Flat Roof Coating
Your Leading Local Flat Roof Coating Experts in Westerly, RI
Many businesses, commercial buildings, and Henderson Roofing warehouses have flat roofs. They’re particularly useful for creating extra outdoor space, giving you easy access to clean or repair them, and offer wind resistance.
A common myth is the flat roofs are not durable and cannot hold the weight of snow, but this is not true. Building codes require that flat roofs be able to carry enough weight to protect the structural integrity of the building.
However, what you will find is that flat roofs need a higher degree of maintenance. With that in mind, here are some of the best flat roof coating solutions to protect your roof from the elements and natural aging.
Why Apply a Coating?
Flat roof coating can ensure that your roof lasts another 10-15 years without needing to be replaced. It prevents leaks, is easy to apply, and gives you the longevity you need at a much lower cost than replacing the entire roof.
A reliable roof coating company like Henderson Roofing can inspect your current roof and suggest the best coating for you. Which coating you need depends on the type of roof you have and whether your roof has a high amount of traffic. There are many different solutions you can choose from, so keep reading to see your options.
Types of Flat Roof Coating
There are several types of roof coatings that provide particular benefits to flat roofs. They include asphalt, acrylic, polyureas, and urethanes. Each has a different purpose, so while they all work, your needs will determine which type of flat roof coating you choose.
ASPHALT
Asphalt coatings are mixed with a solvent that helps thin the asphalt, making application easy via spray nozzle or brush. Some asphalt coatings have added aluminum to aid in sun reflection. Other additives can increase the strength, thickness, or longevity of the coating.
Asphalt emulsions use water instead of a solvent to thin the mixture. The same additives can create additional strength, thickness, and longevity, and it’s applied the same way. The benefit of using water is that the solution doesn’t allow water to pool, which can aid in a non-slip surface that can accommodate heavy traffic.
ACRYLIC
Acrylic elastomers are highly reflective and usually installed on bituminous and non-bituminous roofing. This reflective surface aids in deflecting heat, keeping your building cooler and better insulated.
Acrylic is extremely durable. It has been used for decades for Henderson Roofing purposes, and because of its easy application, it is more cost-effective and provides the best value.
POLYUREAS
Polyureas haven’t been used for as long as some of the other coatings on the market. Some polyureas are similar to polyurethane and others are closer to urethane. These types of coatings are continually being modified by manufacturers to make them even better.
Polyureas provide excellent abrasion resistance, structural enhancement, corrosion protection, waterproofing, and chemical resistance.
URETHANES
Urethanes are used commonly on concrete surfaces like driveways and parking garages. They can also be used on wood. They are used alone and not layered with other roofing products. Urethane coatings are perfect for high traffic areas because they are seamless, flexible, and durable.
Urethane coatings expand and contract with your roof, resist water pooling, and are more impact resistant than many other flat roof coatings.
How Flat Roof Coating is Applied
Flat roof coating contractors usually brush or spray your roof coating onto the surface. The length of the process depends on which kind of coating you choose and the size of your roof.
First, they’ll clean your roof, identifying any areas that need to be repaired. Next, they’ll fix any holes, tears, or open seams so that the coating will be as effective as possible. Then they’ll start in one corner and either spray or brush the coating on in small sections.
The weather conditions have to be just right as well. Applying a roof coating when the roof is too hot or too cold can affect its adhesive qualities. Sometimes a flat roof coating service will only work early in the morning if the peak temperatures that day are not favorable.
It can take up to 24 hours for the coating to dry and your flat roof coating company may recommend you stay off it for even longer depending on how much time it needs to set.
If you need flat roof coating in Westerly, contact Henderson Roofing. Our professionals can help you determine which coating is best for your building. For an affordable coating and easy to apply, check out Rubber roof coating. We provide estimates, and our installation is thorough and professional.