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What is an Elastomeric Roof Coating?

flat white roof

What is elastomeric roof coating?

Elastomeric roof coating is an inexpensive way to save your commercial building roofing. A commercial building takes a lot of abuse because of the height and overall size. It gets a lot of UV rays, hard rains and high winds that can shorten its life expectancy. If the recommended inspections are done that find minor issues are done, those small issues can be repaired with elastomeric roofing coating and keep them from becoming big problems that require a new roof.

Elastomeric roof coating is a liquid coating that is applied like paint to low-slope roofs but is more effective that just painting a roof. There are four key types of Elastomeric roof coatings, each having a specialty depending on the roof that it is being applied to.  The four types of elastomeric roof coatings are: 

  • Acrylic: The best elastomeric roof coating for sloped roofs because of longer lifespan and eco-friendly.
  • Butyl: This elastomeric roof coating is water resistant and performs as a vapor barrier. It is ideal for flat roof repair, low-sloping roofs like built-up PVC and single-ply roofs.
  • Polyurethane: This elastomeric roof coating is the best for roofs with an EPDM rubber coating because it doesn’t require a high PH rinse. It also is an excellent choice for modified bitumen and single ply roofing.
  • Silicone:  This is the best elastomeric roof coating for polyurethane foam roofs because of its high effectiveness in repairing weathered roofing and for re-coating a roof that has an existing silicone coating. 

What is the best elastomeric roof coating? 

It depends on what type of climate and environment the commercial structure is located.  As we broke them down earlier, each of the four elastomeric roof coatings has its specific features and they overlap with each other too. 

Butyl is a durable elastomeric roof coating that also performs as a vapor barrier. We recommend acrylic elastomeric roof coating for sloped roofs, has a longer lifespan than Butyl and is better for environmentally friendly concerns. If the existing roof has an existing EPDM rubber surface polyurethane coating doesn’t require a rinse with a high PH balance, making it the better option. 

How long does elastomeric roof coating last? 

The tradition of commercial roofing used to be to tear off the old roof when installing a new roof. This is an expensive process because it almost like having two roofing jobs performed. This would be done every twenty years if the building owner saw fit to replace the roof and could afford it. Then, in the late nineteen fifties, elastomeric roof coating was introduced, and it has evolved into a leading product to coat commercial and industrial roofs, extending their lifespan an additional fifteen years or longer. 

Do elastomeric roof coatings work? 

Elastomeric roof coating benefits have proven this to be the better choice for many commercial and industrial roofs.  Those benefits include: 

  • Watertight – The major benefit of elastomeric roof coating is the water resistance it provides. With this roof coating installed, moisture doesn’t seep into walls like other coatings allow. It works on multiple surfaces like brick, concrete, masonry, metal, stucco, and some types of wood.
  • Dense – Elastomeric roof coating is ten times thicker than paints with the feel and durability of a tarp.
  • Longer Lifespan – The making of elastomeric roof coating will last longer than an ordinary paint.
  • Flexible – Since elastomeric roof coating is a flexible, stretchy material that moves with the structure, making it ideal for locations where the climate can affect a building to shift. 

Can you walk on elastomeric roof coating? 

Absolutely!  Because there are no seams involved with elastomeric roof coating, that eliminates any weak areas that would crack with other roof coatings. This durable yet flexible roof coating is safe for foot traffic, both for the roof and the people walking on it like electricians, HVAC technicians, and plumbers. 

How do you apply elastomeric roof coating?      

After preparations are done, such as filling any cracks and then sweeping the roofing surface clean of debris, Elastomeric roof coating installation is done in just three steps. 

  • Apply a base coat by spray or roller
  • Let the base coat sit eight to twenty-four hours to dry thoroughly
  • Apply a topcoat in a cross-cross pattern until covered
  • Allow topcoat to thoroughly dry before allowing foot traffic   
flat roof with elastomeric roof

Final Thoughts on Elastomeric Roofing Coating 

Elastomeric roof coating not only will extend your roof’s lifespan, but it will help with energy expenses too by blocking the sun’s hot UV rays. It is weather resistant and can hold up to those UV rays. By keeping your building cooler, this will help keep energy expenses in line. 

