The basic guide to roof coatings

The Basic Guide to Roof Coatings


Roof Coating and Its Common Types

PART 1

Anyone who owns a house or building, has built or is planning to build one, would have already heard about the term roof coatings. If not, you are probably trying to learn more about it. Indeed, roof coatings is a subject worth knowing more about, especially if you are aiming to have a more durable and

valuable roof system.



What is Roof Coating?Roof coating is basically an additional layer of protection applied on a finished roof. It is designed and developed to enhance a roof’s ability to resist sunlight, rain, wind, and hail. The coating usually comes in the form of a thin membrane that seals the materials used in building the roof. When applied correctly, it is effective in establishing a barrier between the roof system and the elements. Furthermore, it can also add years to the roof’s life cycle.

The Common Types of Roof Coatings

There are a variety of roof coatings and each of them offer different benefits. Some of them mainly provide waterproofing benefits, while some promise to help keep a building cool. Below are the common types of roof coating that can be used in various buildings and structures.

■ Latex/Acrylic Water-based products that are known for being cost effective. They are also easy to apply and eco-friendly. This type of coating is sought after for its reflectivity, helping keep a roof cool.

■ Polyurethane This type of roof coating is becoming more & more popular as it offers better durability, protecting the roof system from a wide range of external conditions.



■ SiliconeExisting in the industry for a long time already, silicone roof coatings are mostly being used to cover and protect spray polyurethane foam (SPF) roofs. They are highly impermeable and are suitable for use in areas with extreme temperature ranges and (ultraviolet) UV exposure.

■ Asphalt This is popular for being able to shed water and helping ward off the harmful effects of weather exposure.

■ ReflectiveAs its name suggests, reflective roof coatings reflect the destructive effects of sun and weather. Because of this, it also helps keep cooling costs to a minimum. It is recommended for buildings in locations that have high heat and humidity levels.

■ MonolithicRoof coatings of this type are mainly used for waterproofing roofs. They are also used to repair roof leaks.



■ Metal Roof CoatingThis is basically used to help protect a metal roof, blocking the sunlight to keep the roof from expanding and contracting.

■ BituminousThese are generally best matched with asphalt or coal-tar built-up roofs as well as modified bitumen membranes. Some manufacturers also offer this type of coating for metal roof restoration.

■ EmulsionThis type consists of asphalt dispersed in colloidal clay water blend. It typically comes in dark gray, brown, and black colors. The emulsion type functions as a maintenance or protective coating for asphalt built-up and modified bitumen roofs. Also known for being fire-resistant.

■ AluminumA mixture of solvents, aluminum paste, and oxidized asphalts. It comes with or without reinforcing fibers. Known for reflecting UV radiation and reducing rooftop temperatures and preventing premature roof aging.



■ Emulsion-aluminumHybrid products that offer the fire resistance of emulsion and the reflecting properties of aluminum.

■ Asphalt CutbacksConsist of asphalt and petroleum solvents. Primarily used for maintenance and restoration.

■ ResaturantsA combination of bitumen-asphalt or coal-tar. Functions as restoration and maintenance material that can also make a roof weatherproof.

■ Modified AsphaltMade with synthetic rubber polymers, asphalt, and solvents, and may contain reinforcing fibers. Offers increased elasticity and better cold weather flexibility and workability.

■ HypalonThese are majorly used to restore surfaces of single-ply membranes. They also offer excellent waterproofing properties as well as resistance to UV radiation, fire, and chemicals.

■ NeopreneThis type of roof coating is composed of synthetic rubber polymers. These offer recovery and elongation properties.


The Appropriateness of Roof Coating

PART 2

For sustaining and maintaining roofs, particularly those of industrial and business facilities, property managers and owners should possess a sound understanding of roof coating and its appropriateness. This will help ensure that the application will be maximized and that the roof provides long-term

performance.



When to Apply Roof Coating?

Here are some of the situations and purposes where roof coating is deemed appropriate.

■ Maximizing a roof’s service life Roof coatings are mostly applied because of its ability to reflect harmful UV radiation away from the roof or roof membrane.

■ Assisting in roof repairs Coatings can be applied to enhance roof repair and restoration tasks in a moderately aged or damaged roof, helping to maintain its watertight condition.

■ Re-coating When the existing roof coating deteriorates, another application of coating can be done to revive the roof’s protection.

■ Aesthetic purposes For buildings which roofs are visible, roof coatings can enhance its look.

■ Fire resistance Some UL-classified coatings can increase a roof’s fire resistance.



When NOT to Apply Roof Coating

While roof coatings offers a number of advantages, you can say that it is not for every roof. Below are examples of situations when coating application is not recommended.

■ Treating roof coating as a roof replacement substitute

Applying a coating cannot revive an extremely damaged and deteriorated roof. Even if coatings can restore a roof’s water resistance for a short period of time, its costs will not prove to be a good investment given the intention.

■ Roof coatings may be susceptible to issues in areas with excessive debris, steam, dust, liquid discharge, and other related contaminants

If such contaminants cannot be completely removed during the preparation of the substrate to be coated, poor adhesion and other deficiencies may develop, compromising the quality and integrity of the coating.

Be on the lookout for Part 3 of “The Basic Guide to Roof Coatings,” coming soon, where we will talk about their proper selection, application and maintenance,

and getting the most out of your investment.


Selection, Application, and Maintenance

PART 3

Getting the most out of your investment involves learning everything about it -- from selection

to maintenance.



SelectionSelecting the right coating for your roof requires you to be familiar with the products offered in the market, including their advantages and disadvantages. Owners and property managers should be able to determine a specific set of criteria on which they will base their selection.

You can seek the help of a roofing professional in reviewing your roofing project criteria, inspecting the roof, and recommending viable coating products. When you list down products to choose from, see to it that they have a history of performing well on roofs that have similar criteria as yours. You can also talk to manufacturers’ representatives who can discuss more about their products.

ApplicationApplying roof coating should not be done in a haste. Preparing the roof is a critical step. Thankfully, it is not a very difficult task, but it entails several steps. First, the roof must be checked for any flaws or damages. These issues should be fixed before proceeding to the next step which is cleaning.

While pressure washing is not recommended for all types of roofs, it is the most common method used in preparation for roof coating application as it effectively washes away any residue and dirt that can compromise the quality of the coating. Make sure to ask a professional the best and safest way to clean your roof prior to coating application.



Roof coating application can be done with the use of a paintbrush, roller, or spray gun. Many coating manufacturers encourage the use of a spray gun as it allows for more even coating. The thickness of the number of layers of coating will largely depend on the type of as well as the common weather conditions in the locale.

You may also want to consider applying a coat of primer before the roof coating so it will adhere better and be smoother. Keep

in mind that the roof coating should be applied in successive layers until the desired thickness is desired. Furthermore, every layer should be left to dry before the next layer is applied.

MaintenanceOnce roof coating has been applied to your roof, you should begin considering it as part of your house or building and as such, it needs maintenance as well. While it is mainly used to protect the structure or at least its roof, it must be checked regularly, too. After a while, the coat may peel off or become damaged due to various reasons including intense weather events and improper application.

Should you be unable to see the damages immediately and act upon it, the roof coating may fail entirely and put your roof and the entire property in trouble. Thus, find the time to inspect or have someone do it for you, such as your property manager or a roofing professional.


JCB ROOFING31 Fort Argyle Savannah, GA 31409

GA (912) 200-9600SC (843) 376-3500

www.jcb-roofing.com

http://www.jcb-roofing.com

The basic guide to roof coatings

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