Roof Coatings

Roofs can be constructed from an amazingly broad variety of bulk materials, including metals, plastics, rubbers, fibers, glass, wood, rocks, ceramics and the list goes on. But as the world is progressing, many revolutions in the construction field have been observed as well. New technologies have been evolving to make the human living more secure and safe. It’s the need of time that the roofing contractors must also be familiar with roof coating. Roof coating is a monolithic, fully adhered, fluid applied over the roofs and has elastic properties that allows it to stretch and return to their original shape without damage.

Finding just a roof coating is not sufficient; the requirement is to find a good coating for your roof that will maximally protect your roof from the weakening factors whether they are the UV rays or extreme weather conditions. There are many types of roof coatings available and there are pros and cons of each of these types. Which type of coating you choose depends on your selection criterion that what is your primary purpose of using the roof coating, whether it is to provide maximum solar protection or roof leak repair etc.

Some of the most common roof coating product categories are:

• asphalt cutbacks and emulsions
• polymer-modified acrylic elastomers and polyureas
• silicones
• high-performance urethanes
• SPF

It is important to select the coating to be compatible with the roof, and the roofing contractor must follow the manufacturer’s preparation and application instructions exactly. If these guidelines are properly followed, the end results will definitely be fruitful.

Roof Repair Coatings

Liquid Rubber Coatings

Coating Leaking Roof

Metal roofs have been associated in the past with tin-covered storage sheds or copper-domed cathedrals. But today's panels of corrugated aluminum or galvanized steel are practical and attractive options. Roofing is one of the most dangerous home improvement jobs.

Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is usually manufactured in steel, copper, aluminum or stainless steel and installed as panels, even if it looks like individual tiles, shakes or shingles. It can be coated in a many different types and colors of paint and other materials. Modern metal roofing frequently carries warrantees of 50 years--if properly installed.

Elastomeric coatings seem like a great idea. A new chemistry that promises to both seal your roof and stop roof leaks, while it reflects sunlight and lowers your air conditioning bill. The home owner can apply it themselves with a paint roller and long handled extension, without ever having to climb around on the roof.

It's too bad, but in my experience, it seldom works this way. The products stick well to bare metal and maintain their reflective qualities. I don't think they hold up well where they have been applied over other patching material. While they have some ability to stretch (that's why they are called elastomeric).

If you choose to try these products you will want to make sure your roof is clean with no loose material from previous patches. You may want to apply primers with mesh around vents and other roof penetrations before coating the roof with an elastomeric product. If you do that, give these repair a few weeks to set before you try covering them with the elastomeric coating.

Elastomeric coatings are applied with a roller. You can do that from a ladder alongside the house if you have a long roller handle. That is probably safer (for both you and the roof) than crawling around on the roof with a short handled roller.

For further details visit:

Coating your leaking roof with elastomeric coatings

EPDM Coatings

Liquid Rubber Coatings