If elastomeric roof coating is your choice, be sure to find a commercial roofing contractor that has experience working with this material. If it is not installed correctly, you could experience problems down the road. Call 618-207-2057 today for elastomeric roofing in St Louis, IL.

Is Spray Foam Worth the Cost?

foam roofing

How do you spray foam a roof?

SPF roofing or spray polyurethane roofing is the outcome of mixing isocyanate and polyol to create a solid that expands several times the size of the liquids by themselves. SPF roofing can be used for both insulations and be applied as a long-lasting roof that can reach the ripe old age of 35 when a moderate amount of care is applied. While it does depend on the elements and the general amount of traffic that runs across it on a daily basis, SPF roofing is considered a reliable option for business owners in St Louis, IL. 

The process that is applied when considering SPF roofing is dependent on a few factors in the weather. Professional roofers can come to the consensus that SPF roofing does not exactly work well at frigid temperatures. Wind is not necessarily a problem, but it does push roofers to take extra measures in the application process. One thing that must be mentioned with SPF roofing is that it is similar to other roofs in that the surface it is being applied needs to be prepped and cleaned. The result comes out to be a roof that tends to serve businesses well and can be enjoyed for many years after installation thanks to the ease of repair with SPF roofing. When you are interested in the installation or repair of SPF roofing, call 618-207-2057 for an appointment with Premier Roofing Systems.

Can spray foam rot your roof?

The short answer to that is a simple no. While it may appear as though the roofing system may appear brittle and soft, it is actually the opposite. SPF roofing is a solid flat roof alternative for business owners. Thanks to the makeup of the material, the roofing option protects the internal business while also acting as a waterproof shield against rain and snow. This is thanks to the coating added after the initial installation, where the seamless SPF roofing is hardened to the extent that it creates surface water and moisture can only naturally slide off of. 

The system is applied to the extent that it entirely covers the flat surface of the business. As a roofing system that’s sprayed on, roofers can apply it in a way that makes it a seamless cover which covers the opening and cracks present. With a process that does not bother those inside the building it is being installed onto, the roof is known to have a quick installation and can be painted over to match the owner’s specific preference. Furthermore, this type of roofing can be applied around machinery, flashing, and other connections to the roof.

How do you insulate a roof?

When you are talking about a business with a flat roof, you can insulate your roof in a few ways. The most known methods include SPF roofing and spraying foam internally among other added methods that can increase the proficiency of larger applied parts of the building. As mentioned, SPF roofing applies itself by essentially creating a seamless barrier different from other roofing options. The system actually benefits business owners all throughout the year whether the weather is frigid or sweltering. That’s because it acts as a wonderful insulator. That in particular saves the business owner a large amount of money year-round thanks to the significant amount of strain that SPF roofing takes off of the heating and air conditioning systems. Not only that, the applied foam roof, after the installation is fully complete, can be walked on. A spray foam roof is entirely capable of supporting a full-grown man or woman’s weight which means maintenance to roof systems and the roof itself is largely a simple matter. While it’s not recommended multiple people at one-time dance on a spray-on roof, it can hold a significant amount of weight. That said, it should be noted that a person on a spray-on roof should avoid puncturing or piercing the roof and have such damages repaired immediately.

foam roofing

Are foam roofs any good?

Now Premier Roofing Systems understands the question of whether if SPF roofing is right for you. We can guarantee that it can very well be when you trust us to apply it from our main location in St Louis, IL. As a material that is made waterproof upon full installation, your business can benefit from the roofing system that saves you money on your electric bill. The system offers to top off your business by supporting it in a way some flat roofs are simply incapable of doing and while lasting longer as well. We are the experts at roof restorations and coatings for business owners in Illinois and Missouri. When it comes to SPF roofing you can trust us to take care of your installation and repairs so that you can enjoy a truly fantastic roof. When you are interested in SPF roofing, call 618-207-2057 today to schedule your appointment and to speak with one of our representatives to get a roofer out to you.

