You can say a lot of things about roofs, and most of them might be true. But one thing that nobody can argue with is that roofs are tops. This statement can be taken in several ways. A roof does for the top of your home. It can also act like a "top" or lid for your home, keeping the rain out. Then, there's the third meaning, which is the one we happen to like the most: roofs are the best. (People say things are "tops" when they really like them.) Since we like roofs so much, we've decided to write about them, and you've discovered the blog where we do that.
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Roofs: They're Definitely at the Top!
A Spray-On Silicone Coating Can Protect Your New Metal Roof
Brian Riley
If you own or manage a commercial building and are thinking about having a metal roof installed, you may wonder how to protect it from leaks, rust, corrosion, and other damages. Metal roofs are durable, but they are not immune to the effects of weathering, aging, and mechanical stress. One of the most effective and economical ways to restore and extend the life of your metal roof is to apply a spray-on silicone coating system.
What is a Spray-On Silicone Coating System?
A spray-on silicone coating system is a moisture-curing silicone rubber roof coating that can be applied over existing metal roofs to create a seamless, waterproof, and UV-resistant membrane.
Silicone coatings have excellent adhesion to metal surfaces and can withstand permanent ponding water, extreme temperatures, and environmental exposure. Silicone coatings also have high solids content, which means they do not shrink or crack as they cure. However, there are several steps a commercial roofer needs to follow.
Qualifying the Metal Roof
Before applying the silicone coating, the metal roof must be inspected for structural defects, loose or missing fasteners, rust, dirt, oil, or other contaminants that may affect the coating performance. A power wash with a cleaning concentrate may be required to remove any surface debris. An adhesion test may also be performed to ensure proper bonding of the silicone coating to the metal substrate.
Prepping the Substrate
After qualifying the metal roof, any necessary repairs must be made to the sheet metal and fasteners. Any gaps, seams, joints, or penetrations must be sealed with a silicone mastic or sealant and reinforced with a fabric or tape. Any rooftop units or equipment must be properly flashed and crickets installed if needed to prevent water accumulation.
Coating the Roof
The silicone coating can be applied by spraying, rolling, or brushing over the entire surface of the metal roof at a specified rate and thickness, depending on the warranty and guarantee desired coverage. Depending on the product and application method, the silicone coating can be applied in one or multiple coats. The coating must be applied uniformly and consistently to ensure adequate coverage and protection. Then, your metal roof will benefit from the coating in many ways such as:
- Preventing leaks
- Ponding water resistance
- UV protection
- Rust prevention
Additionally, it can qualify for tax credits, rebates, or incentives for energy efficiency and sustainability.
How to Choose a Spray-On Silicone Coating System?
A commercial roofer might recommend a spray-on roof coating system that comes with a warranty. Also, the particular silicone coating product affects its appearance and functionality. Therefore, it's important to talk to a roofer about the best spray-on coating system to apply to your newly installed metal roof.
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