Quality, experience and service: A1 Insulation and Coatings seals the roofing deal

For Troy Gilchrist, hitting the roof is a positive thing. Owner of A1 Insulation and Coatings in Buffalo, Gilchrist brings 25 years of experience and top customer service to commercial clients who need a new roof or their roof repaired.

Specializing in polyurea roofing

Gilchrist knows the ins and outs of all types of roofing material but favors polyurea, which he said is the top roofing product with the best results in his expert experience. “Polyurea is durable and flexible and cures fast,” Gilchrist said. Unlike other roof coatings that require multiple coats to achieve adequate thickness, polyurea can be applied in one pass.

“Polyurea is ideal for commercial buildings and parking structures with flat roofs where water can stand, because it forms a seamless, waterproof coating. It’s just like the material you see in a spray-on truck bed liner,” he said. Along with its application as a roofing material, polyurea is also used for other water-containment purposes, such as reservoirs, pipelines, wastewater treatment tanks and catch basins in chemical plants, Gilchrist said.

Limiting leaks

Polyurea is more costly than other roofing materials such as silicone, but Gilchrist said he prefers polyurea for its reliability and durability. In Western New York, where many of the roofs are old and have hit their life expectancy, recoating with less-expensive silicone may result in blistering and holes in the roof surface, he said.

Buffalo averages 39 inches of rain and 85 inches of snow every year. “In this area, most roofs have some moisture in them,” he said.

Reducing utility bills

Polyurea is available in colors that reflect UV rays, which can help reduce cooling bills in summer, Gilchrist said. “Your HVAC system doesn’t have to recirculate as much air when heat is being reflected off the roof.”

Offering options

Gilchrist works with his clients to help them select the best option for their commercial roofing project. “If polyurea isn’t in your budget or isn’t right for your project, I’ll offer options that include top-grade products and an in-between product,” he said. “I have my clients’ interests in mind and my goal is to make them happy.”

Keeping water out above and below

Although he usually works high above ground, Gilchrist’s expertise in spray coatings and water containment led to his role in helping to restore the USS Croaker in 2022. The World War II submarine had sprung a leak and was in danger of sinking in Buffalo’s Naval Park. Gilchrist and his crew came to the rescue, sealing the leaky compartment with spray polyurethane foam to ensure that no water would get in, restoring the historic vessel.

“I never thought I’d work in the hull of a submarine,” Gilchrist said. As with all his projects, he took pride and pleasure in offering excellent service and satisfaction in being part of a job well done.

Learn more about A1 Insulation and Coatings by calling 716.416.4289 or visiting a1insulationandcoatings.com.

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