How to Coat a Roof and Protect a Roof with Elastomeric Roof Coating

For this project, you will need:

Clothes that can get dirty, including:

  • Long sleeve shirt
  • Long pants
  • Hat

The tools needed for this job include:

  • Gloves
  • Ladder
  • Hose
  • A nearby water source
  • Pressure washer
  • Pole or broomstick that will screw into a paint roller handle
  • 9-inch paint roller frame
  • 4-inch paint brush
  • 9-inch long nap or roller cover
  • Thicker roller cover (a 1 ¼-inch thick roller cover will make the job easier because you can cover more area with fewer strokes)
This video demonstrates how to coat a roof properly using an elastomeric roof coating. When done properly with the right materials, this process can repair or prevent roof leaks. It can also extend the life of a roof and lower energy bills by as much as 30 percent. According to the manufacturer, the proper way to apply elastomeric roof coating is to make sure the surface is completely clean and dry. Then, apply two separate coats of roof coating to the roof. Two coats mean applying one coat at a rate of five gallons per five hundred square feet of roof, letting that dry, then applying another coat at the same coverage rate. During application, the air temperature should be between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, with no rain in the forecast.

Before starting, there are a few things to consider to prepare for the project. First, make sure you have the proper tools for your project. Wear clothes that can get dirty, a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and a hat. The less exposed skin, the better, as roof coating is hard to get off anything it comes into contact with.

What You Need for Your Roof Coating

The tools you will need for this job include gloves, a ladder, a hose and nearby water source, a pressure washer, a pole or broomstick that will screw into a paint roller handle, a 9-inch paint roller frame, a 4-inch paint brush, and a 9-inch long nap or roller cover. A thicker roller cover—such as one that is 1 ¼ inch thick—will make the job easier because you can cover more area with fewer strokes. If you have leaks or vulnerable areas, you’ll want to get some polyester membrane fabric and elastomeric patching compound (Tucson Rubberized Coatings Product 501). Finally, you’ll need the best roof coating for the job and the correct amount. Tucson Rubberized Coatings Product 7000 is proven to last the longest in harsh weather. It can also lower your energy bills more than other coatings. There is a link to a checklist that includes these listed items in the video notes below. One five gallon bucket covers approximately 500 square feet of roof surface, so if your roof measures at 2,000 square feet, then you’ll need eight buckets to complete two coats. Different surfaces will require different rates of coverage, so ask a Tucson Rubberized Coatings expert to ensure you have the proper amount of coating for your job. Not all of these tools are absolutely necessary, but they are recommended.

Next, you’ll want to decide when to do your project. Pick a time when there is no rain in the forecast for four days in a row. If rain falls on the coating before it is fully cured, then it can cause issues.

Getting Started

Now that you have all of the tools and clear skies, you are ready to begin the project. The first step is to get the roof as clean as possible. You don’t want any loose debris or particles on the roof. You also want to clear all dirt, grease, and oil from the roof. If the old roof coating is peeling or flaking, you will want to scrape this coating up to get it off the roof. On a windy day, a shop vacuum can prevent the old coating from flying all over the yard. Sandpaper can also be used to get rid of old layers of a deteriorating roof. Wash the entire roof with a pressure washer to get the roof as clean as possible. When the roof is clean, you’ll want to let it dry for 24 hours.

Now that the roof is clean and dry, you’ll want to seal all skylights, roof jacks, and protrusions with an elastomeric patching compound. This is also the time to seal any leaks or reinforce any vulnerable areas with polyester membrane and patching compound. If you have questions about this step, you can ask Tucson Rubberized Coatings for advice. You will want to let this dry for 24 hours before applying the first coat to your roof.

Finishing the Job

Now that you’re ready to apply the first coat, you’ll want to set up your ladder where you’ll be finishing your coat and exiting the roof. Put the proper amount of buckets on the roof to complete your first coat. Take a bucket to the area of the roof that is farthest from the ladder. Then, start applying the coating by dipping your roller setup into the bucket and applying it to your roof. When applying the coating, the key is to keep the roller heavily saturated with the coating at all times. The roller should slide and not actually roll too much. Apply a coating with the roller going in the same direction, with heavy but even strokes. When you get to the end of the first coat, finish the final coat while standing on the ladder. Let the first coat dry for 24 hours. Then, repeat the process to apply the second coat to your roof. After the second coat is complete, let it dry for 24 hours. Your job is finished! If you want to get the most life out of your roof and the coatings, wash the roof at least once a year. This allows low spots to be cleared and allows you to see how your roof is doing. You will likely need to coat your roof every five to 10 years.

For answers to questions about any step of the elastomeric roof coating process, be sure to visit www.rubberized.com or call any of our locations. Our team is ready to help you, so call us today!

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