Polyurethane coatings gain ground as durability demands rise

By Jesse Sanchez. 

UNIFLEX® outlines how polyurethane roof coatings are reshaping expectations around longevity performance and commercial roof protection. 

UNIFLEX® and Sherwin-Williams Roofing Solutions are making a case for polyurethane roof coatings as a high-performance option for commercial contractors. In this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, host Megan Ellsworth sat down with Chris Underwood, product manager for UNIFLEX and CoolSeal, and Jamie Atkins, assistant product manager for UNIFLEX, to explain how the technology works. 

Chris said polyurethane coatings stand out in UNIFLEX’s lineup because they are built for demanding conditions and long-term performance. “Polyurethane coatings, they’re some of the most robust roof coatings that we have available,” he said. Within that category, he added, “Urethane 88 is our highest rated and our best roof coating.” 

He connected that positioning to measurable performance traits contractors often prioritize on commercial jobs. Chris noted, “Some of the main characteristics of polyurethane coatings are they are very durable, they last a long time, they have excellent adhesion and excellent UV stability.” That performance profile is what separates urethane from more common coating selections. “Our urethane is much more robust than that,” he said, comparing it to silicone and elastomeric options. 

Beyond strength and durability, Chris emphasized application versatility and system design as part of the appeal. Polyurethane coatings, he said, can bond to multiple surfaces and are designed to build protection through a multi-step approach. “They also do adhere to a variety of surfaces and will give excellent adhesion,” he said. He added that while silicone is typically applied as a single coat, “our urethanes come in a two-coat system.” 

Jamie framed the value in terms many contractors and owners recognize immediately: fewer return trips and more confidence in long-term roof performance. He shared, “You’re going to apply a product that is going to last for a long time and you’re not going to need to worry about getting back up there for a while.” 

That extended service expectation can shape how building owners think about long-term value, particularly on facilities where appearance and surface condition are part of the equation. Jamie said polyurethane coatings help maintain that like-new look while reducing the need for ongoing upkeep. “You want that long-lasting durability and that appearance that long-lasting appearance of a new roof,” he said, noting that the system is designed to hold up over time rather than require frequent cleaning or reapplication. 

As more commercial stakeholders push for longer-lasting solutions that reduce repeat labor and maintenance disruptions, UNIFLEX expects polyurethane coatings to remain a growing part of the coatings conversation. 

Listen to the podcast to learn more about UNIFLEX polyurethane coatings and how urethane 88 fits into long-term roof performance strategies!