If you’re a business owner or a commercial building manager, you know that the roof is an important part of your property. Your roof protects the structure from the elements and keeps your family or employees safe and dry. That’s why it’s essential to take good care of your roof and make sure it’s in good condition. Thankfully, there are ways to increase the performance of the roofing system. One way you can do this is by using elastomeric roof coatings on your flat roofing system.
But what exactly are elastomeric roof coatings, and how do they work? This blog post will explore seven things you should know about these protective coatings. By the end of this post, you’ll have a good understanding of what elastomeric roof coatings are, and whether they’ll be the right choice for your property.
What Is An Elastomeric Roof Coating?
Elastomeric roof coatings are a type of protective coating applied to a roof’s surface. These coatings are used to protect and extend the life of a roof, and it comes in the form of a liquid that the contractor will install over your flat roofing system.
At first glance, you might mistake these coatings for basic roof paint. However, both of these are quite different. Elastomeric coatings are thicker and stronger and, as a result, more effective than standard paint. Also, they contain more solids per volume than liquid-based paints.
These coatings are available in many forms, such as rubber, acrylic, and silicone. The material is designed to be flexible and stretchy, which allows the elastomeric roof coatings to expand and contract with the roof as it moves due to temperature changes, or other environmental factors.
Things To Know About Elastomeric Roof Coating
Now that we are clear about what elastomeric roof coatings are, let us come to the core of the matter. In the following section, we will discuss some of the important things about this flat roof coating that can help you make an informed decision.
#1 Materials You Need To Know
If you want to know about any type of roof coating, you should start with the core materials used in making the product. An elastomeric coating uses several durable materials. Below are some of the most common types of elastomeric roof coatings:
Acrylic Roof Coating:
Acrylic elastomeric roof coatings are very common on the market. These coatings are made from a type of transparent plastic called acrylic. They are less flexible than rubber elastomeric coatings but are more resistant to UV radiation and water damage. The coating only contains 50-60% of solids, and the rest of the coating is occupied by water. So when you apply an acrylic coat on the roof, there is a chance that it will wear over time due to evaporation.
Though this coating is commonly used, it does suffer from limitations. Acrylic roof coating is best suited for roofs with a slope, or better-than-average drainage system. This is because acrylic coatings do not fare well against standing water.
Silicone Roof Coating:
This coating is made from silicone, which is a synthetic rubber material. What is special about this type of roof coating is that it contains more than 90% solids. The high concentration of solids means that most of the coating will stay on your roof for a long time. They are highly resistant to UV radiation, water damage, and extreme temperature changes
Due to the wide range of features, and long lifespan it offers over other coatings, silicone elastomeric coating is also more expensive.
Polyurethane Elastomeric Roof Coatings:
Elastomeric roof coatings made from polyurethane are known for their high levels of flexibility and durability, and their resistance to water, UV rays, and extreme temperatures. They are better suited for areas that receive high foot traffic, but on the downside, this type of flat roof coating can be expensive.
#2 Cost Of Elastomeric Roof Coatings
Before you decide to purchase the roof coating, it is important to know how much the roof coating will cost. Elastomeric coatings are generally priced higher than regular white roof coatings, however, they can be helpful in the long run. You can expect the cost to be around $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot.
It’s important to shop around and compare prices from different contractors or suppliers to get a good idea of the cost of elastomeric roof coatings for your project. It is also recommended to ask about any additional costs.
#3 Benefits Of Elastomeric Roof Coatings
Elastomeric roof coatings are a popular choice for protecting and extending the life of various types of roofs. Below we’ve detailed some of the benefits:
Extends The Life Of The Roof
A significant reason why the popularity of elastomeric roof coatings is increasing is that it protects the underlying roofing system. The coating creates a protective layer that can withstand extreme weather conditions and resist wear and tear, and by applying this roof coat, you can further increase the lifespan of your roof.
Energy Efficient
Elastomeric roof coatings can reflect UV rays, which can help reduce the heat absorbed by your roof and building. This is especially useful in hot climates where the roof’s temperature can reach high levels and contribute to the overall heat gain of a building. By reflecting UV rays, elastomeric roof coatings can help lower your energy bills and keep your building cooler in the summer. In addition to reflecting UV rays, elastomeric roof coatings can also help reduce heat loss through the roof in the winter, leading to further energy savings.
Seamless and Waterproof
Elastomeric roof coatings are designed to be waterproof and can help prevent water leaks and damage to your roof and building. When applied to the surface of the roof, the coating creates a seamless layer that can help prevent water from infiltrating through small cracks or gaps in the roof. This can be especially important in areas with heavy rain or snowfall, where standing water on the roof can cause leaks and damage to the roof and building.
Cost-Effective Roofing Option
Elastomeric roof coatings can be a more cost-effective solution to protecting your roof compared to replacing the entire roof. While replacing a roof can be costly and time-consuming, applying an elastomeric roof coating is typically quicker and more affordable. This coating can also increase the lifespan by at least 10 years.
