Installation FAQ’s

A primer is no substitute for a thorough cleaning. However, sometimes primers are required, depending on the substrate and type of coating. An Energy Seal installer will be able to help you determine if this is needed.

This depends on the Energy Seal product you’re using and the specific roofing substrate you’re coating. Check the specific product for details or reach out to one of our coating experts. Our installers will determine this before you begin your project with them.

Generally speaking, the roof must be thoroughly cleaned and allowed to dry. This is a critical step to ensure a successful coating application.

Be sure, however, to check the specific product instructions or work with your installer in order to properly prepare your roof for coating.

Yes, a new roof should be coated if you want to add a highly reflective coating to reduce energy costs. A coating will extend the roof’s service life and reduce the heat load on the roofing assembly.

This depends on the local, state and federal code enforcement requirements that have jurisdiction in your area. The International Code Council (ICC) provides detailed information on the status of I-Code adoption throughout the United States.

Yes. As the coating wears away, an additional coating can be applied. Energy Seal coating systems are renewable and sustainable. Please contact your installation expert for specific advice regarding your coating and roofing materials.

We strongly recommend having our installation experts complete your roof coating application. We provide a ten-year warranty when you use our products and our installers. Plus, they will ensure that the job is correctly completed. That said, we do offer a variety of product options, some of which can be installed by a licensed roofer or on your own.

That depends on the coating. All roofs should be designed and built to have positive drainage and not allow ponding water. Some coatings are designed to withstand ponding conditions; however, not all coatings will withstand these conditions. Please check the specifications of the product you’re using or speak with one of our experts for more detailed information about this. 

For water-borne coatings, the ambient air temperature should be 50°F (10°C) and rising, with no rain expected for the next 24 hours. Solvent-borne coatings can be applied in colder weather. Always check the specifications for the specific product you’re using.

That depends on many factors: air temperature, wind, roof surface temperature, relative humidity (for water borne coatings), coating color and the type of coating applied. For example, some coatings are moisture-cured and thus humidity assists in the curing process.

Rusted metal roofs can be coated after the rust conditions have been addressed. If the roof has “white rust” (zinc or aluminum), it can be coated after cleaning. If the roof has “red rust,” the rust must be removed or treated with a corrosion-inhibiting primer. All rusted fasteners should be treated or replaced.

While coatings may potentially stop minor leaks, the roof should be properly repaired and dried prior to the coating application. Coatings may be able to seal pinhole leaks, which are leaks not visible to the naked eye. If the roof is leaking, the roof leak should be identified and repaired prior to any recoating; do not expect the coating to find and seal the leaks.

Our installation experts know our products backwards and forwards and have immense roof coating experience. Let us know your needs, and we’ll provide a free project estimate.

It is recommended that the roof, including the coating, be inspected semi-annually and after a major storm or high wind “event”. Additional coating may need to be applied to repair damage to the coating and underlying roofing substrate.