MAYBE YOU DON’T NEED A NEW ROOF AFTER ALL?
Spray-applied roof coatings are one of the most unique roofing systems we’ll look at in this blog series, because they aren’t a standalone roof system. They are applied directly over top of your existing roof, and form a new waterproof layer over top of that, rather than being installed on their own.
Spray-applied roof coatings can come in the form of silicone, acrylic, urethane, or some other less common options. The three mentioned above are the most frequently used materials for roof coatings. These coatings are very similar in their application and intended use, but their actual performance can vary greatly from one type to the next. For instance, silicone roof coatings can completely withstand ponding water, while acrylic roof coatings cannot.
Advantages of Spray-Applied Roof Coatings
The most significant advantage of spray-applied roof coatings is their ease of application. They can be installed very quickly, with a very small crew, which means you save time and money on your roofing project. In many cases, these coatings don’t even require a primer, which saves you more time and money.
Second, spray applied coatings are a seamless system, which means they lack all of the pitfalls associated with seams. Leaks are much less likely, and repairs are fewer. Spray-applied coatings are also reflective, which means they save you money on energy costs once installed. Finally, spray-applied coatings are very easy to repair when needed. Usually only a tube of caulk and a rag is required to make the repairs.
There are more benefits associated with the specific types of roof coatings: such as acrylic coatings’ low price tag and silicone coatings ponding water resistance. These advantages should be researched individually.
Disadvantages of Spray-Applied Coatings
First off, these coatings provide very little to none in the way of insulation for your building. So, if you’re looking for a system to improve your heat retention, you may want to look at spray foam, not coatings.
Secondly, these systems are very aesthetically pleasing when first installed, but they can often become very dirty because they kind of “hold on” to dirt and debris. If your building is in view of patrons of yours or other buildings, you may want to avoid coatings or remember that you’ll have to clean it often.
Conclusion
Spray-applied coatings are a great “add-on” to your existing roof that provide some great benefits with few drawbacks. Call us today to learn more about this system and if it’s right for you.
