Roofs are one of the most efficient parts of a house. They are like hats, and they can either beautify or protect you from the elements. However, harsh weather conditions are but a few of what your roof has to endure every day. One surefire way to prolong the lifespan of your roof and get the most out of it is to invest in quality roof coatings.
What is a Roof Coating?
A roof coating is simply a monolithic adhesive fluid applied on roofs to give them extra layers of protection. It covers leaks, keeps your building cooler, and makes your roof more waterproof. It is a durable and very affordable way of maintaining your roofs. They also come in different styles, quality, prices, and efficiency. We have done the heavy lifting and compiled a list of the best roof coatings and why you should choose them.
Best Roof Coatings
1. Polyurethane Coatings
Polyurethane coatings are solvent-based forms of roof coatings. They are divided into two parts, aromatic and aliphatic. Aromatic urethanes are less UV-stable, cheaper, and commonly used as foundation coating, while aliphatic urethanes are more UV-stable, costlier, and widely used as a top coating. Polyurethane coatings are mostly used for roofs that get a lot of foot traffic or are prone to hail. They provide higher resistance, balance, and hardness that protect your roof from dirt, mildew, or harmful chemicals. If you want a great mix of strength, adhesion, and durability, then urethane coatings are your best bet.
2. Asphaltic Rubber
Asphaltic rubber coatings are fluid-applied roof coatings. They are a combination of asphalt and rubber. By combining rubber’s elastic nature and asphalts’ waterproof nature, you can be sure of a more efficient and fully adhered rubber membrane. It is best applied on pitched roofs, as the seamless nature of the coating makes sure that no joints will leak. One great benefit of using asphaltic rubber as roof coatings is that it can be applied in varying thicknesses. When dry, you can make your roof coating as light as 20 millimeters or as thick as 200 millimeters.
3. Acrylic Coatings
Acrylic coatings are water-based roof coatings. They are available in reflective white colors that can reduce the surface temperature of your roofs. Acrylic coatings are highly durable, affordable, and can be applied on various new and existing roofs. They can resist ultraviolet rays better, and they come in various colors. If you want a glass-like roof without spending much money, you should go for acrylic roof coatings. The only problem with acrylic roof coatings is that they are prone to weathering, thereby losing thickness over time. They are also not suitable for areas with ponding water and should not be applied in freezing temperatures.
4. Silicone Coating
Silicone coatings are made from highly elastic silicone materials. They are great adhesives and will bond solidly to the surface on which they are applied. Unlike acrylic coatings, silicone roof coatings have higher pond water resistance. They can withstand oxidation and harsh weather conditions and offer excellent protection from ultraviolet rays and extreme temperatures. They are great for areas that experience frequent rainfalls. Their high solids content also means you can cover your roof with a single coat. However, silicone coatings are costly and retain dirt on their surface if not cleaned regularly. They also lose their reflectivity over time.
What to Consider When Choosing Roof Coatings
Maintenance cost
When properly applied, roof coatings can extend the lifespan of your roof by as much as 20 years. Regardless, they still need maintenance to ensure maximal efficiency. You would need to clean them, repair cuts, and ensure they comply with manufacturers’ codes. Always go for materials you can easily maintain without spending much money.
Coating Type
Roof coatings are always of two forms, water-based and solvent-based. Solvent-based coatings are generally more resilient and offer more protection against weather conditions. They are, however, more expensive, thicker, and harder to apply. On the other hand, water-based coatings are more affordable, less resilient, and degrade quickly over the years. They often need more maintenance than solvent-based coatings. So, before you pick a roof coating, you should always research its type and how it would affect your roof in the long run.
Permeability
All roof coatings offer a certain degree of water resistance. However, they do not all create a completely waterproof membrane. If you need a more moisture-resistant roof coating, you should opt for asphaltic rubber, silicone, or polyurethane. They are more capable of handling heavy rains and ponding water than their acrylic counterparts. Notwithstanding the type of coating you work with, you will probably need multiple coats to achieve a premium waterproof finish.
Reflectivity
You should always go for roof coatings that can reflect sunlight better. This would often reduce heat absorption, giving you a much cooler home, reduced energy bill, and a lesser risk of radiation. Also, white and light-colored coatings have higher reflectivity than their darker counterparts.
Application
Note that when using a thin roof coating, you’ll probably need more coats to achieve the degree of thickness or waterproofing required. It is better to go for water-based roof coatings like acrylic if you’re considering the ease of application. This is because they are lighter and thinner. Solvent-based coatings, on the other hand, are much thicker and are harder to apply.
If you are not sure what roof coating to go with, it is best to consult with a professional. A skilled one would be able to inspect your roof and recommend the best roof coating.
Contact the Best Local Roofing Service in Nanaimo
If you’re looking for reliable, affordable, and timely roof coating service, look no more. We have been rendering top-notch roofing services to the residents of Nanaimo, BC, and its environs for more than 30 years.
Reach out toThe Roof Pro today to schedule a free consultation.