It’s that time of the year again when homeowners are thinking about how to protect their roofs from leaks and water damage.
If you’ve been wondering about how to apply elastomeric roof coating, you came to the right place. You can trust you’ll get a step-by-step guide that is easy to understand, and you’ll also know what elastomeric roof coating is.
We’ll be going over nine easy steps for how to apply roof coating so that you can keep your buildings looking their best. But first, let’s learn the basics, including what an elastomeric coating means and how to apply it.
What is Elastomeric Roof Coating?
Elastomeric coating is a liquid asphalt product that you can apply to your roof membrane using an airless sprayer or paint roller. This type of coating will provide you with protection against leaks, rust, water damage, and other issues while also protecting the life of your rooftop.
A thick elastomeric membrane can last up to 40 years, much longer than most other roofing systems’ 15-20 year life expectancy.
Elastomeric Roof Coating: How to Apply
Applying an elastomeric coating is a simple DIY project that you can take on anytime. Here are the easy steps to follow:
Step One: Collect All the Appropriate Tools and Equipment
You will need to collect the right tools and equipment before you begin working on your roof. For instance, equip yourself with a trowel or roller to evenly spread the elastomeric roof coating material.
You should also choose an appropriate sprayer compatible with the product you are using, as it will save time by not having to stop and clean the equipment continuously.
Step Two: Sweep or Wash Your Roof
To ensure that you get a smooth, even application of the elastomeric coating material, it is essential to start by sweeping your roof clean. This will remove any loose debris such as dust and dirt particles which could affect how smoothly the elastomeric coating goes on.
If you opt to wash your roof, you should use a garden hose with high-pressure water to blast away any dirt and loose debris. You’ll then have to wait for the water to dry before proceeding with the work.
Step Three: Tape off The Area around Your Roof
If you have a flat roof, it is essential to tape off the area around your roof so as not to cause any damage to the equipment and materials you will be using. There may also be specific instructions from where you buy your elastomeric roof coating about how far away you need to keep this area.
Step Four: Repair and Fix any Broken Parts
If you have an older roof, it is essential to ensure there are no broken parts of the structure or any holes in your roof before applying elastomeric coating. This will help prevent water damage and leakage once the new elastomeric coating has been applied.
Conducting the repairs before commencing the coating process will also help ensure the safety of whoever applies the elastomeric coating material.
Step Five: Apply the Elastomeric Roof Coating Material to Your Flat Roof
When applying the elastomeric coating material, you mustn’t spread it too thinly as this could lead to an uneven surface. You’ll need to make sure that you apply it evenly and carefully.
Take your time to go through every corner of the roof so that you do not miss any spots.
Pro Tip: A good rule is to work in warmer weather which helps dry up the coating fast enough and minimize moisture incidents. If it suddenly gets cloudy or windy and it threatens to rain, you should consider postponing this step until it’s warm and sunny enough to resume.
Step Six: Let Your Elastomeric Roof Coating Dry and Cure
Once you’ve applied your elastomeric coating, be sure to let the material dry and cure for at least 24 hours before returning inside or using your flat roof again. This will help ensure that everything is in good shape and that you’re ready to proceed with the next steps.
Step Seven: Clean Up and Remove All the Supplies You Used To Apply Your Elastomeric Roof Coating Material
Once the elastomeric coating has dried and cured, you’ll need to clean up all of your tools (e.g., rollers, brushes) and supplies used in applying it. Be sure to dispose of any excess elastomeric coating in a sealed container, and then take it to your local dump for proper disposal.
Remember, an elastomeric coating is harmful to plants and animals if it gets into the environment. So, take care to safely dispose of everything that’s been used in applying your elastomeric coating material.
Step Eight: Protect Your Elastomeric Roof Coating for Best Long-Term Results
Be sure to protect the newly applied elastomeric coating from getting too much direct sunlight and rainfall. If the elastomeric coating gets too much sunlight, it can turn white and may not recover from this discoloration.
You can use elastomeric coating protective sheeting to cover the newly applied elastomeric coating. This will help protect it from exposure and allow for adequate ventilation so that the elastomeric coating can properly cure and dry.
Step Nine: Keep Your Flat Roof Clean and Dry To Prevent Leaks over Time
Lastly, you’ll need to maintain your flat roof surface (e.g., by rinsing off the dirt that accumulates) and keep it dry. That will ensure that your elastomeric coating remains in good condition to prevent leaks over time, especially during heavy rainfall or periods of high humidity.
Hire Professionals for the Whole Coating Project
Now you know how to apply elastomeric coating to your flat roof. You need to have everything done in perfection to avoid problems. While you can take on this project yourself, working with professionals will not only make the work easier but also ensure the precision that is required.
