The fastest, most cost effective, easiest way to fix metal roof problems is to use a system that includes metal roof coatings. When properly installed, they solve leak problems, reduce cooling costs, and create an easy-to-maintain waterproof system.
Our metal roof coating systems offer a complete solution with a substantially lower investment than replacing your entire metal roof. In addition the metal roof coating system creates a highly reflective seamless membrane which will greatly reduce the metal roof surface temperature and energy cost.
Apply appropriate base coat
Apply appropriate top coat in a cross-hatch technique using the application rates specified.
STEP 1: STOP THE LEAKS
The first step in a metal roof restoration is to stop the leaks. This is done by replacing rusted out
panels, refastening loose panels and treating the source of leaks by sealing up holes and seams
in the roof system.
Remove all strip fasteners and replace with the next larger size
Exposed fasteners need to be sealed with a thick-bodied sealant or acrylic mastic
Lap seams may originally have been installed with butyl sealants or pressure tapes
installed in the seams. There may have been no sealant at all. Reseal all seams with
acrylic mastic and reinforcing material – each manufacturer has a special detail to fix
laps and seams.
Standing seams are typically resealed with sealant only.
Projections, pipes & vents need to have the bases reflashed according to manufacturers’
specifications and details.
STEP 2: PREPARE THE SURFACE
Make sure the coating manufacturer has accurate information on treating the surface finish of
the metal panel.
Galvanized steel and aluminum prep requirements are different from a painted surface
and may require an special primer or cleaner.
Painted Kynar (polyvinylidene fluoride) factory-applied finishes are slick, especially
when new and may require mechanical abrasion similar to that required on automobile
painted surfaces.
Rusted steel will require removal of the rust and application of a rust inhibiting primer.
STEP 3. CHOOSE AND APPLY THE RIGHT COATING
The choice of a coating can involve maximum protection, roof cooling benefit, and/or
aesthetics.
Some reflective coatings are Energy Star or CRRC compliant and meet special reflectivity
specifications. White elastomerics are significantly more reflective than aluminum coatings, but
do not hold up as well to ponding water (if that is an issue). Some municipalities and electric
utilities are now offering rebates if white coatings are used. Check with local building codes to
make sure your coating meets local requirements even if you are coating an existing building.
In terms of color, white and aluminum finishes have become the industry standard. However,
additional colors (tints from the white elastomeric product) are now available, with tan and grey
being the most frequently used. Ask the manufacturer if there are special colors available for an
extra charge.
Water based coatings are typically less expensive, more environmentally friendly, are solvent
free and are easy to clean up. Solvent based coatings tend to offer better adhesion, better UV
resistance, higher elongation and tensile strength, dry faster and are more resistant to ponding
water.
ADVANTAGES OF RECOATING
Coatings save $$$$$ over remove & replace
Fast and Quiet: coating applications minimize disruptions and downtime
Safer: coating restoration doesn’t expose building contents to leaks during work
Better protection: Reflective coatings both waterproof and reduce roof surface
temperatures, reducing stress from expansion and contraction and decreasing
oxidization and rusting
Lower cooling costs: White surfaces can dramatically cool the roof surface
Aesthetically more pleasing: Reflective coatings improve the look of a building, from a
rusty look to a uniform, like-new appearance
Dan White is the Technical Product Manager for APOC Roofing & Waterproofing, the
commercial coatings division of Gardner Industries.
We are known primarily as a residential roofing company in the Miami, Fl area but occasionally we will do some commercial repair work. This standing seam metal roof over a warehouse recently added four floodlights. thermal spraying
ReplyDelete