Elastomeric Roof Coating: A Powerful Solution to Prevent and Stop Leaks

Elastomeric roof coating is a powerful solution to prevent and stop leaks in roofs. Roof leaks are a common but avoidable issue that can severely harm the structure and interior of buildings. The consequences of roof leaks are:

• Structural damage
• Interior components damage
• Mildew growth
• Energy inefficiency
• Plummeting property values

Professionals like us at Jacob’s Ladder apply elastomeric roof coatings to preserve the integrity of roofs and reduce repairs. Elastomeric roof coatings are an excellent solution for sunroofs suffering from leaks.

These coatings provide a robust waterproof barrier that seals in any cracks or gaps that cause water to seep through. The coating also prevents UV light from degrading and aging the roof material, which can further weaken its structural integrity.

This post explains how elastomeric roof coatings can help repair leaking sunroofs and increase their lifespan. Here’s what you need to know:

Understanding Elastomeric Roof Coating

Elastomeric roof coating is a protective layer that roof restoration experts apply to the surface of roofs to enhance their durability and extend their lifespan. This protective coating uses a flexible polymer that allows the coating to expand and contract along with the roof without cracking or losing adhesion. 

This unique property makes elastomeric coatings an ideal choice for roofs that experience temperature variations, structural movements, and weathering. It helps to minimize the stress on the roof caused by thermal cycling.

To form an elastomeric roof, the best brands blend acrylic or silicone polymers, reinforcing fillers, pigments, and other additives. Jacob’s Ladder prefers to apply coatings designed to create a seamless and waterproof barrier over the roof. 

We recommend customers to apply coatings that resist the damaging effects of:

• UV radiation
• Moisture
• Debris
• Extreme weather conditions

Overall, elastomeric roof coatings provide excellent protection for various roofs, including flat, metal, and low-slope roofs. They play a vital role in maintaining the integrity of roofs and ensuring the long-term durability of buildings.

How Will Elastomeric Roof Coating Stop Leaks?

Elastomeric roof coatings excel in bridging cracks and gaps in the roof, effectively preventing water infiltration. The elastomeric nature of these coatings allows them to stretch and flex with the roof’s movements without cracking or breaking.

This flexibility enables the coating to bridge small cracks and gaps, creating a continuous, seamless, and watertight membrane. So, water cannot penetrate the roof and cause leaks, even in areas prone to movement and expansion.

The reflective properties of elastomeric coatings also contribute to their effectiveness in protecting roofs. These coatings often have high solar reflectance values, meaning they reflect a significant portion of the sun’s energy away from the roof’s surface.

By reflecting sunlight, they help reduce the amount of heat absorbed by the roof, minimizing heat-related damages like:

• Thermal expansion
• Degradation
• Premature aging

This reflective property contributes to energy efficiency by keeping the building cooler and reducing the demand for air conditioning.

We have used elastomeric coatings widely to address leaks and restore roofs effectively. Numerous case studies and examples demonstrate their success in leak prevention and roof restoration.

For instance, we have applied elastomeric coatings to aging or damaged roofs with multiple leaks in commercial and industrial settings. The owners and investors noticed significant improvements as they prevented further water infiltration and extended the lifespan of the roofs.

Additionally, elastomeric coatings served us well when restoring flat roofs with extensive cracks and damage. We found they effectively seal the roof’s surface, creating a waterproof layer that prevents future leaks.

Comparing Elastomeric Coatings with Other Roof Coating Options

Does an aluminum roof coating stop leaks better than an elastomeric coating? To answer this question, let’s compare aluminum coating with elastomeric coatings.

Aluminum coatings are known for their excellent reflective properties. They are also ideal for reflecting heat from flat roofs and reducing energy costs. But they aren’t as flexible as elastomeric coatings.

Therefore, aluminum coatings are less effective in bridging small cracks and gaps that can cause leaks.

Elastomeric coatings provide superior waterproofing and protection against water infiltration. They also have excellent reflective properties to keep roofs cool and reduce energy costs.

How to Effectively Protect Your Roof with Elastomeric Coating

Now that you know the benefits of elastomeric coatings, it’s time to learn how to apply them on your roof for maximum protection. Here are some essential steps to get the most out of your elastomeric roof coating:

1. Inspect Your Roof

Before applying any roof coating, you must thoroughly inspect your roof. Look for leaking, sagging, or cracked areas to determine if the elastomeric layer is the right solution.

2. Clean Your Roof

Once you’ve identified all the problem areas on your roof, cleaning them before applying the coating is important. Remove any dirt, debris, or loose material affecting the coating’s adhesion.

Our staff at Jacob’s Ladder uses detergent and pressurized water to remove debris from the roof before applying coatings. The detergent breaks down greasy residue, which helps the coating stick to the roof better.

3. Apply Elastomeric Coating

Now it’s time to get your elastomeric coating onto your roof and protect it from water infiltration. Use different methods for applying these coatings, including rollers and brushes, but avoid sprayers.

Generous coverage is vital for effective waterproofing, so ensure you don’t miss out on any areas while coating the roof. The thicker the layer, the better for complete coverage and protection.

4. Inspect the Roof After Coating

Once you’ve applied elastomeric roof coating to your roof, it helps to inspect it to ensure there are no gaps in coverage. Look for holes or cracks that might be at risk of water infiltration and fill them with additional coating.

Final Thoughts

If you’re wondering how to stop a metal roof from leaking, elastomeric roof coating is the perfect solution. Its flexibility and reflective properties make it a powerful protection tool that can prevent water infiltration on any roof.

If you’re looking for professional help applying an elastomeric roof coating, look no further than Jacob’s Ladder. We’ve specialized in restoring roofs; you can learn more about it here. Contact us today to get a free estimate for your roof restoration project.