At this point, we have established and now better understand the benefits of investing in elastomeric coating. But, to ensure that your investment won’t be wasted, here are some questions that need to be addressed first.
Can Your Roof Be Coated?
To know if your roof can be coated, you must first determine the type of system that you have, particularly if you have a flat roof. There are a number of flat room membrane types — some of them require coating to remain in good working condition, while some do not. It is also important to understand the type of coating appropriate for your roof system, as applying the wrong coating can cause more damage, rather than provide protection.
It is best to ask your contractor about the type of roof that you have. If you know which manufacturer produced your roof materials, you can also check their recommendations for roof coating. You must also keep in mind that applying the wrong roof coating can not only damage your roof, but void its warranty as well.
When to Coat Your Roof
There are two basic factors to consider to determine the best time to coat your roof: weather conditions and the age of your roof.
l Weather conditions. In general, the coating process must be done when the temperature is moderate and there is no precipitation expected or predicted.
l Roof age. Built-up and modified bitumen roofs need to be allowed to weather for several weeks or months after installation before roof coating is applied. Because these roofing systems are manufactured using petroleum, their surfaces can have oil residue on them, which can negatively affect roof coating application.
Meanwhile, if you have an older roof, it is best to consult your roofer regarding its overall condition; your roofer should be able to advise you whether it can still be coated or not.
To Coat or Not to Coat?
The application of elastomeric roof coating is considered a proactive preventative measure. However, while it can prolong your roof’s service life, it is only as good as the roof it is being applied onto. If your roof is severely aged and damaged, applying roof coating may not be enough to fix its issues. Replacing the entire roof may be a more viable solution.