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Roof coating systems were originally developed for application over what is commonly referred to as bituminous roofing products. Built up hot tar roofs, and other asphalt based roofing products like composition shingles, and rolled out mineral capped 90 pound roofing.

To this day, in spite of a number of new developments in both roof coating systems, and actual roofing products these asphalt based roofing products, and systems remain the best candidates for optimal results from protective coatings. They’re affordable, and work well on a wide range of surfaces.

Ethylene propylene diene monomer or rubberized roofs have become increasingly popular over the past three decades, and you may in fact have one on your building. These types of roofs can also be coated, but your going to get the best results from a roof of this type that has a granular or mineral surface.

In fact you can find actual roof coatings that are made from this material, and they work great on certain types of roofs. Be aware though that Ethylene propylene diene monomer is classified as synthetic rubber, and as wondrous as rubber is, it can have adhesion problems with certain materials.

Concrete surfaces such as top floor open parking areas on commercial buildings are an excellent prospect for waterproofing surface coatings. In fact there is a broad selection of both urethane, and epoxy based products, as well as some polymers that are marketed specifically for treating heavy traffic concrete surfaces.

Metal surfaces, and pretty much all types of concrete, and ceramic roofing tiles are excellent candidates for today’s newer roof coating systems. In fact for residential applications or, any roof for that matter where aesthetics is an issue, new specially engineered thermal and photo resistant color options are now available to replace standard white.

Common Problems and their Common Causes

Now in light of the fact that all of these products are designed to bring solutions, one can just imagine the level of angst that people have to contend with when problems arise as the result of their usage. The fact is that all roof coating products are formulated to be applied under specific conditions, and even assumed minor deviations from their instructions can bring problems.

Roof Blistering

There is only one thing that can cause a roof surface to blister, and that is moisture trapped under its surface. Also you would be amazed at how very little trace moisture it takes to cause blistering. You need to make sure that the roof is completely dry both on and below the surface and that there is no ambient moisture in the air as well, before you apply your product.

Your Roof Still Leaks

You need to understand that no roof coating system as of yet can replace a bad roof. If your roof is seriously degraded, and has substantial leakage then what you may need is a new roof or, at the very minimum extensive patchwork done. Understand that most of these systems are designed to work in a preventative fashion. That is to protect your roof before it is damaged or degraded.

Adhesion Problems

Several factors can contribute to adhesion problems but by far the most common cause is a failure to clean the surface properly. Roofs, by nature of the fact that they are fully exposed to the elements, tend to be very dirty, and they require a thorough cleaning prior to applying any of the roof coating systems. It’s a slot of work but it has to be done if you expect optimal results. Also make sue to use a primer if it is called for.

Blending and Temperatures

If you are using a two part system, you must blend it in strictly accordance with the instructions on the label. Using less or or more of one of the components or not mixing them together well enough can result in problems. Furthermore, all roof coating systems will have a temperature range in which they can be applied. Stay within that range when you apply it. Also make sure to use your product as soon as possible after it has been blended

Tags: Roof Coating

This entry was posted on Monday, August 30th, 2010 at 11:34 pm and is filed under Hot Roof Repair, Roof Coating Products, Torch Down Roofing. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.