5 Tips to Help You Identify and Repair Roof Leaks in Rubber Roof Coatings

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Your roof is a vital component of your home. It protects your interior from the elements, from harsh sunlight, and from temperature extremes. It also helps hold the entire structure together. If you have an EPDM rubber roof, you enjoy significant benefits over other types of roofing systems, such as asphalt shingles. However, you are still subject to leaks, and those can be challenging to locate. In this post, we want to address several tips to help you identify and then repair roof leaks in rubber roof coatings.

Start from the Inside

Finding a leak can be hard, unless it’s so bad that water is visibly dripping from the ceiling of your home, which usually isn’t the case. Often, it is easiest to spot signs of a roof leak from the inside of your home, rather than from the outside. Look at ceilings throughout your home, as well as the walls. You’re looking for darker discolorations, often red or brown. These are signs that water has made it to the sheetrock, penetrated the material, and then dried. If you see any of these markings, you certainly have a leak. However, it might not be directly above the area where the discoloration appears, as water can enter through the roof, run down the underlayment, and then drip down far from where it originally entered the home.

Get Up in the Attic

To find leaks in rubber roof coatings, you will eventually need to get up in your attic or crawl space. This gets you one step closer to the source of the leak and will allow you to further investigate the situation. Once in the attic, go to where you saw the water stains on the ceiling or wall. Use a flashlight to locate water stains on wood or to find wet insulation (which can be challenging to spot on its own).

Follow the Trail

Once you have found where the water is coming from, it’s time to follow the trail. In some instances, you may find that there’s a puncture in the roof and underlayment directly above the space where you noticed the water damage in your home’s interior, but this is not usually the case. You’ll often have to follow the trail from that point to where the water actually entered the home. Remember that water always runs downhill, and it always follows the path of least resistance. With that in mind, try to trace its path back to the point of origin.

Inspect the Top for Damage

In some cases, this may lead you to obvious damage. If you spot a hole in your roof, that’s more than likely going to be the source of your leak. However, you may not find any large gap in the roof. Instead, you’ll find a point between two pieces of roofing underlayment where water entered. To find out what’s really going on, you’ll need to get on top of the roof.

Getting up on the roof of your home is always a dangerous proposition, so be careful. Make sure to have a helper handy in case you fall and need help. Using a ladder, climb up on your roof and go to the area where you believe the water entered the structure. Check for punctures through the rubber, or areas where caulking might be missing. Damaged flashing can also allow water into your home.

Use Liquid Rubber for Repairs

Once the source of the leak is located, rubber roof coatings can be repaired with Liquid Rubber. A single layer of Liquid Rubber gives you a waterproof seal immediately, preventing further water incursion into your home.

Apply Your Waterproof Liquid Rubber Sealant to the Roof the Right Way

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If you have decided that you want all of the benefits that come from having Liquid Rubber coating your roof, you may have decided to install it on your own. One of the great benefits of this product is that it is easy enough to do on your own. However, you do need to make sure that you install it properly if you want it to provide you with protection from leaks and other issues. You should always read and follow the instructions from the manufacturers. The following are some tips that you can use to get started.

Prepare the Surface Properly

The first thing you need to do before you get started with the installation is to prepare the surface of the roof. This is likely what will take the most time. You have to remove any debris on the roof, along with anything that is loose, chipping, or blistering. You have to remove any chalking that might be present, along with oil and grease, gravel, sand, and any other elements that would cause a problem with the proper adhesion of the waterproof sealant.

Using power washing can help to make this part of the application easier and faster. You can also use wire brushes to help ensure that you are removing any remaining debris. Clean it away and then make sure it is completely dry before you attempt to apply the Liquid Rubber. Also, if there are any areas that might need patching or repairing, take care of this before applying the rubber.

Get the Liquid Rubber Ready

Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to get the EPDM rubber roofing ready to apply. You will need to stir it with a paint stirrer, or with a drill with a helical mixer set to low speed. Once it is ready, you can start to apply the product to the roof. A nice feature of the Liquid Rubber is that you do not need to have any special equipment to apply it. All you need is a paint roller and a paintbrush. You will want to apply thin and even coats to the surface.

You may only need a single coat, but two thin coats tend to work very well for the protection you need. Keep in mind that the amount of surface area that the product covers will depend on the thickness of the coats. When you are buying the rubber, make sure that you take this into account, so you get the right amount.

Let It Cure and Maintain Properly

After you have installed the Liquid Rubber on the roof, you will want to let it cure. Even though it can provide you with immediate protection from water, this waterproof sealant will still need time to cure properly. The exact amount of time it needs to cure will depend on the weather conditions when it is installed. If it is not sunny and dry, it will take a few days longer. You should not have to worry too much though, since it will provide waterproofing protection from the minute you apply it.

