ROOF COATINGS CAN BE A GREAT TOOL, BUT THEY HAVE TO BE USED IN THE RIGHT SITUATION
No one likes to waste money, why would we after we work so hard for it? This is what often leads people to purchasing a spray-applied roof coating – trying to save money. And while roof coatings can save you a lot of money on your roof replacement, if you use the wrong roof coating you may end up chasing your tail and coating your roof twice. How can you make sure you choose the right roof coating for your building? Below we outline what you should research about your roof before making a coating decision, and which type of coating may be best for you.
Roof Research
Before installing a silicone roof coating, you need to research several factors about your roof to make sure you purchase the right roof coating. You’ll need to look at the current roof condition, whether or not you have ponding water, and other factors. Let’s look in detail at the factors you need to know before installing a coating.
Roof Condition
Even if you choose the “right roof coating”, is your roof a suitable candidate for a roof coating at all? Or do you need to tear it off and replace the roof deck, support, etc.? If your roof is not structurally sound, no roof coating is a good choice.
Building Location
Certain climates are much more favorable to certain coatings. For instance, a dry climate is a great place for acrylics to be installed, while a humid, wet climate works great with silicones.
Roof Slope
Is your roof flat enough to receive a roof coating? Steep pitched roofs can receive coatings, but they have to be installed in more passes, which increases labor time.
Ponding Water
Does your roof have ponding water? Silicone resists ponding water.
Chemical, High Heat, and UV Exposure
Do you expect your building to be faced with high levels of chemical, heat, or UV exposure? Choose a coating that resists these dangers.
Which Type is the Right Roof Coating for You?
Acrylic Roof Coatings
These water based roof coatings are very inexpensive to purchase the material, although they require more material than other coatings. They are easy to install and are very environmentally friendly, both pluses for building owners.
Acrylic roof coatings don’t stretch out as much as some of the other coatings on this list, making them more susceptible to damage from fluctuating temperatures, foot traffic, and ponding water. However, they are a relatively inexpensive option.
Polyurethane Roof Coatings
Polyurethane roof coatings provide excellent flexibility, meaning temperature swings and ponding water are no problem. They are becoming a much more common roofing material thanks to their durability.
One major concern with polyurethane roof coatings is their poor UV resistance, which causes them to turn yellow and chalk when exposed to UV rays. Since they are your building’s first line of defense against the sun, this is an alarming trait.
Silicone Roof Coatings
Silicone roof coatings are the most flexible material available on this list, and they are often chosen for their ability to compensate for a building’s flexing with the change in temperature. They exhibit great UV resistance and protect the surface beneath the coating very well.
Two major concerns with silicone roof coatings are dirt pickup and durability. Keep in mind that if you have an area where aesthetics are a priority, silicone coatings pick up a lot of dirt. Luckily, the coatings can be easily power-washed, but they will get dirty in between. Their durability is also sometimes a question mark, although if you are careful not to drop sharp objects on the roof, they should be fine. Another way to avoid the durability problem is to install granules on the roof.
Conclusion
These are just three of the many different roof coatings on the market today. Each one is fit for a different situation where it performs best. If you have questions about your building or any of the coatings discussed above, give us a call, we’d love to chat.
