Sometimes — if the roof is structurally sound and the underlying membrane isn't actively failing, coating is a legitimate, far less expensive way to extend its life. If there's an active leak or failed decking, coating won't fix that and shouldn't be sold as if it will.

Acrylic costs less upfront and offers similar initial reflectivity but a shorter life (commonly 5-10 years) and weaker performance where water ponds. Silicone costs more upfront but lasts longer (commonly 15-25 years) and holds up much better in ponding-water conditions.

It depends on the product — commonly 5-10 years for acrylic, 15-25 years for silicone — and silicone roofs can often be recoated again at end-of-life rather than needing a full replacement.

Only if the leak is coming from surface wear a coating can actually address — an active leak from a failed seam, penetration, or decking issue needs to be repaired first, or the coating just seals the problem in rather than solving it.

It's most commonly and effectively used on flat TPO/modified bitumen roofs and on metal roofs needing a reflective/protective refresh; it's not typically used on tile, where the underlayment beneath the tile — not the tile surface itself — is the actual waterproofing layer.

A practical rhythm in South Florida is twice a year — before and after hurricane season — even when nothing seems obviously wrong, since small maintenance items like resealed penetrations and cleared drains are what actually prevent bigger failures.

Yes, substantially — coating commonly runs 60-70% less than a full replacement, but only when it's the right fit for the roof's actual condition, not a workaround for a roof that genuinely needs repair or replacement.

Clearing gutters and drains before storm season, resealing pipe boots and penetrations before they crack, spot-repointing tile ridge/hip mortar, checking exposed metal fastener torque, and treating algae growth on shingle — all low-cost items that meaningfully extend a roof's real-world lifespan.