The main purpose of a roof on any commercial building is to protect your possessions and building infrastructure from weather. The first thing that might come to your mind is rain; the second might be “But it never rains here. What’s the point?” Any Los Angeles roofing contractor will tell you that in hot, desert-like conditions, a roof coating is even more essential.
What Does a Roof Coating Do?
Roof coating protects your existing roof while reducing the need for repairs or replacement. When this option is used instead of replacing the roof, it eliminates the need to tear up the old roof, remove insulation and it slows deterioration. In fact, it can reduce the cost of maintenance drastically. Rubber coating is also lightweight, durable and water-tight.
In area where water resistance is less of a factor than heat and sun damage, roof coating beats installing a traditional commercial roof system alone. The most common type of commercial roof coating for hot, sunny climates is a white elastometric topcoat, also known in the trade as a “Cool Roof.” This system reflect sunlight and provides significant heat reduction – up to 92% for some coatings – which lowers energy bills. Some estimates indicate that it can lower the temperature by up to 20 degrees and lower cooling cost by 20%.
Roof Coating Also Helps You Stay Green
Green construction is a trend that will keep going. The technology involved in creating green businesses also extends to the roofing energy. In addition to energy savings, a Cool Roof emits very low VOC levels into the atmosphere and offers Title 24 compliance to meet The Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential and Nonresidential Buildings standards.
Preparation is Important
Roof coating can be applied over almost any type of commercial roof that has a slope of less than 14 degrees. It offers a seamless shield over roof materials as diverse as concrete, asphalt and single-ply. Installation is a three-step process.
- Inspection
The roof must undergo a thorough inspection to deal with areas of wear, debris pile ups, cracks and uneven areas. If the existing roof is extremely damaged or worn and near the end of its warranty, it needs to be replaced as the coating won’t properly adhere.
- Cleaning
Once any issues of wear or damage are addresses, the roof needs to be cleaned. Many roof coatings are paint-on systems. Just like a wall needs to be cleaned of adhesives, grease and other sources of contamination. If you’re working with any surface other than gravel, a pressure washer will do the trick. Gravel roofs must be scrubbed by hand to keep from disrupting the surface.
- Preparation
Prep requires repairing any tears or refastening shingles. Don’t use tar as a patch because it will bubble up on hot days and cause damage to the coating. Once all steps are taken, the coating can be applied as the final step.
Keeping your assets covered is important. If you’re interested in checking into options for roof coatings in Los Angeles or your location, a quick web search is all that’s needed. You’ll be able to find a local contractor who does commercial work, and most will give you a free estimate and a list of options to suit your requirements.
