with appropriate roofing materials to improve water flow and reduce leak risk around drainage areas.
3. Modified Bitumen Reinforcement
Damaged or vulnerable areas were repaired and reinforced with modified bitumen roof membrane. This included repairs to the field, waterways, parapet walls, and other areas where the roof showed signs of deterioration.
4. Flashings, Pipes, Vents, Curbs & Skylights
Pipes, vents, skylight curbs, and HVAC equipment curbs were resealed using compatible roofing materials, including flashing-grade products, microfibers, and silicone as required.
5. Pressure Washing
The entire roof was pressure washed in preparation for the silicone topcoat application. Proper surface preparation is one of the most important steps in any roof coating restoration project.
6. Silicone Coating System
After preparation and reinforcement, the roof received a silicone roof coating system designed to protect the building from ponding water, UV exposure, and future weathering.
The Result
The completed restoration provided the property with a renewed commercial roofing system without requiring a full tear-off. The building now has improved waterproofing, reinforced weak points, and a reflective cool roof surface.
This project was completed using an ENERGY STAR-rated “Cool Roof” / Title 24 compliant system and included a 20-year warranty.
Why This Project Matters
For many commercial property owners, roof restoration can be a smart alternative to full replacement when the existing roof is still a good candidate. In this case, Central Roofing was able to restore and reinforce the existing roof system while helping the property owner avoid unnecessary replacement costs.
A properly installed commercial roof restoration system can help:
- Extend the life of the existing roof
- Reduce the risk of leaks
- Improve energy efficiency
- Minimize disruption to the property
- Lower overall roofing costs compared to full replacement
- Protect vulnerable areas before they become major issues
Project Details
Location: Santa Ana, CA
Roof Type: Existing commercial flat rock roof
Roof Size: Approximately 7,800 sq. ft.
System Installed: Hybrid asphalt emulsion polyester-reinforced silicone roof coating restoration
Compliance: ENERGY STAR-rated Cool Roof / Title 24 compliant
Warranty: 20-year warranty
Key Reinforcement: Approximately 800–1,000 sq. ft. of modified bitumen membrane repairs
Final Takeaway
This Santa Ana project is a great example of how a commercial roof restoration can give an aging flat roof a new life. By combining proper preparation, modified bitumen reinforcement, drain work, flashing repairs, and a silicone coating system, Central Roofing delivered a durable, energy-efficient solution built for long-term performance.
For commercial property owners, the lesson is simple: waiting too long can turn a manageable restoration into a costly replacement. A professional roof assessment can help determine whether your roof is a good candidate for restoration before more serious problems develop.
Schedule your free commercial roof assessment today.
Central Roofing
310-527-6770
www.centralroof.com
