Many people believe that roof paint and roof coating are the same things. In fact, there can be significant differences between the two products.
Paint generally doesn’t offer the same level of protection that a roof coating does. When standard-issue paint is applied without a coating layer, the atmosphere can damage the paint in a matter of a few years.
Roof coating products may be up to 5-10 times thicker than roof paint. They also have increased reflective and insulating properties. Still, there are high-quality roof painting products that hold most of the benefits of roof coatings.
In many cases, a roof coating layer is recommended to be applied over the paint for best and long-lasting results.
Does your roof need to be painted?
A while back it was fairly common to see a roof with peeling paint, especially if you were looking at a metal roof; it didn’t have to be an old roof either.
With today’s technology, roof coatings are far more durable and peeling roof paint is not such a common sight anymore.
For the painting of the roof to be peeled or blistered, this would mean that the roof hasn’t been renovated for decades or that the application was not done properly. In addition, the contractors might have used low-quality roof paint without a coating layer, without or with insufficient primer or failed to prepare the roof properly i.e. deeply cleaned and completely dried it out.
Even if your roof paint is not peeling off, there are still cases in which adding or renewing your roof’s coating is recommended. These include:
- Additional protection on a new roof
- Restoration of an old roof
- Colour change of the paint
To add to this, keeping your roof coating in top condition has a number of benefits.
Extended Life Expectancy
A quality roof painting and/or coating done by a professional roofing company could add many years to the life expectancy of your roof.
To get the most of your repainting project, be sure to hire a company with both roofing and painting certification. While a painter may miss roof issues that could eventually turn out to be critical, a sole roofer may also be unaware of the specifics about the proper paint application.
Like all reputable companies, Vivify Roofing offers 10 years of workmanship and product warranty. That is a guarantee you can rely on that your roof will be in good working condition for years to come.
UV Reflection
Some quality roof coatings provide an additional benefit of reflecting UV rays from the sun, which are responsible for heating the roof’s surface and passing it on inside the house.
Reflecting the UV rays means that you can expect the inside temperature to drop by several degrees, which will ultimately lower your air conditioning bills.
Home Protection
A roof coating in good condition prevents leaks and mould, which are not only unpleasant but also hazardous to breathe in. Add to this the reduced cooling costs and you may rest assured that you’re taking better care of your home, family and the environment.
Shiny New Look
A shiny and brand new roof adds to the appeal of the whole house. If you are thinking about selling the house, repainting the roof is an especially good idea, since it will greatly contribute to the first impression on the house and a quicker sale.
If you’re still wondering whether your roof needs to be repainted, hiring a roofing specialist to evaluate your roof is the easiest way to find out. The specialist will evaluate the current condition of your home, advise you on the maintenance that needs to be done and how to proceed from there.
How long do roof coatings last?
Roof coatings last significantly longer than regular paint. The main reason behind this is that they’re quite thicker compared to regular roof paint. This promotes better adhesion to the roof material and therefore prolonged lifetime.
Most roof coatings have a life expectancy of 5-10 years depending on the roofing material.
Looking at a couple of different types of coating, a high-quality silicone roof coating could last up to 15 years when maintained properly. The maintenance includes regular cleaning and annual inspection for signs of wearing.
Elastomeric roof coating, on the other hand, could last from 10 to 20 years, depending on the application millage. Applying 20 mils of the coating means that you’ll get 10 years of warranty in return. To get the maximum of 20 years you’ll need to apply 30 mils of coating.
Roof coatings are available both colored and clear. If you think you have found the perfect shade of roof paint but want to get all the qualities of roof coating as well, it is enough to coat the roof after the painting.
To get the most of both products, make sure that all manufacturer guidelines are strictly followed. Hiring a licensed roof painter with experience could ensure the long-lasting result you are looking for.
