Most homeowners don’t relish the thought of replacing their roofs, even though they don’t need to often. If you’re starting with a new roof or want to give renewed life to one that has started to experience problems, consider an elastomeric roof coating. This simple procedure can help extend the life of your roof for 10 to 20 years, depending on the thickness of the coating applied.
What Are Elastomeric Roof Coatings?
Elastomeric roof coatings are liquids that act as roofing membranes with elastic properties. They are nearly 10 times thicker than standard paint but have different beneficial properties, allowing the membrane to expand and contract with the substrate. This substance is waterproof and has a considerable concentration of solids, which allows this type of membrane to be much more flexible and durable than typical paint. This characteristic allows the coating to move with the substrate.
Additionally, the chemical makeup of elastomeric coatings allows the coatings to prevent existing roof damage from worsening while sealing roof leaks. Coating components form a solid bond to create a strong membrane when properly applied.
Main Types of Elastomeric Coatings
You’ll find several types of elastomeric coatings available for your roof. The following four are the main ones. Each has different characteristics suited to specific applications.
1. Silicone
This coating type is ideal for flat roofs because it withstands pooling water without breaking down. It is also best for roofs with excellent drainage. Silicone coatings comprise 96% solids and 4% carriers, making them ideal long-lasting substances when you want excellent weathering capabilities and protection. Because of the high amount of solids that acrylics have, they are more reflective and suitable for Georgia’s high ultraviolet climate. Some formulations include biocides to deter mildew and mold growth. Silicone coatings also erode more slowly than other elastomeric coatings, which last longer.
2. Polyurethane
Polyurethane coatings are usually used for flat commercial roofs that receive a lot of foot traffic. They are one of the most durable coatings, especially when the roof accumulates ponding water. Another benefit is that this type of coating can withstand the expansion and contraction that occurs with roof temperature fluctuations.
Polyurethane is an ideal roof coating with thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) membranes, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or modified bitumen.
3. Acrylic
Roofing contractors only apply water-based acrylic coatings on sloped roofs. Acrylic coatings can’t withstand pooling water, causing them to revert to their fluid form. This coating’s composition is 48% water and 52% solids. These coatings are the most affordable, yet your roofing professional must apply more material to compensate for evaporative loss. Acrylic is also more environmentally friendly than other options because it provides superior insulation to help keep energy bills low. These pluses make acrylic the most widely used elastomeric coating.
4. Butyl
Butyl, made with an organic compound called isobutylene, is another commonly used material. In manufacturing, isobutylene is refined to produce butyl rubber and then transported into liquid form for use as a coating. It has excellent flexibility and is impervious to air, making it a superb vapor barrier. It can also handle pooled water on flat or low-sloped roofs. Consider butyl if you have a roof made from modified bitumen or asphalt.
Pros and Cons of Elastomeric Coatings
Elastomeric roof coatings have many advantages for homeowners. Consider these pluses if you want to add one to your roof.
Extends Roof Life
Wind, water and sunlight slowly erode your roof, necessitating replacement every 20 to 25 years if it remains uncoated. The seamless barrier created by roof coatings seals a roof from rain and the sun, extending its life by 15 to 20 years for a fraction of the roof replacement cost.
Resistance to sunlight is a crucial property. UV rays cause fading, cracking and other deterioration. The elastic polymer in roof coatings reflects and absorbs harmful rays, so the substrate does not experience nearly as much of it.
Waterproofs the Roof
Leaks are the most common roofing problem, often at seams or features like flashing. Elastomeric coatings cover the entire roof with a seamless membrane that prevents water from seeping through such breaches.
Flat roofs often experience ponding, where water sits on the surface for long periods. This phenomenon degrades the underlying material and causes leaks. Before applying a coating, most roofing companies will level a flat roof to eliminate pre-existing ponding.
Coatings are also highly resistant to water vapor in the air. Depending on their materials, some roofs may need airflow, so an airtight barrier is preferable and dictates the type of coating applied.
Save on Your Energy Bill
Light-colored coatings reflect the sun’s rays, so your roof absorbs less heat, reducing the HVAC load. Roof coatings can also help when used with spray foam insulation to provide a more comprehensive membrane.
Roof coatings are also environmentally friendly. They are made to minimize volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and are free from chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
Coatings Cost Less Than a New Roof
Coatings use less labor and materials than a new roof, so they cost less. Installation is much simpler with an elastomeric roof coating, as it doesn’t require a large staging area. Installing a new roof is labor-intensive and requires much preparation. Installers will thoroughly clean the roof before rolling or spraying on the coating. Savings are usually the most significant reason to choose roof coatings. Roof replacement generally costs $6 to $15 per square foot, whereas a roof coating runs between $3 and $7 per square foot. At the end of a coating’s lifespan, you can get a maintenance coat for even less, extending the roof’s life even more.
Cons of Elastomeric Roof Coatings
Remain aware of possible drawbacks. However, not every situation will apply to your roof.
Overspray
Roofers usually spray or roll on elastomeric coatings. When roofers spray on the coating, overspraying can occur, moving the material off the roof and onto objects below during windy conditions. Acrylic coatings dry in the air, but silicone, urethane and rubber coatings won’t dry until they hit a surface. These coatings can be difficult to remove. For homeowners concerned about overspraying, ask your roofer to roll on the coating.
Certain Weather Prohibits Applications
Acrylics can quickly freeze, so they can’t be applied once temperatures drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Morning dew can also wreak havoc with an application, as moisture will get trapped beneath the coating, causing bubbles and blisters.
Some Roof are Incompatible with Coatings
Tar and gravel substrates are incompatible with elastomeric coatings. They need a primer or another preparation to ensure that the coatings adhere. Delamination, peeling, or blistering can occur when a cover doesn’t bind properly.
Inexperienced Application Crews
Finding a roofer like Fraser Roofing, LLC is imperative for a successful application. Without the proper equipment and expertise, your coating may not adhere properly, resulting in many issues. Your crew should thoroughly clean the roof, remove debris and loose material, and make necessary repairs. A coating that is too thin won’t offer enough protection, while one that is too thick will dry unevenly.
Fraser Roofing, LLC provides full roofing services, including roof repair, installation, emergency services, storm mitigation and roof and gutter replacement. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.
