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The roof is a very stable structure because it has to protect anything below it. Different things work together to make the roof impenetrable and roofing material plays a vital role in that. Roofing material is chosen based on the local requirements because if the material is not suitable the age of the roof will be lower than expected. A roof type in rainy areas is different from the roof in hot areas. However, the efficiency of both roofs can be taken to the next level with the help of the latest and highly efficient products. For example, an elastomeric roof coating is a perfect is an excellent solution for people who are worried about the stability of a roof.
Elastomeric coatings are an extremely good choice because it adds to the stability and turns a common roof into a highly efficient roof. The coatings can be stretched 100% of their actual size and they are a perfect solution for commercial roofing. There are several types of coating, but acrylic, silicone, and urethane are top of the list. Below you can find the most prominent features of elastomeric coatings.
Coatings make the roof:
- Waterproof
- A monolithic layer
- Energy-efficient by adding the reflectivity element
- Better life expectancy
If you want to know how to apply elastomeric roof coating successfully, then read the following tips. Don’t hesitate to coat the roof with these high-performance coatings because of their unique benefits.
Start with Budgeting
Every project starts with budgeting and it must be done at the very initial stage when you draw estimates for the project. That’s because you have to set the financial limits for the project and the better you know about your financial condition the better it is. Cost analyses are conducted by taking into account various factors because you have to prepare the roof before the coating as well. It is advised to make a realistic budget that is completely based on facts. Otherwise, you’d always end up facing hidden costs.
The cost of elastomeric coating greatly depends on the area and the type of coating. The experts generally rage it from $ 0.15 to $ 0.75. As you can see it is not extremely high and it falls into the acceptable. That’s the very reason why people usually don’t hesitate to coat their homes. However, if you have to coat a commercial building, then the overall cost would make a considerable sum.
Prepare the Necessary Tools
Before you get to work it is important that you prepare everything that’s necessary to start the coating process. There are two main categories of tools that would be involved in the process. First is the basic application gear that includes roller covers, all-purpose brushes, scissors, mallets, push brooms, power drill with mixer, and sprayer equipment. The second category includes safety equipment and you would require to protect yourself. You can add a lot of equipment to this category and you can start to form the goggles, hard hats, work boots, gloves, and safety harnesses. Anything extra would add more burden to your account.
As it is mentioned before that there are three popular coating materials for elastomeric coatings including silicone, acrylic, and urethane. In other words, you have the choice to select among these three types of elastomeric coatings. Of course, each of them is going to be slightly different from the other based on materials specs and cost. However, the functionality remains the same and for that, you can choose them indifferently.
Wash and Clear the Roof
The roof must be prepared for you to start the coating process and it must be clear in every way. Since the roof is exposed to the external environment most of the time it is in pretty bad shape. Dust and debris accumulate over time and that’s why the roof must be cleared. The reason for that is quite simple: when you apply the coating, it binds itself with the roofing material. In case the coating is applied while there’s still dust on it the material will not stick with the roof effectively and can come off easily. That’s why it must be cleared very carefully.
There are multiple ways to clean the roof, but the most effective is pressure wash. The pressure wash can be reinforced with the cleaning agent and warm water to increase its effectiveness. Once cleaned the surface will be ready for coating, but there are a few more things that you must do before application.
Fix the Damages
When the roof is cleaned up it is time to take a look and find possible damages. The damages must be fixed before the application of coating. Otherwise, the damages will be covered with the coating material and it would be hard to find it in case of leaks. You can look for cracks or physical damage to the roofing material, mold, and secretly grown plants on the roof. If you can’t apply the repairs yourself, it is better to hire an expert for that. When the damages are fixed you are finally ready for coating. However, it is important to know what kind of material is ideal for elastomeric coatings. Bellow, you can find a good list of materials on which the coatings can perform with great efficiency.
- Built-up roofing
- Asphalt
- Metal
- RV roofs
- Concrete
- Sprayed polyurethane foam
- Existing elastomeric coatings
As you can see almost all kinds of roofing materials are included in the list, which means there’s no problem with applying coatings to any roof. Still, it is important to read the instructions of the selected coating type before application.
Conduct the Field Adhesion Test
The field adhesion test is extremely important to conduct because it tells you about the compatibility of the chosen coating’s binding strength. It is done to find out whether or not you’d be needing a primer before applying the coating. The testing procedure is quite simple, you just have to apply the primer on the surface and place the polyester reinforcing fabric on it. Make sure the fabric is more than two inches and so does the primer. Leave it for 24 hours and then pull off the fabric. If the fabric comes off clean leaving no primer behind, then a primer would be necessary. If some of the primers stick with the ground, then probably it will not be required.
This is rather a tricky process and if you feel that it is beyond your skills, then hiring experts is highly recommended. When the primer is finalized, the next step is the application. You might want to learn a few tips from the experts. It is not rocket science but the technique must be learned for uniform application.
Deal with the Metal Seam Flashing
Roofs must be prepared adequately so the coating can be applied. For example, metal roofing is installed in the form of sheets that overlap each other. If you look closely, you’d always notice some spacing between the two sheets clearly. In order for the coating to be effective every hole must be patched up before the application. Therefore, it must be sealed by using SCBS cement. Always cover the two inches on each side to be sure. Once applied let it settle down before the application of this protective layer.
