Fortunately, schools and facilities do not need to rip and replace their roofs to comply with Title 24 and reduce energy use. Asphalt emulsion cool roof coatings can revitalize BUR and Mod-Bit low-slope roofs without full replacement. Organizations can add asphalt emulsion systems to building roofs as part of their maintenance schedule and reap lower energy costs as well as Title 24 compliance.

Henry has been strengthening roofs in Southern California for nearly 100 years.

“Since our founding in Los Angeles, CA in 1933, Henry Company’s continued to exhibit a strong commitment to research and development of quality roofing products. Today, we are a leading manufacturer of roofing products in North America.”

How Asphalt Emulsion Restores Roofs

Asphalt-based roofs are built for durability, using a combination of asphalt (a byproduct of crude oil), fiberglass, and other materials that together form a strong, waterproof system. Over time, however, exposure to heat and UV rays —especially in sun-soaked climates like Southern California—can break down even the most rugged surfaces.

That’s where asphalt emulsion coatings come in. These cold-applied, water-based coatings restore and protect aging roofs by creating a resilient barrier against water, heat, and sun damage. Designed especially for asphalt substrates, Henry roof coatings go a step further with an added waterproof membrane and built-in "sunscreen" to reduce UV degradation and extend roof life.

For example, Henry® Pro-Grade® 197 Asphalt Emulsion is a professional-grade solution designed specifically to revitalize older roofing systems back whether they are modified bitumen, built-up roofing (BUR), or aged metal roofs. These types of roofs are often on schools, public facilities, and commercial buildings throughout the Southwest.

In addition to resisting water and sun damage, Pro-Grade Asphalt Emulsion 197 also smooths out surface irregularities, which helps create a better foundation for additional roof maintenance and roof coatings. This asphalt emulsion can support a facility’s roofing needs from minor repairs to full restoration, which makes it a sound investment for long-term performance.

Pro-Grade 197 pairs seamlessly with reinforcement products like Henry 195 Polyester or fiberglass roving, delivering even greater strength and longevity for the roofing system. When combined, these materials improve the strength, flexibility, and longevity of the roofing membrane, creating a resilient, weather-resistant barrier that can withstand harsh sun and weather.

Henry asphalt emulsion systems are also backed by a long-term warranty and strong track record of compliance as part of Henry’s 90+ year history in quality roofing products. When an asphalt emulsion product like Pro-Grade 197 is combined with a Henry cool roof coating, such as Pro-Grade 280 and AcyShield 400, 410, or 550, the system fulfills leading building codes and environmental standards, including California Title 24 and VOC regulations and hold major certifications, such as Miami-Dade County, UL, and FM approvals.

For building owners looking to maximize their restoration investment, they should consider reinforcing the asphalt emulsion system with Henry 189 or 195 to add strength and sag resistance. To increase energy efficiency in schools and public facilities, owners and school boards should consider making their roof a cool roof by adding high-performance finishes like Pro-Grade® 280 Elastomeric White Roof Coating.

These topcoats not only improve aesthetics but also boost solar reflectivity, which reduces heat absorption and cooling costs. Installing these layers can also extend the system warranty, which includes both material and labor coverage.  

Flexible, Budget-Friendly Options for Public Capital Projects

Henry recognizes that public schools and government facilities often operate under tight budget constraints, making it difficult to fund large-scale roof replacements all at once. That’s why Henry Asphalt Emulsion Systems are designed to offer a flexible, cost-effective path forward that allows building owners to extend the life of their roofs without the need for a costly full tear-off or a substantial upfront investment.

With this system, owners can choose a phased restoration approach that aligns with their specific budget cycles and long-term capital improvement plans. Whether you restore a single section or multiple roofs over time, Henry makes it possible to add protective layers as funding becomes available that boost performance or warranty coverage.

Not only does this strategy offer a significantly lower cost per square foot compared to full replacement, but it also helps reduce ongoing energy and maintenance expenses thanks to the durability and UV resistance of the asphalt emulsion system.  

Asphalt Emulsion Benefits for SoCal Schools and Public Facilities

For schools, municipal buildings, and other public facilities, roof restoration with asphalt emulsions like Pro-Grade 197 offers numerous operational and financial benefits. Primarily, it helps extend the lifespan of existing roofs, providing a durable and resilient protective layer that defends against water intrusion, sun damage, and routine wear and tear. Extending the roof’s lifespan also reduces the need for expensive replacements.

Beyond the immediate financial savings, restoring rather than replacing roofs allows institutions to avoid costly upgrades that often accompany full roof replacements. These can include structural evaluations, insulation upgrades, and even the abatement of hazardous materials like asbestos.

Environmentally, the use of asphalt emulsion for restoration reduces landfill waste by alleviating the need to remove and dispose of old roofing materials. It also helps improve indoor comfort because restored roofs better regulate indoor air temperatures.

Incorporating a reflective Cool Roof coating as part of the restoration process amplifies environmental and economic benefits. This reflective surface helps mitigate the Urban Heat Island effect, reducing the surrounding temperature and contributing to lower HVAC energy costs for the facility.

Lastly, Henry’s roofing solutions provide renewable warranties for up to 20 years that provide school boards and facility managers assurance of long-term performance. This makes asphalt emulsion restoration not only a sound fiscal decision but also a sustainable and responsible choice for public infrastructure maintenance.

• Extend roof lifespans by making roofs durable and resilient.
• Reduce environmental impact by limiting landfill waste.
• Enhance occupant comfort by better controlling indoor air temperatures.
• Mitigate Urban Health Island effect and lower HVAC costs with a reflective Cool Roof coating.
• Avoid high-cost upgrades, such as tear-offs, structural evaluations, insulation upgrades, and asbestos abatement that full replacements often trigger.
• Gain long-term performance assurance with renewable warranties for up to 20 years.

Immediate Delivery and Local Expertise You Can Depend On

Southern California’s public facilities and schools and facilities can receive local support for all their asphalt roofing needs. Henry and GoldStar Asphalt Products are proud to provide trusted, local service directly from GoldStar’s Perris, CA location. Whether you're managing routine roof maintenance or launching a large-scale restoration project, you’ll have fast, dependable access to the materials, guidance, and expertise you need. Asphalt emulsion is available when you need it with onsite delivery within a week.

Henry’s partnership with GoldStar ensures more than just speedy delivery. It also includes means onsite support, such as product training, installation guidance, and expert maintenance advice—so your team is never left guessing.

Schools and facilities also benefit from Henry’s extensive network of authorized roofing contractors, making every project smoother and more efficient from planning to completion.

Henry Roof Restoration System Comparison Chart

With GoldStar’s complete “Road to Roofs” lineup of asphalt products and Henry’s industry-leading solutions, everything needed for restoration, protection, and  and peace of mind is right at your fingertips—with a local expert just a phone call away.