Monday, May 18, 2009

Roof Coatings: Restoration or Repair?



Roof coatings typically fall into two groups: Repair and Restoration. Both use similar products, but the objective is different. Restoration will include repairs, but the objective is to avoid roof decay, allowing your roof to live longer.

Coatings for Roof Repair
Many coating systems exist for metal roof repair. Regardless of how many layers, or plys, they contain they are comprised chiefly of elastomeric resins of one kind or another (e.g. acrylic, butyl, polyurethane, silicone). An elastomeric coating has elastic properties, and can stretch and return to its original shape without permanent deformation, accommodating small shifts in roof panels such as those caused by changing temperatures. Each polymer type has advantages and disadvantages:
  • Acrylic: Low cost water based coatings are easy to use and clean up. They are permeable which allows moisture to pass through the coating.
  • Butyl: Highly resistant to moisture and vapor transmission, these coatings are typically used over asphalt built up roofs.
  • Polyurethane: Providing greater ponding resistance, these coatings are also highly resistant to moisture and vapor transmission. Typically used over metal, single ply (PVC, TPO), and EPDM. They can also be used on modified bitumen.
  • Silicone: A popular alternative to polyurethane for use over polyurethane foam.
Coatings for Roof Restoration
Used alone, an elastomeric coating system represents a patch on the entire roof, thus avoiding the main problem with small patches - moving leaks around. However, in a roof restoration system consideration must also be given to protecting the deck. Typically this is done with two additional products:
  • Sealer: Made from the same elastomeric polymers described above, this product is applied in a thick layer to seal seams, prevent ponding, and protect the metal or wood deck underneath the roofing material.
  • Cathodic Protection: A coating containing metals such as zinc or aluminum to act as sacrifical anodes, extending the life of the steel fasteners or metal deck.

7 comments:

  1. If you take a good look at the roofs around your neighborhood you may notice some with wooden shakes especially in Roof Repair Kansas City

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  3. You’ve shared useful information, Additionally Metal roofing is advantageous over many other conventional forms of roofing, especially by way of being durable, with extended longevity. Gulf Coast Supply is a metal roofing manufacturer and supplies wholesale metal roofing and residential metal roofing materials.
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  4. Working on a roof is not a easy task..while applying roof coating, certain safety guidelines should be followed..and one thing more that is there any ideal temperature for applying roof coatings..??
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  5. Very insightful blog, Dr. Garrett! I’d like to add that roof repair only applies to selected portions of a roof, while roof restoration is basically replacing old parts of your roof to avoid minor to major repairs over time. Restoring a roof is cheaper in general, and it offers long-term solutions.

    Elizabeth Hoffnung

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  7. Good post! You have a smart thought and noticing is useful for rooftop more than any other thing Fix Motor Home Roof Leaks it gives quality repair for long time and makes it as new.

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