Elastomeric Coatings for New Roofs and Retrofits

Elastomeric roof coatings have properties much like those of rubber. They can expand and contract with the surface to which they are applied. Although they will not be guaranteed to last a “lifetime”, they can last 20-25 years, which is longer than other roof coating materials.

What Is a Cool Roof?

Cool roofs are those designed to help home or business owners save money when heating and cooling their buildings. In these cases, roofs are coated with white elastomeric roofing materials that reflect heat away and keep the interior of buildings cooler.

These coatings have properties that help fight roof degradation, according to The Seattle Times. Rain, snow, heat and light will not affect them as much as they do a traditional roof coating. With proper maintenance, elastomeric coatings can last for 20 to 25 years. The only maintenance required is occasional cleaning by using a power washer or hose. The coating is reapplied every 10 to 15 years to ensure longevity.

Even if the service life of a roof is only extended five years, it can reduce the costs of rooting by over 20 percent. It also will create less landfill waste from conventional roof tear offs and re-roofing. The solid wastes in the United States now include almost four percent roofing waste.

Why Use Elastomeric Roof Coatings?

These coatings protect your roof from weather elements like sun, heat, rain, snow and wind, states Acrymax.com. In addition, you can use white elastomeric coatings to reflect back the heat of the sun, so that the interior of the building is more easily cooled. Select a coating that is resistant to dirt, so that buildup of dirt will not cause your roof to become less reflective.

Elastomeric roof coatings can be used to maximize or extend the service life of your roof by reflecting back harmful UV rays. They can be used in an effective way along with roofing repairs to maintain a watertight condition.

If your roof was coated when it was installed, you will just need to recoat the roof every 10-15 years, when the existing coat deteriorates and is no longer protecting the membrane underneath.

Facilities.net explains that light colored or reflective coatings are capable of minimizing solar gain, so they will reduce the cooling load of buildings, and lower utility costs.

What Type of Coating is Best for Your Roof?

Once your building manager has defined the goals of your roof, you will want to specify coating products that will be suitable for your building. Elastomeric coatings can be formulated from various products, including:

• Neoprene
• Hypalone
• Latex/acrylic
• Silicone
• Urethane

Elastomeric roof coatings may be used with most roof membranes today. They are most commonly used on metal and polyurethane foam roof systems.

Acrylic/latex coatings are popular in the elastomeric roofing market. They are relatively low in cost to install and they comply with emission regulations that have become quite stringent.

Neoprene roof coatings are made with synthetic rubber, and they are sometimes used as a base under Hypalon coatings.

Urethane and silicone coatings are somewhat more expensive than most other elastomeric coatings, but they do offer benefits like an enhanced resistance to ponding water, UV radiation and chemical fallout.