There are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to roof coatings. Some people think that roof coatings are a layer of paint to make your roof look new, others think it’s a temporary fix for roof leaks until a proper replacement can be budgeted for and performed.
However, roof coatings offer a great way to restore your roof system quickly, cost-effectively, with minimal disruptions, all while providing warranty coverage. Along with being a quick and seamless roofing solution, roof coatings have additional benefits such as UV reflectivity, increasing energy efficiency, and providing a sustainable membrane that can be maintained and repaired easily.
SILICONE ROOF COATINGS
Silicone roof coating is very resistant to UV radiation, reflecting up to 90% of UV rays. This means silicone-based coatings have great resistance to sun degradation, and high reflectivity, which allow them to meet the Cool Roof requirement. Due to their high solid content, they are very durable and flexible. Single-coat applications are often possible due to the high solid content, which reflects decreased labor costs and application time. Silicone roof coating is also more effective than other systems, such as acrylic roof coatings, at withstanding ponding water, making them a great choice for nearly all weather conditions.
ACRYLIC COATINGS
An acrylic roof coating is a great choice for many roof systems. Due to the ease of application, it is also one of the most affordable options for restoring your roof. However, these coatings are water-based, meaning there are several limitations. The first of which and most important to consider is that they are not designed to withstand ponding water for very long and can become brittle and delaminate from the roof system. This means they should only be applied on roof systems with positive slopes, allowing for runoff. In addition, these coatings are unable to be applied in cold weather, unlike silicone coatings which are solvent-based and have a broader application window.
URETHANE COATINGS
The most impact resistance of all the other elastomeric options. Urethane coatings are known for their exceptional adhesion, they can adhere to nearly all roof systems easily. They are also resistant to UV degradation and are highly reflective. These coatings are generally more difficult to apply, which can increase labor costs. Urethane roof coatings do not handle standing water well, so this coating is great for a steep-sloped roof.
METAL ROOF COATINGS
Aluminum roof coating is designed specifically to reflect the sun’s damaging UV rays to protect your roofing system from UV degradation and increase the roof’s life expectancy. The reflectivity properties also help insulate your entire roof by reducing the amount of heat that enters the roofing system. These coatings are easy to apply and typically installed by brush, roller, or airless spray. You can consider these coatings to be more of a roof enhancement as they provide no waterproofing properties.
APPLYING A ROOF COATING
Proper surface preparation is imperative to the longevity of the roof system. If the surface is not prepared properly, the coating will not adhere to the roof. To paint a house, you must first wash the dirt off so the paint sticks. The same principle applies when you apply a roof coating. It will not last if the surface isn’t cleaned before application.
Post time: Jun-21-2024