"White Roof Coatings & VALUE"

Today is my first foray into the roof coatings topic with you.  I've seen many, many, many coatings come and go, but I felt comfortable bringing it up today, with the help of my friends at Lexis Roof Coatings:

http://www.lexiscoatings.com/

It is very important when addressing any coating job to do the "Prep Work".  Roofs rarely leak in the field of a system, but at joints, laps, and vertical details.  This is extremely important.

Most warranted coating projects (and I cannot emphasize enough, the value of a manufacturer's warranty), require rather labor intensive "Prep".  This is accomplished by walking the entire roof (let's use a metal roof for purpose of discussion), inspecting for all loose or missing fasteners.  These will have to be tightened, or replaced with new screws 1 size larger.

Now that you've refastened your roof, and eliminated all those open holes, we will address rust by applying either rust remover, or rust inhibitor depending upon the severity.  Replace any rusted through panels.

The seams and laps are critical, and we normally apply a mesh fabric in two layers of flashing grade material to make sure they don't leak.  Again, don't "Rush" your roofer during this phase, as it is very important.  I know you want to see that pretty white roof, but be patient.

After we've properly prepared our roof surface, we can begin with the base coat (usually gray, so we can see where we've applied the finish coat properly), and then comes the beautiful, and very reflective (LEED Compliant) white top coat.  These base and finish coats must be applied in strict accord with manufacturer's specified thicknesses.

I know everyone likes to tell you how pleasant the roofing experience is, but you cannot reasonably expect absolute perfection, so please don't act surprised when a little overspray lands on the CEO's car.  For some reason coatings know these things, and only land on the cars of corporate officers.  This is normally adressed by giving your roofer enough space to work in the first place, and any overspray is easily cleaned from the affected surface.  I normally like to find the local detailing shop, and tell the owners up front what to expect.

But coatings are far less invasive than traditional tar and gravel type systems, and you may want to review your warranty options with the manufacturer.  The following material is furnished courtesy Lexis Coatings, who have earned my confidence, and trust.

Roof Repair

Is your leaky roof causing a major disruption?

If left unattended, roof leaks can cause damage to your building’s interior and even cause structural deterioration.

Built Up Roofing

Built up roofs (BUR) are dark colored roofs which can reach a scorching 180°F in the summer. They are made of tar or asphalt which dries out, becomes brittle and cracks. Leaks are difficult to find.
Learn about Built Up Roof Coating.

Concrete Roofing

Concrete roofs are porous and absorbs moisture. Moist concrete promotes rebar corrosion which causes structural damage. Uncoated concrete roofs absorb solar heat in the daytime & slowly release it at night.
Learn about Concrete Roof Coating.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofs do not have to be old and rusted to leak. A high pitched metal roof is just as prone to leak as a low sloped one. Roof patches and other temporary fixes can aggravate the leak.
Learn about Metal Roof Coating.

Modified Bitumen Roofing

Modified Bitumen roofs need to be coated if noticeable granule loss occurs. Don’t wait until you see crazing, cracking or blistering. Ponding conditions accelerate defects.
Learn about Modified Bitumen Roof Coating.

Polyurethane Foam Roofing

Polyurethane spray foam is not UV-resistant and starts deteriorating as soon as it is installed. Elastomeric coatings block harmful UV-rays and provides a seamless, watertight membrane.
Learn about Polyurethane Foam Roof Coating.

Single Ply Roofing

Single ply roofs like Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM), Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO), Polyvinyl Choride (PVC) and Hypalon roofing become brittle over time.

Learn about Single Ply Roof Coating.

In the vast majority of applications, you will qualify for an energy rebate.  In my city (Tampa), that rebate is .60 per sq. ft., up to $15,000.00, and an owner may find that very substantial.  On average, they will also be saving approximately 20% in energy costs each month.

I will not get into water based, solvent based, soy based, etc., as I will be here for a solid month.  But try to seek a REPUTABLE manufacturer for your roof warranty, as 80% of roofers fail after 1 year, and you can fall back on the manufacturer, not the installer.  Peace of mind means something to me, and I will suppose, to you as well.

ALWAYS insist upon proper insurance limits, as some people who apply coatings are "Painters" by trade, and may have much lower limits.

The manufacturer will be able to suggest a few of their local contractors, and you will greatly reduce your chances of disappointment.

Hopefully, this will illustrate that not all roof coatings are created equal (% of solids), and your commercial structure.  Thank you to the people at Lexis Coatings for the data supplied.  An in depth look at their website will reveal the topic in greater detail of course.

Until we meet again, I will encourage you to "do more, to be more", and always remember: Keep looking "UP".

Respect,

Robert R. "Ron" Solomon

CCC1325620