Roof Coatings

The Complete Guide

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There is more to roofing than opting for total replacement.

When evaluating lifecycle costs, it often makes sense to extend the life of the roof with coatings and qualify for a new NDL (No Dollar Limit) warranty on an existing roof.

Reflective roof coatings play a crucial role in prolonging the service life of a mature roofing system.

Choosing lasting restoration or repair options postpones capital expenses until a costly tear-off or overlay becomes necessary.

In this roof coatings guide ››

You’re going to learn everything you need to know about the benefits and possibilities of extending your roof’s life with roof coatings.

Roof Coating Details

What are Elastomeric Roof Coatings?

Elastomeric roof coatings offer an excellent method for protecting your roof from damage, with the potential to extend a roof’s lifespan by up to twenty years.

The most common types of elastomeric roof coatings include silicone, asphalt, polyurethane, and acrylic. Typically, these coatings are applied using a roller or spray, with roofers utilizing multiple gallons per 100 square feet to ensure complete sealing of the roof.

It’s important to note that elastomeric roof coatings should not be confused with paint. While both are liquids, elastomeric coatings excel in various aspects:

1. Thickness: Elastomeric coatings are thicker than paint.
2. Weather Protection: Specifically designed to shield the roofing from inclement weather, including the damaging effects of water, wind, and UV light.
3. Elasticity: Made with high-quality resin to ensure elasticity.
4. Sealing Properties: Effectively seals small cracks and seams in the roof.
5. Eco-Friendly: Provides insulation in extreme weather, helping maintain an ideal temperature inside the building.

Elastomeric roof coatings can be applied to various roofing materials. However, some preparatory work is essential for optimal effectiveness:

1. Cleaning: The roof should be thoroughly cleaned before applying the elastomeric coating.
2. Inspection: The roof needs to be inspected for signs of damage, as even the best coating cannot fully protect a roof in need of significant repairs.
3. Primer: Concrete, masonry, gypsum, block, brick, and metal surfaces require a coat of primer before applying the roof coating. The roof must be completely clean and dry before applying the primer, and an expert may need to assess the roof substrate to select the best primer for the project.

Types of Elastomeric Roof Coatings

Silicone Roof Coatings

Silicone roof coatings offer numerous advantages, making them a popular choice for roofing applications. Key benefits of silicone roof coatings include:

1. Waterproofing: Silicone coatings are 100% waterproof, providing effective protection against water infiltration.

2. Longevity: Known for their durability, silicone coatings are long-lasting and require minimal maintenance, contributing to overall cost-effectiveness.

3. Weather Resistance: Silicone is impervious to the elements, offering resistance to UV damage and ensuring the longevity of roofing materials.

4. Quick Cure Time: The quick cure time of silicone makes it an ideal option, especially when applying coatings just before severe weather events.

5. Versatility: Silicone roof coatings are suitable for various surfaces, including polyurethane foam, EPDM, TPO, aged PVC, aged acrylic coatings, concrete, metal, asphalt built-up roofs, and granulated modified bitumen roofs.

Silicone coatings are particularly advantageous in the following scenarios:

Two-Roofing System: When there is a two-roofing system in place, silicone coatings are a suitable choice.
Water Collection: If your roof tends to collect and hold water, silicone coatings can effectively address this issue.
Complex Roofing Structures: For roofs with complex structures that may pose installation challenges for conventional membrane roofing, silicone coatings offer a practical solution.

Acrylic Roof Coatings

Acrylic roof coatings are renowned for their durability and exceptional UV stability, making them a popular choice for various roofing applications. Key features of acrylic roof coatings include:

1. Durability: Acrylic coatings exhibit high durability, providing robust protection for roofing materials.

2. UV Stability: Acrylic coatings offer excellent UV stability, helping to resist the damaging effects of prolonged sun exposure.

3. Flexibility: Acrylic coatings are known for their flexibility, making them well-suited for application in low-temperature environments.

Acrylic roof coatings can be effectively used on the following roofing materials:

Modified Bitumen: Acrylic coatings are compatible with modified bitumen roofing systems.
Smooth Asphalt Built-Up Roofs: They are suitable for application on smooth asphalt built-up roofs.
EPDM: Acrylic coatings can be used on EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) roofing systems.
TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin): TPO roofs can benefit from the protective properties of acrylic coatings.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): Acrylic coatings are compatible with PVC roofing materials.

These coatings offer versatility and can enhance the performance and longevity of different types of roofing systems.

Acrylic coatings are the best choice:

When choosing a roof coating, your decision may depend on various factors, and rubber roof coatings can be a suitable option in specific scenarios. Here are considerations for choosing rubber roof coatings:

Limited Budget: If you have budget constraints, rubber roof coatings can be a cost-effective solution for extending the life of your roof.

