Flat roofs should generally be recoated every three to five years, depending on the climate. Since they don’t have a slope to help them avoid rain and sunlight, they wear out more quickly than a pitched roof.
If you have an EPDM rubber roof, it likely resists weather damage already and shouldn’t ever need to be recoated. Many roof coatings don’t work on EPDM roofs either, so make sure to double-check with the manufacturer before applying any. If your EPDM roof starts to leak, you’ll usually have to apply a new layer instead of resealing it.
Most homeowners insurance policies only cover roof damage caused by single, specific events, such as fires, stormy weather, or falling trees. Homeowners insurance usually doesn’t cover roof coating or sealing since these are routine repair jobs that come with normal wear and tear.