As you can see, it is relatively easy to take care of the Liquid Rubber installation on your own. If you do not have too much space to cover, and if you have the time, you can do it all on your own. Those who have large buildings that need the EPDM rubber might want to consider hiring professionals to take care of it for them. Since the application process is simple, it should not cost too much.

Liquid Rubber Roof Coatings Great for Repair

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EPDM has been in use for quite a while, but some new advances have helped to make this solution even more popular. The big change comes from the fact that the EPDM roof coating can now be liquid. This has helped to open up all sorts of new possibilities. Both the traditional sheets and the new liquid are good options, and sometimes, it is possible to use both. For the most part, they are going to be most successful on roofs that are flat or that have a low slope.

Liquid and Sheets Both Have Benefits

In the past, the go to solution for many roofers was to use EPDM sheets. They are great for protecting the roof, and they are flexible enough that getting around things such as pipes and gutters is usually not an issue. The sheets are popular for both homes and businesses. However, the sheets do have one flaw, and that is the fact that they have seams. Since there are seams, it means that moisture is able to work its way down in between them and still cause damage and leaks to the roof. The system will slow the process, certainly, but there can still be damage.

One of the greatest benefits of the liquid rubber roof coatings is that they do not have seams. This gives the roof a complete seal. You could use the coatings on their own or in conjunction with the sheets if you like. The coating is even more durable than the sheets, so you will not have to worry about constant maintenance and repair, which should be a relief.

When you use liquid rubber roof repair, you will find that the only thing you have to do for your roof is check occasionally to make sure that there is no buildup of debris. Otherwise, there’s nothing to it. You can have a roof that lasts for decades all with just a single coat of EPDM.

How long will it take to install? With many types of roof repair, it can take a large team of professionals and many days to fix. That’s not the case with liquid roof repair though. In fact, you will be able to complete the process on your own if you would like. The coating will go on similarly to paint, and you can use a roller and brush to make sure you coat the entire surface. It’s quite easy to do all on your own, but if you do not have the time, you can always consider hiring a professional for help.

One of the things important to note, though, is that the liquid coating is not right for all types of roofs. It will work quite well for most flat and low angled roofs, and it works very well on RV roofs. However, it does not fare well when trying to use it on a roof that’s steep, since it’s hard for the liquid to stay in place. Still, it is a great choice for many of the roofs out there.

7 Reasons to Consider Using EPDM Rubber Coatings on Your Commercial Roof

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The roof of your commercial building is critically important. Without a sound roof, everything within the building is at risk. Whether you run a manufacturing plant, a warehouse, a pharmaceutical plant, a retail store or something completely different, you can appreciate the importance of protecting your business assets. Repairing roof damage can be time consuming and costly, but using EPDM rubber coatings can change that paradigm. Why consider using this material?

1. Can Be Applied in All Temperatures

One reason that you might consider using EPDM rubber coatings is that this material can be applied at any time of year, no matter what the temperature might be. This allows you to immediately repair damage when it occurs, even if it is in the middle of winter. That ensures that you do not face the potential of further damage, degradation or loss within your commercial property.

2. Can Be Sprayed On for Faster Completion

Another benefit with EPDM rubber coatings is that the material can be sprayed on in many instances. This allows an even, thorough coat to be applied in a fraction of the time it would take to repair your roof in other ways. In many instances, conventional repairs can take days, even weeks. With EPDM, it takes just hours. If your roof is not suited for spraying, EPDM coatings can be rolled on just as easily using a paint roller.

3. Completely Impermeable

In many instances, commercial property owners and managers must worry about the permeability of their roofing repairs. Temporary repairs, such as covering the damage with a tarp, or using sheet metal or plywood to cover the damage, can still easily allow moisture and other contaminants in. With EPDM coatings, you get complete impermeability – this material can withstand water even when it ponds up and remains in place for a long period of time, and it can withstand chemicals and even oil.

4. Helps Reduce Energy Consumption

Looking for a way to reduce your demand on the power grid, go a bit greener, and save some money at the same time? EPDM coatings might be the best way to do just that. A single coat can provide you with significant cooling across your entire facility. EPDM can reflect heat and light back into the environment, keeping the roof and the space under the roof cooler. That reduces the load on your business’ HVAC system, and the demand from the local power grid, too. You’re able to stay more comfortable, save cash, and benefit the environment.

