Although roofing technology has advanced in the past years to make roofing systems more durable, easier to install, and sustain lesser risk of damages, facility managers and industrial coating contractors agree that roof coatings play a very important role in the overall performance of any roofing system.
The essential function of roof coatings is nowhere more evident than during roof maintenance and repair projects. In cases of roof problems, the cost of replacing the roof is far too expensive when compared to the option of applying the correct roof coatings such as Elastomeric or Polyurea roof coatings. An elastomeric roof coating, in particular, enhances the roof by keeping it watertight for longer periods of time. Polyurea roof coatings, on the other hand, are rapid-setting and highly-reflective coatings that are useful as fire retardants.
Types of Roof Coatings
Many considerations like roof slope and surface affect the type of roof coatings that can be applied to roofing systems. Coating contractors commonly use Elastomeric or Polyurea roof coatings for many roof projects because of their unique ability to repair and protect the roof from damages.
The most commonly used roof coating is acrylic elastomeric coatings, which not only extends the lifespan of the roofing system, it is also an environment-friendly coating formulation.
Unlike acrylic elastomeric coatings that are appropriate for sloped roofs, butyl elastomeric coatings are more suitable for flat roofs and water ponding. Other elastomeric coating formulations are polyurethane coatings that are very effective in coating rubber and single-ply roofing systems, and silicone coatings which are useful in silicone-coated roofs.
Polyurea roof coatings, on the other hand, provide a strong and seamless coating layer for metal and concrete.
Roof Coatings Applications
Since roof coatings act as the top-most protective layer of a roofing system, they need to be applied in such a way as to achieve the best results and quality.
Prior to coating, industrial coating contractors thoroughly examine the roof for cracks or tears, and, if any defects exist, these are fixed and sealed to eliminate any source of roof leaks. The roof is then subjected to cleansing, wherein any dirt or dust is removed through pressure washing.
Primers are applied on the roof surface to improve adhesion. Top coatings are subsequently applied in 2 or 3 layers, done at the proper time intervals to allow for complete drying between each coat.
The careful preparation, cleaning and application of the roof coating ensures that the roof performs durably and with high-quality. The roof coating contractor with the right skills and equipments can deliver this quality to roofing maintenance projects consistently and effectively.
Benefits of Roof Coatings
Facility managers value the role of roof coatings to the longevity and sustainability of any roof system, as well as its contribution to decreasing energy consumption and roof repair costs.
With the protection provided by roof coatings, roof deterioration caused by the weather and natural elements is delayed and even prevented, thereby extending the roof’s life span. Elastomeric roof coatings, in particular, are very useful in preventing leaking roofs, discarding the costly need for replacement. Elastomeric roof coatings deflect sunlight to significantly lower roof temperatures, effectively lowering the building’s cooling costs.
Elastomeric coatings are also environment-friendly, generating minimal waste and low-VOC emission.
