The roof is definitely one of the most important components of your home or any building. It protects you, your property, and the building interior from the sun, rain, snow, and other elements. That’s why it’s completely necessary that you protect the roof that protects you and everything that you own.
What are Roof Coatings?
Roof coatings are designed to protect your roof and extend the service and useful life of your roof assemblies. They extend the life of the roof by reducing heat transfer to the building, decreasing thermal expansions and contractions, and mitigating leaks.
Both newly constructed and existing roof structures benefit from roof coatings. They are thicker than paint and have a higher solid content. They are especially formulated to protect roofs from the damaging effects of the weather and the environment. Harsh UV light and excessive water and wind have deteriorating effects on your roof, and it needs constant protection for many years.
There are many types of roof coatings in the market that you can use for your roof. Before you go on getting your roof coated and restored, here are the 5 things you must know about roof coatings.
There are four major types of roof coating.
The four major types of roof coating are asphalt emulsion, acrylic roof coating, solvent-based asphalt coating, and solvent-based silicone coating. Below is a brief description of each type:
Asphalt Emulsion – These coatings are emulsified asphalt and are made of asphalt particles dispersed in water. The emulsifying component used is clay. It is available in black, brown, or as a reflective coating when titanium dioxide or aluminum pigments are added. This type of coating is can easily be applied with the use of a push broom.
Acrylic Roof Coating – This coating contains various types of acrylic polymer which helps extend the coating’s life and improve durability. It is available in a variety of colors, but the most commonly used acrylic coating is the white reflective variant. Acrylic coatings are usually applied in two coats, and the coatings can be applied by spraying or rolling.
Solvent-based Asphalt Coating – This coating is also called cutback coating. At room temperature, the solid asphalt is cut back with solvent which liquefies the coating. It is available in asphalt black or aluminum-finish reflective coating.
Solvent-based Silicone Coating – This coating is produced by adding a catalyst and solvent to a silicone base. It is available in many colors, including reflective white. Silicone based coatings can be sprayed or roller- applied. It can adhere to most substrates without the need for a primer and can resist pooled water for a long period of time.
Your roof must be prepared before coating.
To ensure successful coating application, the roof surface must be thoroughly cleaned and thoroughly dried. However, when you do pressure washing, be careful not to damage the lap seams and roof membrane.
If your roof is rusted, the rust must be addressed before you can do the coating. White rust can be coated after cleaning; whereas, red rust must be removed or treated first. Rusted fasteners should be treated or replaced.
The coating must be maintained regularly.
The coating, along with the roof, must be inspected at least twice a year, and after any major storms. Additional coating may be needed to repair any damage the coating has incurred.
Roof coating can lower roof temperatures.
Reflective roof coatings can lower roof temperatures by reflecting off visible light, infrared, and UV radiation. This can help reduce interior temperatures and reduce cooling costs for air conditioning units.
Your roof coating cannot fully stop leaks.
Coating can help stop minor leaks and pinhole leaks. If your roof is leaking, it is recommended that you first identify the leak and have it repaired prior to any coating and recoating jobs. You cannot expect the coating to fix all the leaks.
For your roof repair and restoration needs, call a reputable roofing company that is backed with years of experience. You may be tempted to do it yourself, but leaving the job to roofing professionals can give you the peace of mind that your roof is in good hands.
Written by True Son Exteriors, the best contractor for roofing in Columbia, MO.
