How to protect your roof from sun damage?

Reflective coatings for roofs act as a “sunscreen” to your roof membrane. These coatings act as the barrier in between your roof and the sun that shields the sun’s harmful UV rays away from the roof membrane. The sun is the most harmful element to your roof because the UV rays constantly shine down on top of the roof surface and cause embrittlement, cracking, leaking and premature aging. Reflective roof coating systems are excellent because they preserve the roof and lengthen its life span. These systems can be applied on top of almost any roofing substrate - allowing you to convert your black coloured asphalt roof into a highly reflective white roof or your leaking and aging TPO/single-ply roof into a new, bright white roof membrane.

Different Types of Concrete Coatings

Several different types of concrete coatings are available to protect a surface from contamination and weakening. Penetrating sealers provide an invisible layer of protection against temperature extremes and harsh chemicals. Acrylic sealers produce a thin film that protects the concrete apparent. Polyurethane concrete coatings are usually thicker and more long-lasting than ordinary sealers. Epoxy coatings are scratch-resistant and provide a colourful appearance. A concrete overlay may also be applied to restore a smooth finish to a surface.

Penetrating sealers are usually applied as an exterior concrete coating. This coating penetrates the surface to create a barrier against moisture chemicals. These sealers are transparent when applied and do not alter the natural appearance of the material. They also provide protection from freezing temperatures and sunlight. A penetrating sealer is easily applied and is one of the least expensive coatings for concrete.

 An acrylic sealer works at the surface to protect the material from damage. Acrylic concrete coatings can be applied to both interior and exterior surfaces and are available in an oil or water base. This sealer variant dries quickly and can be purchased in finishes ranging from glossy to matte. Acrylic sealers used on interior surfaces typically require frequent maintenance, however. This type of coating is relatively inexpensive and easy to apply.

Elastomeric Coatings for Concrete

In terms of field applied,  they are now available in water-based, acrylics and thermoplastics with ultra-bonding, cross-linking chemistry and acrylic elastomerics  Bottom line is that the same solar reflective IR pigment technology is used and high levels of reflectivity are available, color-for-color as in the factory applied paints. These field-applied coatings clean up with water, are very low toxic and have a higher overall thickness once they are fully dried. However, in order to bond to failing, older Kynar coated metal roofs, some manufacturers are now making specialized “hot” primers,  that meet the VOC requirements and adhere very well to the older coated metal.  The acrylic colored IR coatings can be applied over this bonding primer and stick very well.  It is common with some manufacturers to also to have a clear sealer put on over the finished coloured reflective coating in order to protect the colour coat further, just like the similar purpose clear sealers commonly used on automotive finishes.  This clear coat or “glaze coat” further adds to the dirt shedding quality of the steep-slope, metal roofs.

When full water-proofing is also required for the metal roof, a class of flexible, waterproofing coatings called “elastomerics” is required to seal the metal roof as a whole system. 

What are Elastomeric Coatings?

Elastomeric coatings are very effective in resolving roof leakages and can be used to restore virtually all types of rooftops. It has elastic properties, and can stretch in the summertime heat and then return to their original shape without damage. Elastomeric coatings usually contain polymeric constituents, such as acrylic, and a white pigment, such as titanium dioxide, to make them dense and reflective. An elastomeric roof coating is applied thicker than paint.

Types of Elastomeric Roof Coatings

1) Acrylic Elastomeric Coatings

This is most commonly used roof coating. Acrylic elastomeric roof coatings may be used on sloped roof surfaces. The combination of durability, easy clean up and environmental friendliness makes this coating the no.1 choice.

2) Butyl Elastomeric Coatings

This roof coating is for flat roofs such as asphalt built up (BUR), modified bitumen (APP and SBS) and single ply roofing such as PVC and TPO. It has water resistance and is ideal for applications requiring a vapour barrier.

3) Polyurethane Elastomeric Coatings

These coatings are usually recommended for rubber roofs. It may also be used on modified bitumen and single ply roofing such as PVC and TPO.

4) Silicone Elastomeric Coatings

This coating is recommended for polyurethane foam because of its exceptional weathering characteristics. Commonly used over newly installed sprayed polyurethane foam and can also be used to recoat an existing silicone coated roof.