Can you Coat a Metal Roof?

Industrial roof coating

What is Roof Coating used for?

A metal roof by itself is already a strong part of your business, capable of taking heavy storms, impacts, and last you for several decades. When first applied to your structure, metal roofs already have some form of a coating that further protects the surface from multiple elements that the environment dishes out like the rays from the sun and the acidic part of the rain. At some point in it’s working lifespan however, your metal roof will need to have a reapplication of an industrial roof coating. These coatings are used for:

  • Help maintain the appearance and condition of the roof
  • Helps create a more waterproofed surface
  • Assists in reflecting sunlight
  • Repels many types of chemicals
  • Can prevent rusting and slow the spread 

As seen, a coating on a metal roof can do a lot for the business owner and the roof itself. When reapplied every ten to twenty years depending on the coating material, a metal roof will fulfill the longest lifespan it is capable of. With metal roofs known to last for decades, you could see yours easily reach forty years when a relatively moderate amount of care is applied. Industrial roof coatings are used by most companies to lengthen the working lifespan of their roof while also protecting the investment of the installation and any services that may be applied. The reason being is that a fresh coating is proven to prevent much of the damage a roof would experience without a coat. When you need your metal roof coated, why not consider us and call 618-207-2057 today.

Does roof coating stop leaks?

While you may want to make sure with your roofer, the average industrial roof coating will easily prevent leaks where small openings and holes are present. With the understanding that larger openings need to be repaired or patched up if there is a threat of damage when water gets in, a coating is easily beneficial to leaks in the final step of the installation process and when a regular application is applied.

In the case of a tin roof, a roof coating is capable of giving the surface of the roof an advantage and making it waterproof. With tin roofing and metal roofs in general, the industrial roof coating process is one that is meant to cover the primary space on the roof. That would mean the roof coater has a keen eye for any possible openings including:

  • Openings or cracks
  • Raised nails or failed adhesive
  • Seams and places that would be caulked or filled
  • Vents and doorways
  • Flashing

These are the most common points of leaking and would be inspected in case they need to be fixed before the coating process. At the point of installation, a roofer will do a good job of proofing these, over time the roof can warp and create spaces that often need attention. An industrial roof coating can assist in solving that problem.

How do I prepare my roof for coating?

When a roofer comes to apply an industrial roof coating, he or she takes several steps before application. The reason this is important is that several factors can disturb the final product that will be coated on your roof. With a five gallon pail covering a two hundred and fifty square foot space twice, the process is arduous and needs special attention at all times. So before it is undertaken, the roofer would look for and take note of:

  • The overall space of the roof
  • Debris
  • Heavy moisture
  • More than a small amount of dust or dirt
  • Larger holes or marking that would make the coat ineffective

While the average industrial roofing coat can expand and match the space of most roofs, the roofer tends to move to cover the entire space accurately to take any unneeded strain off the final coating. When the conditions are right, no rain and relatively warm, the coat is then applied. Before that, the roof would have had repairs and been to some degree thoroughly cleaned. When done, the effectiveness of the roof coating will be clear and will both affect it on the exterior as well as the interior.

industrial roof coating

Should I seal my roof?

An industrial roof coating has been proven to both enhance the metal industrial roof it is applied while also being the cause for fewer damages and reasons for repair. As mentioned, the coating will lengthen the working lifespan and last for a decade or longer depending on the material applied. When applied to an old roof, the same effect still applies in that the roof will remain in far better condition with a coating than without one. The reasons thereby are simple in that an industrial roof coating will save a person a solid amount of money each year on repair costs and get a better investment out of their own roof. When used along with a roof being sealed, you will see the best result in your roof that is very well possible. So why not trust us to get the process done and call 618-207-2057 today to set up your appointment.