Minimal Water Accumulation: If your roof does not face significant issues with water accumulation, rubber roof coatings can provide effective protection against other elements.

Metal Roof with Minimal Rust: Rubber roof coatings are particularly well-suited for metal roofs with little or minimal rust. They can be applied over mildly rusty surfaces.

Fewer Paint Coats: Unlike some other coatings, rubber roof coatings may require fewer paint coats for effective application.

It’s essential to assess your specific roofing conditions and requirements before choosing a coating type. If your metal roof has minimal rust and you’re working within a limited budget, a rubber roof coating could offer a viable solution for preserving and protecting your roofing system.

SEBS Roof Coatings

Styrene Ethylbutlyene Styrene (SEBS) roof coatings are specially formulated for use on metal roofs, offering a range of benefits tailored to this roofing material:

Reflectivity: SEBS coatings feature a highly reflective surface that helps maintain comfortable temperatures inside buildings by deflecting sunlight. This reflective property also provides maximum protection against ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Waterproofing: SEBS roof coatings are known for their waterproofing capabilities, helping to create a watertight barrier and protect the underlying structure.

Conformity to Building Movement: These coatings are designed to conform to building movements, accommodating any expansions or contractions without compromising the integrity of the roof.

High Tensile Strength: SEBS coatings possess high tensile strength, allowing them to withstand roof traffic and other stresses, contributing to enhanced durability.

Antioxidants and Light Stabilizers: The inclusion of antioxidants and light stabilizers in SEBS formulations helps prolong the lifespan of the roof coating by providing additional protection against environmental factors.

Prevention of Corrosion: SEBS coatings are particularly suitable for application on rusty metal roofs, as they help prevent further corrosion and deterioration.

Cold Climate Application: SEBS coatings are recommended for metal roofs in cold climates. However, it’s important to note that application should not take place in freezing temperatures.

If you have a metal roof, especially one with rust-related concerns, and are located in a cold climate (above freezing), SEBS roof coatings could be the optimal choice for addressing your specific roofing needs.

Facts About Roof Coating Application

Coatings alone are not a remedy for a leaky roof. While elastomeric roof coatings can cover small cracks and seams, they should not be viewed as an alternative to repairing a leaky roof. If your roof exhibits signs of deterioration, has leaks, or serious issues, it is essential to enlist the services of a roofing repair company to address and rectify the problems.

A roof coating may offer temporary relief but won’t resolve underlying issues. Before applying a coating, the existing roofing system should be repaired using compatible materials. Conducting a comprehensive roof inspection is crucial to identify visible signs of problems and address their root causes.

A leaky roof can lead to significant structural damage if neglected. Therefore, it is imperative to repair leaks and other damages with materials that match the existing roofing system, ensuring complete watertightness. Once the roof is deemed to be in optimal condition, applying for a No Dollar Limit (NDL) warranty for up to twenty years can provide long-term assurance for your investment in roof coating.

Moisture trapped beneath a coating can compromise its effectiveness. During a roof inspection, conducting a moisture scan is vital to verify the roof’s dryness. If moisture is detected, core cuts may be necessary to assess the extent of the damage. All moist and wet materials should be replaced before applying a roof coating.

Not all cleansers are suitable for every roofing material, so it’s crucial to consult with a roofing expert to determine the best option for your specific roofing material. Thoroughly cleaning the roof is essential before coating application, as any dirt, dust, or debris beneath the coating can damage its performance and reduce its lifespan. While a power wash is effective, additional scrubbing with an appropriate cleanser may be necessary, especially for roofs that haven’t been cleaned recently or have accumulated heavy soiling.

Types of Elastomeric Roof Coatings

Metal Roof Coatings

Before applying a coating, a metal roof must be in good repair to safeguard workers during the application process and ensure the coating’s optimal effectiveness.

For mildly rusted roofs, it is advisable to apply acrylics and silicones before proceeding with the coating. In the case of SEBS coatings, they can be applied without prior treatment for rust unless the roof exhibits severe rusting.

It’s important to note that fiberglass skylights present potential hazards for workers. To mitigate risks, ensure that the skylight is not painted the same color as the roof, reducing the likelihood of accidents in the future.

TPO Roof Coatings

Due to the low surface energy of TPO membranes, achieving proper adhesion of roof coatings to the surface can be challenging without prior treatment.

For long-term durability of your roof coating, it is recommended to sand down the TPO surface. Additionally, applying a suitable primer before the roof coating is essential to enhance adhesion.

Asphalt and Modified Bitumen Roof Coatings

Before applying roof coating to an asphalt or modified bitumen roof, special care is required.

For new bitumen and asphalt roofs, it is crucial to allow a minimum of ninety days for aging to let excess oil dry off before applying primer and/or roof coating.

