Today, many property owners opt for flat and low-sloped roofs, especially for commercial buildings. To protect these roof systems and ensure their performance and longevity, the application of roof coating is highly recommended. Roof coating can also enhance the resistance of other roof types against destructive factors.
In this series of posts, we will learn about elastomeric roof coating — what it is, what it does, what it offers, and what installation considerations must be kept in mind for a property owner to make the most out of it.
Elastomeric Roof Coating: What Is It?
Elastomeric coating or simply, roof coating, is an additional layer of protection applied on a finished roof. The term elastomeric is derived from elastomer, which refers to any material, such as natural or synthetic rubber, that is able to transform back into its original shape once the deforming force is removed. Generally, any roof coating material produced synthetically is referred to as elastomeric, while naturally derived ones are referred to as rubber. Today, rubber and elastomer are often used interchangeably when referring to roof coatings.
What Does Roof Coating Do?
Typically in the form of a thin membrane, roof coating seals the materials that compose the roof, creating a strong barrier against elements such as rain, hail, wind, and sunlight — among other things – which can damage the roof. When applied properly, it can eventually add years to the roof’s life, regardless of its type and slope height.
Types of Elastomeric Roof Coating
l Water-based. This is the most popular type of elastomeric roof coating. Water-based coating emits fewer odors and costs less than solvent-based coatings.
l Solvent-based. This type of elastomeric coating is characterized by its higher resistance to water ponding. It is also more suitable for use on low-slope and flat roofs. Tough and flexible, solvent-based coatings are better able to resist abrasions. However, this type of coating smells pretty foul, especially during application, and usually costs more than its counterparts.
At this point, you should have a basic idea of what elastomeric coating is. Let us take a more in-depth look at it by learning about its advantages. Tune in for the next post!