Rafael Joseph Launches SmarTcoaT in Springfield, IL — A Breakthrough in Eco-Friendly Roofing Solutions
Springfield entrepreneur Rafael Joseph has launched SmarTcoaT, an innovative roofing solution designed to enhance energy efficiency, extend the life of aging roofs, and reduce environmental impact.
SmarTcoaT represents the latest evolution of Rafael’s two-decade-long mission to improve housing through sustainable technologies through his company, Seraphim.
The Navy veteran, a former Trident II missile technician aboard the USS Pennsylvania, brings the same precision and innovation to his work in civilian life. After earning an Associate of Science from Lincoln Land Community College and pursuing a Bachelor’s in Computer Science, Rafael founded Seraphim in 2000 with a mission that has steadily expanded from graphic design and digital systems to housing rehabilitation and, more recently, advanced roofing technologies.
“SmarTcoaT isn’t just a roofing solution, it’s a system that embodies what Seraphim has always stood for: environmental consciousness, efficient living, and innovative thinking,” said Rafael. “It’s about reimagining what we already have, rather than throwing it away. We’re restoring, not replacing.”
The SmarTcoaT system uses elastomeric coatings, a high-performance, flexible material originally used for flat roofing applications and first used in the 40s for WWII aircraft patching of exterior fuselage. Modern type was first applied in the 80s in the NASA space shuttle program, rocket booster, and external tank coatings—various exterior uses, roof and siding, throughout history. Rafael has been exploring its residential potential since 2004. After years of failed attempts to convince traditional contractors in the Midwest to adopt the method, he decided to take matters into his own hands.
“I tested the product on my own roof, another property, then another. Five years later, I’m launching a business around it because the results speak for themselves,” Rafael said. “SmarTcoaT is the solution I was waiting for someone else to create, but it turns out it had to be me.”
Elastomeric coatings offer a sustainable alternative to expensive roof replacements by sealing and restoring existing shingles. This process not only extends the life of aging roofs but also improves energy efficiency by reflecting sunlight, reducing heat absorption, and helping to regulate indoor temperatures.
Rafael’s vision for SmarTcoaT aligns seamlessly with Seraphim’s broader mission in Springfield’s historic Enos Park neighborhood, where the company focuses on acquiring, restoring, and returning to service homes that are often uninhabitable. Since 2014, Seraphim has expanded into a lease-to-own housing program, helping lower to middle-income families transition into homeownership through accessible, sustainable pathways.
“Our work in Enos Park and now with SmarTcoaT is about more than just buildings; it’s about people, families, and communities,” Rafael said. “Every roof we save is money kept in a family’s pocket, waste kept out of a landfill, and energy kept inside the home.”
SmarTcoaT also serves as a flagship example of Seraphim’s core philosophy: the intersection of digital technology, sustainable living, and innovative design. Rafael views SmarTcoaT not just as a product, but as an educational opportunity.
“There’s still a huge knowledge gap around these materials,” Rafael said. “One of my top priorities is educating the public on how SmarTcoaT works and how big a difference it can make. When people understand the potential, they make better choices for their homes and the environment.”
For more information, visit SmarTcoaT