Roof coatings are a protective shield for your roof against the elements. They help to block out UV radiation, prevent water ponding, and can limit the heating and cooling cycles on top of a roof. Essentially they are another protective layer that adheres to the roofing membrane that can stretch and return back to its original size without damage. If you are wondering if you should coat your existing or new roof review the pros and cons below.
Pros of Roof Coatings
Increased Roof Lifespan
Roof coatings could increase the lifespan of a roof regardless at what point it is installed. No matter if a roof coating is installed as soon as a new roof is built or a few years down the road, the coating is still beneficiary to its lifespan. Since your roofing materials are not exposed to heat and UV rays with a roof coating it builds both strength and longevity. With a coating, those materials are less likely to break down over the years.
Reduced Cooling Expenses
A roof coating acts as a barrier between the natural elements and the roof of a home. With less UV rays and heat penetrating the roof, a home’s inside temperatures can greatly decrease air conditioning costs indoors. This helps the home be overall more energy efficient as well.
Increased Waterproofing Protection
Low-slope roofs tend to experience areas where water can “pond” or collect in one area at a time. This can cause many roofing membranes to deteriorate quicker and create leaks within a roof. A roof coating can help to protect your roof from experiencing these types of ponds and increase the overall waterproofing of a roof. If your roof is already experiencing these type of issues, you can repair them and then apply a roof coating for future protection and increased longevity.
Improving Roof Aesthetics
Roof coatings will not alter the aesthetic of a house or structure which is typically an added bonus to homeowners. Coatings can adhere to a number of different roofing surface types such as metal, asphalt, or wood and can actually help with the aesthetics of any older roof. As a roof ages it may begin to fade or simply appear older, a roof coating can cover some of these unsightly appearances without a roof replacement.
Cons of Roof Coatings
Increased Costs
Obviously a roof coating can increase the costs of a current or new roof that would otherwise not be coated. The purchase of materials and hiring of contractors or workers is an added expense some homeowners are not willing or able to pay. Polyurethane and silicone based roof coatings tend to be the more costly coating types.
Flammable
Some solvent-based roof coatings can be highly flammable due to the chemicals they contain. Make sure when applying, transporting, and storing solvent-based coatings to be extremely careful and aware of the potential hazards.
Inexperienced Roofing Contractors
There have been known to be unreliable roofing contractors or handymen to replace a roof coating with a simple tar and engine oil mixture. Be aware about who you are about hire to apply a roof coating to ensure you do not fall into a scam. Your chance of this is small, but spending time researching your options and being knowledgeable of the quality of work to expect will greatly increase your odds of not becoming a victim.
If you are considering a roof coating, contact EMA Construction for more information and options for your home’s roof. EMA Construction’s qualified roofers are able to advise you based on your needs and make sure you’ll get the most life out of your roof and best value for your dollar.