Is Roof Coatings Any Good?

roofer builder worker with pulverizer spraying paint on metal sheet roof

Learn More About A Roof Coating

Your roof will undergo many changes from the influences of weather, climate, and daily wear. In order to maintain the conditions of your roof maintenance and other protective measures should be implemented. One such way to do so is by having a  roof coating applied to your roof. A roof coating can have the life of your roof lengthened with the extra protection that it provides. Ultimately, there will be a roof coating out there that can match with any type of roof substrate that your property holds. In order to see what type of roof coating will work best for your property, it will be best to contact a professional roofing company for assistance and advice. Until then, here is some general information regarding a roof coating that may prove of use to you.

What are roof coatings?

A roof coating is a monolithic and fully adhered fluid applied roofing membrane. They are specially formulated to protect different roof types from the damaging effects of weather, the sun (UV light), and excessive water and wind. They can have elastomeric properties which can stretch and return to the original shape in order to work with temperature changes. They are able to perform minor roofing restorations as seen with leak repair or restoring wear from the sun from the underlying roofing substrate. A roof coating will vary in thickness and some can have a high level of quality resin which helps with roof flexibility. 

Is roof coating any good?

A roof coating has many benefits from protection from chemicals, heat to UV rays. It will act as a second skin which will aid in roof protection and preventing premature wear. It can come in any color and can be very cost-effective as an option over a roof replacement.

How long do roof coatings last?

A roof coating will be able to last up to 10 years or more depending on how well the roof is cared for. The length of time that it can last can also depend on the type of roof coating, conditions and the thickness of the coating.

How often should I coat my roof?

A roof coating can be applied multiple times after the initial coat. A recoat can be done every 5 years for exceptional roof protection and to really extend the roof’s life. If not every ten years or as needed should be fine.

Does roof coating stop leaks?

A roof coating will be applied to the roof in liquid form before it expands and fills up the hole during the curing process. A roof coating will be effective in sealing up a roof leak and since it can be applied to the entire roof in one go it can handle multiple leaks on the roof. However, with certain sizes of the hole puncture, a roof repair may be necessary before a roof coating can be applied. As it is, a roof coating will be able to stop minor leaks.

Is roof coating waterproof?

A roof coating will waterproof the substrate of the roof in a way similar to wicking water away from it. It can also prevent water from ponding.

What is the best reflective roof coating?

Ultimately the most effective roof coatings will be white in color as they will take away 50%-90% of heat and sunlight of your roof. No matter the type of roof coating this color is mostly available as an option. The second best roof coating that has reflective properties will probably be paintable aluminum coatings with their reflectance levels on the 60-70% range. 

 a tradesman uses an airless spray to paint the roof of a building

Roof Coating Types

  • Acrylic
  • Elastomeric
  • Silicon
  • Aluminum
  • FIbered
  • Polyurethane
  • Butyl
  • EPDM

What is the best roof coating?

A roof coating is developed to match with specific types of roofing systems so what may be best for one roof may differ from another. For sloped roofing, for example, an acrylic roof coat is considered the best over butyl since it lasts longer and is more environmentally friendly. For EPDM rubber roofs a polyurethane coating is considered the best choice. 

How much does it cost to coat a roof?

A roof coating can vary in cost with the type of roof, how big the expanse of the roof is and the type of roof coating applied to it. Flat roof coatings are known to cost anywhere from $0.15-$2.00 per square with additional costs for labor falling between $0.50-$3.00 per square foot of labor. 

Get In Contact With Your Local Roofing Company

Get in touch with a professional roofing company when you’re interested in a roof coating application. Only a professional roofer will be able to inspect your roof for any damages that need to be fixed properly to the roof coating application. Not only will a roof coating protect your roof from various damages, but it will also elongate its natural life. Get the help that you need for your roof today with a roofing coating. Get in touch with a roofing expert to see how the benefits of a roof coating can be right for you.

If you require assistance with a roof coating in St Louis, IL call 618-207-2057 with Premier Roofing Systems!