Applying a roof coating properly is both an art and a science. Our roof coating experts may make it look easy, but it takes plenty of preparation and expertise in order to ensure that your roof is properly coated and protected. Below, we’ve rounded up the most common mistakes to avoid when applying liquid roof coatings. These pieces of advice will help ensure that your coating effectively weatherproofs, protects, and extends the life of your roof.
1. Failing to properly clean the roof to be coated.
In order to ensure the roof coating performs its best for years to come, the first step is to properly prepare the roof. The roof should be thoroughly pressure washed at a minimum of 1500 PSI in order to remove any dirt, grime, or residue. We recommend washing with Acu-Wash, using a roto spray tip while pressure washing, and then thoroughly rinsing the roof before beginning. Without proper preparation, the roof coating may stick to the dirt or debris on the roof rather than the roof itself.
2. Applying the roof coating when there is rain in the forecast.
While weather can be unpredictable, it’s best to choose a week that shows no chance of rain in the forecast in order to make your roof coating project as successful as possible. We recommend two layers of the roof coating, and each of these needs to dry thoroughly. If the product gets rained on, it may wash off, negating your efforts.
We also encourage applying the coating early in the day since applying too close to nightfall may make the coating susceptible to moisture from heavy dew overnight. And take into account your location; the roof coating will take longer to dry in environments with low temperatures and high humidity versus environments with high temperatures and low humidity.
3. Exposing the roof coating to freezing temperatures before it cures.
When you check the forecast for rain, also pay attention to temperature. It’s best to apply roof coating applications when the weather is expected to be relatively temperate. This is because if the roof coating freezes before it cures, it may crack. In this case, your roof may resemble a large spider web with cracks throughout the coating. Choose a weather forecast that will work in your favor and encourage the coating to effectively cure.
4. Using improper millage (thickness).
This part is a bit more technical, but we have experts who can help. The roof coating must be applied at a specific millage. It’s best to use a steady gait when applying to ensure that the coating is applied evenly. We also recommend stopping frequently and using a wet film gauge to measure the wet film thickness. When applying Acu-Shield, for example, the wet film thickness should be a minimum of 20 wet mils for each coat, and each coat should cure for 24 to 48 hours. By not applying at the correct millage, you risk negating the warranty on the coating product.
5. Not properly sealing the seams, flashings, and fasteners.
This step is another in the roof coating process that is not to be missed. After cleaning the roof, it’s important to ensure that every seam, flashing, and fastener is completely sealed. We recommend doing this using both Acu-Caulk and Acu-Fabric. These products create a bandage-like seal that is virtually impenetrable. Acu-Tape is also helpful when sealing seams and flashings in particular. This video shows how to seal seams and flashings in detail. Sealing these places properly should prevent future leaks in your roof.
At Energy Seal, our experts not only know about our products, they know how to utilize them firsthand. With unparalleled experience, they will manage your entire roof coating process, from product selection to installation. They know these — and other — tricks of the trade to ensure the efficacy of our high-quality roof coating products. If you have questions or are interested in protecting your roof, contact us today.