Overview
Coating systems are applied to extend life, protect against further decay and leaks, and reduce energy costs and building movement. We apply primarily the White Elastomeric Coating System and the Aluminum Coating System, but can apply many types, all from a variety of manufacturers such as Uniflex, ER Systems, and Topps. The coatings are applied on top of the Waterproof System, but can be applied exclusively. We spray-apply the coatings to obtain a top-grade, uniform surface, which will wear down uniformly as well. These coatings are by default backed with a 5-year leak-proof warranty and a standard 10-year material warranty, and can easily be upgraded to a 10-year leak-proof warranty for a minimal fee. It is also possible to apply more or less coats, adding or subtracting to the durability and warranty. To see all reasons to coat, check out the Why Coat? section.
FAQ
What is the coating application procedure?
In a roof’s age, what point should coating be applied?
What happens when the coatings wear out?
Which roof surfaces can coatings be applied?
Other than White Elastomeric and Aluminum, what other coatings are there? Other options?
At what point of a roof’s condition is a coating not recommended?
What if I already have another coating or paint on the roof (which could be worn or cracking)?
After the roof is fully cleaned with a pressure-wash of 2500-3000PSI, and then the Waterproof System is applied with all the included maintenance steps to get the roof to restored position, the coating system is spray-applied overtop. The materials are pumped 5-gallon barrels or 50-gallon drums through a hoze onto the roof and are then sprayed from spray-gun onto the roof in a slow, back-and-forth fashion to achieve the desired thickness and uniformity. (see Project Pics)
For those more conservative, we recommend coating at the end of the current warranty or after the first significant problem begins (many leaks, rust, etc.), usually around year 20-25 – metal and BUR, year 10-15 -single-ply (EPDM, Hypalon, PVC).
For those who are more investment-minded and preventative, applying the White Elastomeric coating earlier will pay for itself for air-conditioned buildings. (see Why Coat? – 20% AC Savings).
At the end of the lifespan of the coating, it is recommended that another coating system be applied. There is no limit to the number of coating systems that can be applied. Since the majority of our Waterproof System (and all the maintenance work) is still in tact, the roof most likely needs to be pressure- washed and recoated, a less expensive procedure than the initial coating system application. Refer to the section Why Coat – Renew Every 15 Years to find out more about the advantages of renewing your roof coating.
Metal, Single-Ply (EPDM Rubber, Hypalon, PVC) – Elastomeric Only, BUR, Cement, Brick, Ceramic, New Polyurethane Foam, Other Coatings, etc. (see All Roof Types). Â Rock covered roofs of any type cannot be coated. The cleaning, repair, waterproofing, and coating procedures and materials vary from one roof type to another.
Coatings – Acrylic-Urethane Hybrid, Urethane, Silicon, Polyurethane Foam with Acrylic Elastomeric.
Other options – Single-ply retrofit, Metal retrofit, Full Tear-Off and Replacement.
(see Materials and Suppliers)
For metal, if very small rusted through spots are prevalent, coating is still an option. If 5-15% of the roof surface is rusted through, a retrofit system is the best option. If more than 15% is rusted through, it’s time for a complete tear-off and metal roof replacement. For all other roofs, it’s a matter of how much water has gotten into the decking underneath the top roof membrane. These cases can be judged by a thermal moisture scan. Regardless, any of these cases should be thoroughly inspected to devise the most effective solution.
Having a previously applied roof coating or paint is not a problem, even if it is cracking. With these cases we pressure-wash with a rotary tip (maximumized for cutting) at 4000 PSI (maximum pressure). Anything that does not come off is permanently bonded. We have a 95% chance of bonding to the leftover material, which we first confirm chemically in a laboratory. If confirmed, we provide a legal addendum to our warranty to reassure customers that we have complete responsibility of leak, workmanship, and material issues in these unusual cases.