Don’t Forget the Pipes and Exhausts
Indoor pipes are mostly directly outside and have openings through the roof. That’s why the pipe holes must be sealed before applying the coat. The best way to do it is to cover the base of the pipe with the sealing fabric and slide it down towards the roof. Later apply the same material that you used to cover the metal seam flashing and use multiple coats if necessary. The experts recommend covering the three inches of pipes in material for better efficiency. If you can’t do it yourself, then hire an expert that can do it for you.
Test the Spraying Equipment
The process isn’t that difficult, all you need is the coating equipment configuration before you start. Use airless spraying equipment with a capacity of three to four gallons per minute and a minimum of 3300 psi. Now gently apply the coating keeping the nozzle at 12-18 inches distant from the ground. Make sure you apply a uniform coat for the best result. If you don’t have the equipment, then it can be rented at a very reasonable price or you can also borrow it from a friend as well. In any case, make sure you test the equipment before starting the work.
Elastomeric coatings are an excellent choice for the protection of the roof. Regardless of the material, it must be applied to seal the roof. This way your roof stays intact for a longer period and lower maintenance would be required as well. The best thing about coating is that it can be applied to the existing coating quite easily. If you are unsure of your skills, local experts must be hired for help. They are fast and the quality of their work is simply flawless.
Pros and Cons of Elastomeric Roof Coating
The roof is one of the most expensive structures in every home and commercial building. That’s why people are overly concerned about the roofs and their performance. There are several roofing solutions and each one of them is specifically designed to perform under certain weather conditions. A roof that works well in dry weather probably will not be that efficient in rainy areas. That’s why roofs must be chosen carefully. The easiest way to improve the roof efficiency is to install additional protection such as coatings. This way your roof stays intact for longer periods. If you want to install the best elastomeric roof coatings, then hire the best local contractor today. Below you can find the top pros and cons of elastomeric coatings.
Pros:
Extended Roof Lifespan
When you invest heavily in the roofing of your house, it is your expectation that it last longer. Well, there’s nothing wrong with wishing something like that, but you have to do something extra. If you know that you have heavy spells of rainstorms, then it is always a good idea to use elastomeric coatings on your roof. By doing so you create a layer of rubbery material on the roof that will protect it from getting any damage from harsh weather. This elastomeric roof coating for a metal roof is highly efficient and impenetrable. So, contact a local contractor to get your hands on it today.
Energy-Efficient Solution
It is another big plus for elastomeric coatings because it can easily make your roof heat or cold-proof. If you know how it is done, then you’d know that a thick layer of elastomeric material is created on the surface of the roof. It is a perfect insulation technique and makes sure that nothing passing through. Since cooling down the building in summer is one of the biggest challenges, this coating can help you achieve that goal. In addition, the cooling efficiency of your cooling unit increase, and as a result, your energy bills are substantially reduced.
Easy Repair And Maintenance
If the roof has suffered some damages, it is quite difficult to fix it and may require professional support. Besides, it is an expensive procedure if you don’t have warranties. However, that’s not the case with elastomeric coatings because they can be stretched about 100 percent and the risk of damages is very low. Furthermore, if it is damaged somehow, it can be fixed with little effort and money. The best part is that you don’t need to remove or touch the previous layer. Because it can be coated over the existing coating for the same efficiency.
Protects Against Elements
The biggest threat to the roof is the local weather and in case you experience, hurricane, thunderstorm, rainstorm, then coating the roof with elastomeric coatings isn’t a bad idea. This coating sticks strongly with the roofing material and can’t be peeled off easily. This way it stays intact and increases the working life of your roof. The roof maintenance expense just vanishes from the list and you can enjoy a carefree rainy season for a long time. So, if your roof is getting older, then it isn’t a bad idea to coat it with the fresh elastomeric coating to boost up its performance.
Cons:
Cost of coating
The cost is one of the major issues for any service that you want to acquire and coating isn’t any different. The cost of coating can vary based on the type of coating you are using. There are three popular coatings to choose from and these types are silicone, acrylic, and urethane. Application of these coating isn’t that simple because the roof’s surface might not be ready to accept the coating and can come off easily. That’s why the primer is applied to improve its performance. As a result, the cost of coating goes up. So, before you hire someone for installation you might want to confirm the cost locally.
Peeling Problem
It is one of the most prominent disadvantages of elastomeric coatings. The coating can come off the roof easily if it has reached its age limit or if it was not installed properly. The peeling-off process is quite harsh and can remove the big pieces of coating in a very short time. That’s why the experts do the peel-off test before installation to see how successful it can be. The surface properties are enhanced by using a primer to the roof initially.
Application Limitations
If you have seen how coating process, then you’d know that it is something that can be applied only to the horizontal surfaces or inclined roof. The application on the wall is impossible and similarly other surfaces that don’t fulfill the standard. That’s why make sure you go only for roofs with this coating type. For walls and other places, something more useful can be found.
The coatings can save the life of an old roof and there’s nothing better than in-time support to protect the roof. The best way to apply coatings is to do it by hiring experts. They have done it a number of times and that’s why their skills are off the chart.