When it comes to roof coatings, there are a lot of myths and misconceptions out there. Some people believe that roof coatings are a waste of time and money, while others think that they are the best way to protect your roof membrane and extend the life of your roof.
So, do roof coatings really protect roof membranes and extend roof life? The answer is yes! Roof coatings are an effective way to protect your roof from the elements and extend its life. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of roof coatings and how they can help to protect your roof.
What is a Roof Coating?
A roof coating is a monolithic (single layer), fully adhered, fluid-applied membrane. It is typically used to extend the life of an existing roof by protecting the roof surface from ultraviolet rays, ponding water, and chemical degradation.
A roof coating can also be used as a highly reflective surface to reduce energy costs associated with cooling a building. Cool roofs reflect more sunlight than traditional dark-colored roofs, which helps keep the building cooler in the summer. They can apply to asphalt, metal, modified bitumen, single-ply membrane, and spray polyurethane foam roofs.
How Effective are Roof Coatings at Protecting Roof Membranes?
Roof coatings are very effective at protecting roof membranes from the elements. They provide a barrier against ultraviolet rays, ponding water, and chemical degradation. Roofing industry studies have shown that properly applied and maintained roof coatings can extend the life of an existing roof by up to 15 years.
Ponding water is one of the leading causes of roof leaks and premature roof failure. When water pools on your roof, it can seep through cracks and holes, causing damage to your roof membrane.
Roof coatings provide a barrier against ponding water, keeping your roof in good condition for longer. They also reflect sunlight, which helps to keep your building cooler and reduces energy costs.
What are the Benefits of Using a Roof Coating?
There are many benefits of using a roof coating, including:
Aesthetic
Many roof coatings are available in a wide variety of colors. This can be important for matching the appearance of a building to its surroundings or creating a particular look. If a building is undergoing renovation, the color of the roof can be changed to give it a fresh, new appearance.
Reduced maintenance costs
Roof coating systems can last up to 25 years if properly applied and cared for. This means you won’t have to worry about repairing or replacing your roof often, which can save you a lot of money in the long run.
Seamless
A seamless roof is a roofing system that has no gaps or joints. Seamless roofs are made using a single piece of material, which makes them more durable and weather-resistant than traditional roofs. Roof coatings can be applied to seamless and traditional roofs, but they are most effective on seamless roofs.
Complies with building energy standards and green energy programs
It is becoming increasingly important for buildings to meet energy efficiency standards. Roof coatings can help to improve a building’s energy efficiency and make it eligible for green energy programs.
Reduced environmental impact
Applying a roof coating is much more environmentally friendly than tearing off and replacing an existing roof. This is especially true if the old roof is still in good condition but just needs a little TLC to extend its life. Not only does applying a roof coating save on the amount of waste going into landfills, it also reduces the energy required to produce new roofing materials.
Bonds directly to existing surfaces
One of the most significant advantages of roof coating is that it can be applied directly to all surfaces. This eliminates the need to strip off the old roof, which can save a lot of time and money. In addition, it can also help to seal any cracks or gaps in the roof, which can prevent water damage.
Increases the lifespan of a roof
When applied correctly, a roof coating can increase a roof’s lifespan by up to 25 years. This significant investment can save property owners a lot of money in the long run. It can extend the service life of the existing roof system and delay the need for a roof replacement.
These are just a few of the many benefits of using a roof coating. If you’re considering applying a roof coating to your property, consult us at Everlast Coatings to get the best results.
Different Types of Roof Coatings
There are several types of roof coatings available on the market today. Some of the most popular include silicone, acrylic, urethane, and elastomeric roof coatings.
- Silicone roof coatings – Silicone coatings are the latest trend in roofing. They are white, highly reflective, and have excellent waterproofing properties. Silicone coatings are also very durable and can last up to 20 years.
- Acrylic roof coatings – An acrylic roof coating is a liquid that is applied to the roof and then dries to form a protective barrier. Acrylic coatings are popular because they can be applied quickly and easily, and they provide reasonable protection against ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can damage the roof membrane.
- Urethane roof coatings – Urethane roof coatings are typically applied in two coats, with the first coat serving as a primer and the second coat providing the actual waterproofing layer. The thickness of these coats can vary depending on the manufacturer, but they are generally between 30 and 60 mils thick. The base coat is applied directly to the roof surfaces, while the top coat is applied over the base coat.
- Elastomeric roof coatings – Elastomeric roof coating is a white or light-colored coating applied over the existing roof membrane to reflect sunlight and heat away from the building. This type of roof coating can also help to cool the building by reducing the temperature of the rooftop. The elastic properties of elastomeric roof coatings make them ideal for use on roofs that are prone to movement, such as those with metal roofs. Elastomeric roof coatings can also be used to repair leaks in the roof membrane.
Conclusion
There are many factors to consider when deciding whether or not to invest in a roof coating. The climate and weather conditions in your area, the age and condition of your roof, and your budget are all important considerations. However, if you’re looking for a way to extend the life of your roof and protect it from the elements, a roof coating may be the right investment for you.
Roof coatings can protect roof membranes from UV damage, reflect heat to keep roofs cooler in the summer, and prevent moisture and leaks. Contact Everlast Coatings today to learn more about our roof coating services. We offer a variety of roof coatings to suit your needs and budget, and our experienced team can help you choose the best option for your property!