In the case of asphalt or bitumen roofs older than ninety days, while they may not have as much retained oil as new roofs, there is still some present. Therefore, it is recommended to apply a stain blocker before coating to prevent the oil from staining the roof coating.

PVC Roof Coatings

Coating a new PVC roof can be challenging due to the natural rigidity of PVC. If your roof is made from this material, it is advisable to allow the PVC to age before applying either a silicone or acrylic coating.

EPDM Roof Coatings

EPDM roofs are highly durable and suitable for climates with severe inclement weather. However, they are not very compatible with solvents commonly used in roof coatings, as these solvents can cause the EPDM to swell. While coating an EPDM roof is still possible, it requires careful selection of solvents. It is recommended to consult with a roof coatings installer for assistance in choosing an appropriate solvent.

Roof Coating Manufacturers

S&S Roofing applies only the finest roof coatings sourced from the nation’s leading manufacturers. While our primary partnerships are with the manufacturers listed below, we also offer a diverse range of roof coating products from various other reputable manufacturers.

If you have specific preferences or requirements for roof coatings, don’t hesitate to inquire. Additional roof coating manufacturers we collaborate with include: GAF, Certainteed, Firestone, Johns Manville, Mule-Hide, Versico, Soprema, Polyglass, TOPPS Products, APOC, Rhino Linings, GE Silicones, Inland Coatings, Gaco, Viking Products Group, TAMKO, Lexis, Pro-Tech Products, Henry, and others.

Roof Coating Warranties

Guaranteed by the Manutacturer

As a Certified Roofing Contractor for multiple manufacturers, S&S Roofing offers warranties of up to 20 years on roof coating applications.

Benefits of Roof Coatings

Roof coatings offer substantial benefits over other roofing systems in key areas. Here are a few benefits of roof coatings:

Keeps Your Building Cooler:

Roof coatings with a reflective surface prevent the absorption of summer heat and winter chill, helping to keep the building insulated and reduce energy bills year-round.

Reduces Energy Consumption:

By lowering energy bills and reducing carbon footprint, roof coatings contribute to energy efficiency, making buildings more environmentally friendly.

Increases Energy Star Rating:

Roof coatings can enhance a building's Energy Star rating, ensuring compliance with local regulations and potentially increasing the property's value.

Improves Green Reputation:

Applying an eco-friendly roof coating demonstrates a commitment to environmental responsibility, fostering a positive image among employees, clients, and business partners.

Protects Against Roof Leaks:

While not a substitute for fixing leaks, roof coatings can prevent the development of new leaks and protect against mold and mildew damage, preserving the roof's structural integrity.

Extends The Life Of Your Roof:

Despite the initial cost, roof coatings save money in the long run by reducing the frequency of roof replacements and lowering maintenance requirements. This also benefits the environment by minimizing the disposal of excess roofing materials in landfills.

How to Select a Roof Coatings Contractor

Roof coatings application demands the expertise of a seasoned commercial roofing contractor. It requires meticulous craftsmanship and strict adherence to manufacturer standards.

If your roof has been impacted by hail or wind damage, partnering with a contractor that guides you through every stage is crucial. You need one capable of performing emergency roof repairs and comprehensive installations.

When seeking a roof coatings contractor, consider the following qualifications:

Licensed, bonded, and insured in your state
Trained and certified by the manufacturer for optimal quality and warranty options
Experience in installing your type of flat roof across multiple projects
Proficiency in managing staged roofing projects, including parallel tear-off and installation
A track record of working with insurance companies on damage claims

An experienced roofing contractor is instrumental in preventing leaks and major issues, delivering roofing systems that stand the test of time.

Beyond roof coatings application, S&S Roofing Pros offers a comprehensive range of services, including various roofing systems, shrink wrap roofing, roof tarping, loose-lay membrane roofing, emergency roofing and repair, water removal, water damage restoration, mold remediation, catastrophic damage inspections, property damage documentation, testing and damage reports, fencing and perimeter security, disaster recovery services, permanent roof replacement, interior restoration services, and general contractor services.

Roof Coatings Projects

The showcased photos and videos below capture different stages of Roof Coating Roofing, all skillfully executed by S&S Roofing.

What are our customers saying about us

Our reroofing experience with S&S Roofing could not have been any better. Office staff was great with the scheduling, adjusted as I needed. They called the week before to confirm and everything was on time. They did a super job. A crew of 10 roofers arrived at 06:45, and were gone at 2:30pm. Looks like a new house. They cleaned up nicely. I would HIGHLY recommend the S&S Roofing Team.

Joe Worsley

S&S Roofing and Construction is awesome! Not only did the entire crew do an amazing job putting our roof on, but I got to meet Wesley The project manager, and Michael the owner. They not only did a fantastic job, they are two wonderful guys that obviously care about people. I couldn’t have asked for anything more, and I will be referring everyone I know to them. Thank you S&S for an incredible experience

Garrett ross