Maintaining a good roof is not cheap, so it is important to choose the correct type of roofing in the first place and then maintain it well so the life of the roofing is extended. Higher pitched roofs can have shingles or metal roofing that does not require sealing. But low pitch or flat roofs require a different type of roofing system and they need to have sealers applied periodically to extend the life of the flat roofing products.
The Cost Of Roof Coating
There are as many as 15 roofing coatings to choose from and that makes for a hard choice for many building owners. can be a resource for choosing the correct roof coating. Roof sealing can cost an average from $383.00 to $1,559.00 but can cost less or as much as $3,200.00 or more depending on the roof type, coating product, and size. The cost can also differ depending on the condition of the roof.
Why Coat A Roof?
Having roof coatings applied to low-slope and flat roofs of both commercial and residential buildings have benefits that justify the cost. Roof coatings can be a topcoat or stand-alone roofing. They can be a topcoat for pre-installed roofing materials. These coatings add an additional coat of waterproofing to a roof. They also improve the fire resistance of a roof and lower the building cooling costs. They reflect heat that can warm a building or dry out the roofing materials.
the roof from chemical corrosion, pollution in the air, and physical abrasion. These benefits come when the best products and a dependable roofing company are used. coatings also reflect harmful UV radiation. Coatings can be used along with roof repairs to make a better seal and restore an older roof.
An older roof can look better with a new coating and a roof that has a deteriorating coating can be repaired by having an appropriate coating added. Some buildings need a new layer of coating to improve solar gain and reduce heating costs.
Roofs That Shouldn’t Be Coated
There are roofs that will not benefit by being coated and they include old roofs in bad condition. It may be more cost-effective to replace the roof. A roof suffering from water ponding will not be fixed by an additional coating. The roof must be leveled to eliminate ponding. The last roof condition not helped by coatings is lots of dust, debris, liquid discharge, steam, or other contaminants. All contaminants must be removed and the roof properly prepared so the sealant coatings will adhere properly.
15 types of Roof Coatings
Bituminous coatings
1. Bituminous coatings used for asphalt and coal-tar built-up roofs or used with modified bitumen membranes. Some manufactures claim they are good for metal roof restoration and repair.
2. Emulsion coatings are made of asphalt mixed in a colloidal clay-water mixture. They come in colors including dark gray, black, and brown. These coatings are used on asphalt built-up roofs or modified bitumen roofs to maintain them and increase the fire resistance.
3. Aluminum roof coatings are made with a mixture of solvents, aluminum paste, and oxidized asphalt. They can be purchased with or without reinforcing fiber. The more aluminum used, the better the product. 60% aluminum is found in premium products while lesser products may contain 45% or less. This coating is good for reducing UV radiation and reducing rooftop temperatures.
4. Emulsion aluminum coatings are a variation good for restoration projects to save money.
5. Asphalt cutbacks are produced with or without reinforcing fibers. They have asphalt and petroleum solvents and are mainly for maintenance where they penetrate and restore weathered, old asphalt built-up roofing.
6. Restaurants are used for the maintenance of existing built-up roofs. They consist of asphalt or coal-tar base and bitumen- asphalt or coal-tar, and solvents.
7. Modified asphalt type coatings can be made with a mixture of synthetic rubber polymers, asphalt, and solvents along with fibers for reinforcement. They boast increased elasticity, flexibility in cold weather, and workability. They are more expensive though.
Elastomeric Coatings
are water-based and are the most used in this coating category. They are a lower cost than many coatings.
9. Hypalon coatings are usually used to repair single-ply membranes. They offer good waterproofing, good resistance to chemicals, UV resistance, and fire resistance.
10. Neoprene coatings are made of synthetic rubber polymers and come in black. They are used as a base for Hypalon coatings in multi-coat applications.
11. Silicone coatings come in either one or two-component materials and they are more expensive to purchase. They offer added benefits of enhanced resistance to pollution and chemical fallout, ponding water, UV rays, and roof traffic.
12. Urethane coatings are similar in benefits to silicone coatings.
13. Polyurethane roof coatings are more impactful proof and come in two forms including aromatic and aliphatic. Aromatic coatings are not UV stable and are used as base coatings. Aliphatic coatings are UV stable but come with a higher price tag.
14. Solvent-based soy alkyd roof coatings are gaining popularity with environmentally conscious builders and contractors. The soy components are mixed with binders such as modified-polyurethane or alkyd. They offer similar properties to the other coatings.
15. Water-based reinforced Acrylic roof coating is easier to apply over damp roofing but must be applied in temperatures above 40 Degrees Fahrenheit. Acrylic coatings can contain a variety of polymer type binders.
The final thought is that no matter what roof coating product is selected, to work properly and last the longest, the roof needs to be in good enough condition to accept it. The roof needs to be properly cleaned and prepared to accept the coating and assure maximum adhesion. The correct coating for the particular roof must be used. And finally, the roof coating must be correctly applied and the owner of the roof must maintain it according to product specifications. All the above types of coatings require regular maintenance to protect them from the harsh weather and temperature conditions they must endure. Roof coatings should be inspected at least once a year. Any damaged or deteriorated areas should be repaired immediately. A well-maintained roof will last years longer than one that is neglected.
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