Flat roofs are susceptible to damage and leaks over time. In some cases, this damage can lead to costly and intrusive repairs.

Fortunately, there are options other than a full roof replacement that save money and provide long-term protection for commercial buildings. These options include a protective roof coating. Visit wecoatus.com to learn more.

There are many roofing options on the market today. It can be difficult to sort through the choices and find what’s right for your facility. However, one option that can save you money in the long run is an elastomeric roof coating. This type of liquid rubber coating is available in a wide variety of colors and provides many benefits that can help you extend the life of your flat roof.

This type of coating is a composite rubber/polymer material that is mixed with titanium dioxide and white pigments to create a reflective, opaque finished product. It is used as an effective barrier to the elements, providing superior waterproofing and insulative properties. Elastomeric roof coatings also have the ability to expand and contract with varying temperatures, which makes them an excellent choice for seasonal climates.

Leaks are the number one cause of roof problems in commercial facilities, and they typically occur at seams or penetrations in the roof system. These areas are where separate components like pipes, drains, electrical and refrigerant raceways, equipment anchors, and other penetrations come together. Traditional roof systems often use tar or roofing adhesives to seal these areas, but these materials can fail over time. Elastomeric roof coatings, on the other hand, form a thick membrane that prevents water from seeping through these areas.

To make sure your elastomeric coating is properly installed, it’s important to work with a professional roofing contractor who understands the proper preparation and application of this type of roof restoration system. The most important aspect of preparing the surface for an elastomeric roof coating is removing any debris or dirt that may be present. For heavily soiled surfaces, you should loosen up the dirt with a broom or brush and then power wash the entire surface to remove any remaining contamination. The surface must be completely dry before the next step is taken.

There are several different types of elastomeric roof coatings on the market, so it’s important to choose a product with specific physical properties that match your roof conditions. For example, you should choose a roof coating with a high level of solids to ensure that the finished product has adequate thickness. You should also pay attention to the reflectivity and tear resistance of the coating; these are factors that can impact the performance of your flat roof in a big way.

Permakote® Plus

PERMAKOTE® PLUS is an energy saving, ceramic, insulative and reflective flat roof coating that offers superior mildew resistance, high durability, and UV ray reflectivity. This reflective roof coating is the ideal solution for commercial, industrial, and residential roof surfaces that need protection from the destructive forces of nature and want to save money on energy bills.

This durable, long-lasting roof coating is easy to apply and features a low VOC content, making it safe for the environment and your family. It also provides a high level of adhesion, and the ability to withstand ponding water without compromising the integrity of the roof surface. Moreover, the reflective properties of this roof coating reduce heat buildup and reliance on air conditioning, thus contributing to the environment by decreasing carbon emissions.

It is designed to work on a metal roof system, and qualifies for a CLASS A fire rating test. This metal roof paint is available in a wide range of colors, and can be applied by spray, brush or roller. It must be mixed thoroughly and should not be thinned. Multiple containers of the same color should be mixed together to achieve greater uniformity. This coating should not be used when temperatures are below 45 degrees Fahrenheit or when humidity is high; it must dry thoroughly before exposure to rain and dew.

Before applying this waterproof roof coating, it is important to ensure that the receiving substrate is free of laitance and foreign material, such as oil or grease. It should be sand blasted, water blasted, or scarified to roughen the surface for proper adhesion and penetration. It should also be free of rust and must be cleaned with a strong detergent solution or acid washing, followed by neutralization with sodium bicarbonate.

CL Industries’ PermaKote is a one-part polymer-modified, cement-based coating that acts as both a bonding agent and scratch coat to increase performance and save time during application. It is a durable, water-resistant, white, matte finish, elastomeric acrylic coating that provides a strong link between the properly prepared substrate and new plaster coats. PermaKote has a minimum cure time of six hours, but it can be cured overnight when temperature and humidity conditions are more favorable.

Energy-Saving Roof Coatings

In our environmentally conscious society, roof coatings are becoming more popular for their energy efficiency benefits. When compared to traditional roofing materials, these newer coatings absorb less heat, which significantly decreases energy consumption. In turn, this helps reduce energy bills and the strain on local power grids during peak usage periods. Additionally, these coatings help reduce the amount of greenhouse gases that are emitted into the atmosphere.

There are many factors to consider when selecting a roof coating, including the climate in your area and the condition of the existing roofing material. The type of coating that works best for your flat roof will also depend on the size and shape of your building. If you’re unsure about what type of roof coating to select, ask your Tulsa roof contractor for recommendations.

Roof coatings are not only highly durable, but they also protect the insulation layer of your roof, which can prevent moisture damage and increase the lifespan of the entire structure. As a result, you won’t need roof replacements as often, which can save money on the cost of repairs and maintenance. Additionally, a roof coating is a great way to protect against mold, mildew and algae growth.

When it comes to energy savings, roof coatings with reflective properties can greatly cut down on your energy bills. They act like a shield that reflects the sun’s rays instead of absorbing them, which keeps the building cool and reduces the need for air conditioning. In addition to lowering your energy costs, these roof coatings can help you qualify for green building incentives.

While white roofs are considered the most effective, different types of roof coatings can have the same solar reflectance. The Oak Ridge National Laboratory found that black roofs may be more effective in northern climates, where heating costs are three to five times higher than cooling costs. Additionally, the color of your roof can affect how much moisture is trapped on its surface. Depending on the type of roof, your contractor will recommend the best reflective coating to suit your location and climate.

Roof Coating Installation

Roof coatings offer a cost-effective alternative to roof replacement. They can be installed quickly and easily, without causing disruption to the building’s operations. And, because they are low VOCs and non-toxic, they are the perfect solution for roofs that need to comply with environmental regulations.

While roof coatings can protect the structure from leaks and extend its lifespan, they do not address existing damage. This is why it is critical to maintain the integrity of a flat roof by regularly inspecting it and making repairs as needed. In addition to identifying and addressing any leaks or visible signs of wear and tear, a roofing contractor will look for any areas that may impact water flow and ensure that these are properly addressed to prevent any issues from developing in the future.

When choosing a roof coating installer, you want to find one that is knowledgeable and experienced in this type of restoration work. They should be able to provide you with a detailed description of the process and explain how it will benefit your building’s infrastructure. They should also be willing to answer any questions you might have about the procedure, and they should be able to walk you through the options available to you.

To get the most out of your flat roof coating, it is important to prepare the surface properly before application. This includes thoroughly cleaning the roof with a pressure washer at the proper setting to avoid damaging the existing surface. Once the roof is clean, it should be allowed to dry completely before moving on with the application process. Depending on the type of coating you choose and the conditions of your roof, the manufacturer may recommend specific preparation steps for your unique situation.

Once the roof is prepared, it’s time to apply the first coat of your flat roof coating. Whether you’re using a sprayer or roller, make sure to use long, even strokes to achieve the best results. It’s also important to allow each coat to dry and cure fully between applications.

Once your roof is coated, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing it’s protected from the elements. And, in addition to the cost savings, you’ll appreciate the fact that these types of roof coatings are typically tax-deductible in year one because they are considered maintenance and not a capital expense.