Weatherproof
Elastomeric roof coatings are designed to be weatherproof. It not only helps prevent water leaks but also protects against other damage such as strong winds, storms, and more. Most roof coatings are also mold and mildew-resistant.
#4 Cons Of Elastomeric Roof Coatings
Just like other roofing materials, roof coatings have their share of limitations, and elastomeric roof coatings are no different. Despite offering good value for your money with their durability, the coating can fall short in other aspects. Below are some of the cons.
They Do Not Have The Best Appearance
One potential drawback of elastomeric roof coatings is that they don’t have the best appearance, as they give the roof a shiny or glossy finish. Some people may not like the appearance of elastomeric roof coatings, as they may not blend in with the overall appearance of a building or home.
Professional installation:
Elastomeric roof coatings typically require professional installation, which can add to the project’s overall cost. However, professional installation can also help ensure that the coating is applied correctly and provides maximum protection for your roof.
#5 Top Brands
There are several well-known brands that manufacture and sell elastomeric roof coatings. Some of the top brands in the industry include:
Henry Roof Coating:
Henry is a well-known manufacturer of roof coatings, adhesives, and other roofing products. The company offers a variety of elastomeric roof coatings for various roofing materials, including asphalt, metal, and concrete.
The Henry HE587372 Roof Coating is one of the best on the market. It is durable, comes with a 10-year warranty, and is a 100% acrylic-based reflective coating. You can purchase this elastomeric roof coating in Home Depot or other retail stores.
Image source: henry.com
Lanco Elastomeric Reflective Roof Coating
Urethanizer is from the home of Lanco Paints and is a special type of roof coating that is made from 100% acrylic and reinforced with urethane, silicone, and natural fibers. This high-solid premium coating creates a thick, monolithic seal that is resistant to weather, and waterproof. The product can reduce heat by 89% and can reflect 79% of sunlight.
Rust-Oleum® 750 Elastomeric Roof Coating
The Rust-Oleum 750 Elastomeric Roof Coating is a type of white elastomeric coating that adds a matte finish to your commercial roof. The product uses Cool Roof technology, which helps offer an initial reflectivity rate of 84%, while the weathered reflectivity stands at 77%. This means you will get sufficient UV and weather-resistant technology, and the advanced coating is also mildew resistant and comes with a 15-year warranty.
This coating is easy to install, so the contractor will not have much trouble spraying the coat. It also promises to be rain-resistant within 2-4 hours of installation.
Gaco Silicone Roof Coating:
Gaco is a leading manufacturer of roof coatings, roofing adhesives, and roofing membranes. The company offers a range of elastomeric roof coatings for flat, sloped, and metal roofs and specialty coatings for specific types of roofs. The best Gaco roof coating, GacoElastomeric Silicone Roof Coating, is a weather-resistant silicone-based coating that can become rain-resistant in just two hours.
Ames Maximum Stretch Roof Coat
Ames is the premier manufacturer of special roof coating products. If you are looking for a roof coating that is easy to install and can offer good protection, then you should consider Ames MSS1 Maximum Stretch Roof Coating. The coating and sealant are made in the U.S. and offer elongation of up to 650% which protects the coat from cracking.
#6 Lifespan
As we have seen above, elastomeric coatings can improve the lifespan of your flat roofing system. The life expectancy of elastomeric-coated roofs is 10-20 years.
The lifespan of an elastomeric roof coating can vary based on a number of factors, including the type of coating, the condition of the roof, and the weather conditions in your area. In general, elastomeric roof coatings can last for several years, with some manufacturers claiming lifespans of up to 20 years or more.
#7 How To Install Roof Coatings
Here is how you can install a spray-based roof coating on your roofing system:
Prepare the roof surface:
Before applying the coating, you should thoroughly clean the surface of the roof to remove dirt, debris, and any loose or damaged roofing materials. You should also repair any cracks or holes before you start with installation.
Apply the coating:
The elastomeric roof coating is typically applied in thin layers using a brush, roller, or spray nozzle. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and apply the coating evenly and smoothly to ensure proper coverage.
Allow the coating to dry:
After the coating has been applied, it is important to allow it to dry completely before walking on the roof or exposing it to water. The drying time will depend on the type of coating and the weather conditions.
Why Hire A Contractor?
Installing an elastomeric roof coating can be a complex process that requires specialized knowledge and equipment. It is generally recommended to hire a professional roofing contractor to install an elastomeric roof coating, as they will have the experience and expertise to properly prepare and apply the coating to ensure it provides maximum protection for your roof.
Want To Install An Elastomeric Roof Coating?
In this blog, we’ve covered all the major questions that you may have about elastomeric roof coatings. If you feel that this can be a great addition to your flat roof, then all you need to do is contact a professional roofing contractor.
With our expertise and experience in roofing and roof coatings, Northkit Roofing can help ensure that your elastomeric roof coating is installed correctly and provides maximum protection for your roof. The team at Northkit Roofing is dedicated to providing excellent customer service and quality workmanship, so you can trust that they will work hard to meet your needs and exceed your expectations. Contact us today at, (973) 396-7416 to find out more!
