You’ve probably heard or read about commercial roof coatings and how they can save you money and energy costs while restoring the waterproofing capabilities of your roof. But is your commercial facility eligible for a roof coating restoration?
Read More: Pros and Cons to Roof Coatings
At West Roofing Systems, we’ve been restoring commercial roof systems to working order while saving facility owners and managers thousands of dollars in repairs and roof replacements.
If your commercial flat roof is in fair working condition, you can install a silicone restoration membrane to extend the life of your roof and renew your warranty.
What are Spray On Roof Coatings?
A Silicone Restoration Membrane (SRM) is a fluid applied silicone coating sprayed directly onto an existing roof system.
The process of installing a silicone restoration membrane is relatively straightforward.
- An infrared inspection is performed to see if there are any wet areas of insulation under the membrane.
- After any saturated areas have been removed and replaced, the entire roof surface is power washed clean to remove any contaminants.
- The seams of the membrane are then reinforced with a self-adhesive tape or mesh and coating.
- The silicone coating membrane is sprayed on or roller applied over the entire surface of the roof creating a seamless membrane.
- After the silicone coating membrane has been completed, a final inspection will be performed by a third-party or the manufacturer’s representative to verify that all the necessary repairs were performed properly and that the silicone is applied accurately. When the repairs and silicone membrane coating are approved, the warranty is issued.
Read More: Cost of Silicone Restoration Membrane for a Commercial Roof
Is Your Roof Eligible for a Roof Coating Restoration?
Many facility owners choose to restore their commercial roofs rather than replace them when the warranty comes to expire. This is a smart choice that can save them money, create energy savings and renew their warranty coverage.
The best way to find out if your facility is eligible for a spray on roof coating, you should schedule a contractor to evaluate your existing roof system. They will be able to recommend the best solution for your facility needs.
But here are some general indicators that your facility roof may be eligible for a spray on roof coating:
Type of Existing Roof
Spray on roof coatings are applied as a liquid and dry naturally over 8 to 24 hours depending on the weather conditions. This is why roof coatings are designed for flat or low slope roofing systems (less than 14 degrees slope angle).
The most common flat or low slope roofing systems include:
- Asphalt (Built-Up)
- Modified Bit
- Concrete
- Single-Ply Membrane
- Metal (can be low or steep slope)
- Spray Polyurethane Foam
Do you have a steep slope roof (shingles, cedar shake, slate, tile, etc.)? Don’t give up yet! You should still contact your contractor to see if they can help you. Our team at West Roofing System applied a silicone roof coating on this steep slope metal roof in Alabama.
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Condition of the Insulation
The insulation is a fundamental component to your facility roof system and energy costs. You may have solid insulation that is dry, intact and doing a good job with regulating your facility temperature and energy; or you may have saturated insulation that is collecting water, getting moldy and hurting your roof’s ability to insulate the facility.
A roofing contractor will be able to perform an infrared survey to find out how much, if any, of the insulation, is saturated. If 25% or less of your roof’s insulation is saturated, it can be removed and patched with new, dry insulation. Anything over 25% usually warrants a full roof replacement; your trusted roofing contractor can propose the best route when evaluating your insulation.
Condition of Seams
Seams can be the most vulnerable part of the roof system. Overtime, the adhesives that keep the seams together can deteriorate allowing water to leak through...leading to saturated insulation and internal facility leaks.
When applying a spray on roof coating, the contractor will repair/reinforce the seams. There are two common types of seam reinforcement.
- Installing a polyester reinforced mesh into a liquid top coating and then an additional silicone coating after the topcoat has cured.
- To reinforce the seams, flashings, and penetrations with a self-adhering, reinforcing tape that would then receive a liquid top coat.
This reinforcement helps seams remain intact, but if your seams are deteriorated beyond a simple reinforcement you may need to replace the membrane or full roof system if water has saturated the underlying layers.
If Your Roof Has Been Maintained
A commercial roof system is not a set it and forget it project. As our President/CEO, Jack Moore, explains "Facility owners clean their carpets and wash their windows regularly, but your roof system takes on more wear and tear from the elements."
If your roof is under a maintenance program, the chances are that your roof is in good condition and is eligible for a roof coating. If your facility roof doesn’t get maintained regularly and there is no recent documentation on the condition, then you may need a replacement or more significant repairs.
Read More: Commercial Roof Preventative Maintenance and Repair
Silicone Restoration Membranes are an eco-friendly, cost effective, alternative to replace your commercial roofing facility. Contact West Roofing Systems today to talk to our expert staff about your future SRM system.
Source Here: Spray on Roof Coating Restoration: What is it and Do You Need it?
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