Is PERMAGARD® Roof Coating Worth It? A DIY Homeowner's Guide

If your roof is looking worn, faded, or weathered, your first thought might be that it's time for an expensive roof replacement. The good news? In many cases, a quality roof coating can help restore and protect your existing roof for a fraction of the cost. PERMAGARD® is one of the roof coating solutions designed to help homeowners extend the life of their roofs while improving appearance and performance.

Give Your Roof a Second Life

Your roof faces nonstop exposure to sunlight, rain, wind, and changing temperatures. Over time, this can cause surfaces to fade, age, and become more vulnerable to damage.

PERMAGARD® is designed to create a seamless protective coating over properly prepared sloped roofs, helping shield them from the elements and potentially adding years of life to the existing roof system. For many homeowners, that means delaying a costly roof replacement and getting more value from the roof they already have.

A DIY-Friendly Option

One of the features homeowners appreciate most is that PERMAGARD® is a water-based coating that can be applied using common methods such as brushes, rollers, or sprayers. Cleanup is simple, requiring only soap and water rather than harsh solvents.

While proper roof preparation is essential for any coating project, many DIYers find roof coatings to be a practical way to refresh and protect their homes without a major construction project.

Stay Cooler During Hot Weather

If you've ever walked into a hot home after a sunny summer day, you know how much heat a roof can absorb. PERMAGARD® is formulated to reflect solar energy and help reduce heat buildup on the roof's surface. The coating also contains ceramic technology designed to minimize heat transfer, which may help improve indoor comfort and reduce cooling costs during warmer months.

 

Improve Your Home's Appearance

A clean, freshly coated roof can dramatically improve curb appeal.

PERMAGARD® is available in bright white as well as a variety of custom colors, allowing homeowners to choose a finish that complements their home's exterior. Whether you're refreshing a metal roof, tile roof, or another compatible roofing surface, a new coating can give an older roof a renewed appearance. 

Help Prevent Water Damage

Water is one of the biggest threats to any roof. Once moisture finds a way in, repairs can quickly become expensive. PERMAGARD® forms a waterproof membrane designed to help protect against rain and moisture intrusion. Because the coating remains flexible, it can expand and contract with temperature changes, helping maintain protection throughout the seasons.

 

Fight Mold and Mildew Growth

In humid climates, roofs are often exposed to mold, mildew, algae, and fungi. Not only can these organisms create unsightly stains, but they can also contribute to long-term roof deterioration. PERMAGARD® is formulated with additives designed to resist the growth of mold, mildew, and fungi, helping roofs stay cleaner and better protected.

 

A Name Homeowners Trust

A roof coating is only as good as the company behind it. That's why PERMAGARD® is manufactured by Nationwide Protective Coating Manufacturers, a Florida-based company that has been developing protective paints and coatings since 1964. For more than 60 years, Nationwide Coatings has helped homeowners, businesses, and property managers protect their buildings from harsh weather, moisture, and UV exposure. That experience has been built into every gallon of PERMAGARD®, giving customers confidence that they're choosing a product backed by decades of real-world performance and innovation.

 

Why Choose PERMAGARD® Over Conventional Roof Coatings?

While many roof coatings provide basic waterproofing and reflectivity, PERMAGARD® combines advanced elastomeric technology with ceramic insulation additives to deliver long-term waterproofing protection, superior UV resistance, energy-saving reflectivity, and enhanced resistance to mold and mildew. The result is a durable roof restoration system that helps extend roof life, improve appearance, and reduce lifecycle costs without the expense of a complete roof replacement

 

Product Category

Typical Competitors

Advantages

Disadvantages

Standard Acrylic Roof Coatings

Henry®, APOC®, Gardner Sta-Kool®, AMES®

Lower initial cost, good reflectivity

Can require more frequent maintenance, less durable under extreme weather and standing water conditions

Silicone Roof Coatings

Gaco®, Henry Silicone®, Mule-Hide®

Excellent waterproofing and ponding-water resistance

Higher material cost, can attract dirt and lose reflectivity over time

Elastomeric Roof Coatings

APOC®, Sherwin-Williams Uniflex®, Sta-Kool®

Good flexibility and UV protection

Performance varies significantly by formulation and solids content

Roof Replacement

New Metal, Tile, or Shingle Roof

Complete system renewal

Highest upfront cost and longest project timeline

 

What Types of Roofs Can Be Coated?

PERMAGARD® is suitable for many properly prepared sloped roofing surfaces, including:

  • Metal roofs
  • Concrete tile roofs
  • Clay tile roofs
  • Slate roofs
  • Wood roofing surfaces
  • EPDM and rubber roofing
  • Modified Bitumen Roofs
  • Spray foam roofing systems

 

** Always verify compatibility and follow manufacturer recommendations before starting your project. **

Is Roof Coating Better Than Roof Replacement?

Not every roof needs to be torn off and replaced. If your roof is structurally sound but showing signs of aging, a roof coating can be a smart and budget-friendly alternative.

By sealing, protecting, and restoring the existing surface, PERMAGARD® can help homeowners maximize the life of their roof while avoiding the expense and disruption of a full replacement

Where Can You Buy PERMAGARD®?

If you're interested in using PERMAGARD® for your roof restoration project, the product is available directly from Nationwide Coatings, the manufacturer. Purchasing directly can also give homeowners access to product specialists who can help determine whether the coating is a good fit for their specific roof type and project goals. Homeowners can contact Nationwide Coatings by phone or through the company's online request form to discuss their project and receive product information

Before ordering, it's a good idea to:

  • Measure your roof to estimate product quantities.
  • Confirm your roof type is compatible with the coating.
  • Review application requirements and weather conditions.
  • Ask about recommended primers, patching materials, and accessories for your project

Pro Tip for DIY Homeowners

Before purchasing any roof coating, inspect your roof carefully. Coatings work best on roofs that are structurally sound and properly prepared. If you have significant leaks, damaged decking, or major structural issues, those repairs should be addressed before applying a coating. A little preparation upfront can help ensure the best long-term results.