5. Can Be Applied to Any Roofing Type

Think that you cannot use EPDM coatings because you have a roofing system that’s not rubber? There’s good news. These coatings can be applied to virtually any existing roofing system, including metal, bitumen, tar and gravel, shingle, and more. With that being said, some preparation work may be necessary prior to applying an EPDM coating. In most cases, this amounts to little more than a thorough cleaning, and applying a coating of primer to ensure optimum adhesion.

6. Immediately Waterproof

Yet another benefit of EPDM rubber coatings is that they are completely waterproof from the very beginning. This makes them ideal for spot repairs even if it is still raining. However, understand that application during precipitation may result in a dimpled appearance once the rubber cures.

7. Lasts a Lifetime

Finally, you’ll find that EPDM can last the lifetime of your commercial space – when professionally applied and correctly cared for, it can last 50 years or more.

EPDM coatings offer significant advantages to commercial spaces of all types and sizes.

Most Beneficial Characteristics of Liquid Rubber

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If you have been considering EPDM rubber for the roof or your home or business, or for other sealing needs, it is important that you understand the main characteristics of the product and what it is. This will help you to determine whether it is the right choice for your needs. The following are some of the most beneficial characteristics that liquid EPDM rubber for roofs can provide.

A Versatile Material

While it is typically applied to roofs to provide them with some added protection, you will find that the characteristics of the rubber make it work well for other areas, as well. It has been used on both concrete and wooden water tanks, for example. It works well with metal, steel, aluminum, wooden decks, and more.

Liquid Rubber Roofing

Liquid Rubber Roofing

Easy Application

It only needs a single coat, or two at most, and you do not need to have a primer. Although, if a material is already primed, the Liquid Rubber can still be used just as easily. In many cases, you do not even need to remove the current surface of the roof. You can go right over it with the liquid. This will help you to save time, as well as money.

The Liquid Rubber goes on like paint, and you can even apply it with a roller or a brush. It has a thin consistency, but when it dries, it will be a single rubber membrane without seams.

It is important to mention that when you are applying the coating to your roof, you will first need to clean the roof properly. This means that you need to clean it to remove debris, grime, dirt, and anything that could impede the barrier. You do not want to have any dirt between the layers, as it could cause problems later.

No Seams for Better Protection

As mentioned, there are no seams when you use Liquid Rubber. Seams are one of the areas where there tends to be problems with many types of roofing. There is always a chance that the seams are not tight enough, and eventually, this could lead to leaks. Over time, thanks to different weather conditions and other factors, the seams could grow further apart. With liquid roof coatings, you will not have to worry about this problem at all.

It Provides Instant Waterproofing

One of the other elements you will not have to worry about is curing. While it may take the Liquid Rubber a couple of days to cure completely, the waterproofing protection it offers goes to work the second it is on the roof. This means that even if it were to rain right after you have installed the coating, it should provide you with a quality waterproof sealant.

You Could Do the Installation on Your Own

If you would like, you could take care of the Liquid Rubber installation on the roof yourself. It is easy enough to do with some simple tools and time. However, for those who have large areas they need to cover with rubber, it might be best to get in touch with the professionals. They can take care of the installation process for you quickly, so you can get the protection you need.

These are just some of the main characteristics of Liquid Rubber, and these are reasons that this material has become so popular as roofing. When you have one of these roofs, it will provide you with the protection the roof needs from the elements for decades. It is the safety net that your property needs.

Need to Know Information About Liquid Rubber

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Do you have a roof that has a low slope, or perhaps a flat roof? One of the best ways to keep that roof protected is with Liquid Rubber, a coating that can provide users with a range of benefits. Of course, those who are looking for some added protection to the roof will likely have questions about the product before they are willing to make a purchase. Let’s look at some of the information that you should know before you decide whether Liquid Rubber is right for your roof.

Liquid Rubber Roofing

Liquid Rubber Roofing

Where Can This Type of Coating Be Applied?

This is one of the most frequent questions because people want to make sure they are buying the right material for the job. You will find that Liquid Rubber can be used with many different types of surfaces. This includes rubber membranes, concrete, fiberglass, acrylic sheets, metal, and more. If you are using it on a different type of surface, you will want to check the manufacturer’s guidelines to make sure it will work well for your needs. Overall, this is a highly versatile product that can work well for a wide range of roof materials.

Is the Liquid the Same as the Membrane EPDM?

You might have heard about EPDM membranes, which are often used for roofing material, and you might have wondered how different they are from Liquid Rubber. While the materials are both EPDM, there are some differences you will want to keep in mind. One of the issues with the membranes is that they will create seams when they are placed together on the roof. With the liquid option, you will not have to worry about this at all. There will be no seams. The liquid tends not to become chalky as fast as the membranes, too. An additional benefit is that you will not have to make cuts as you might with membranes to accommodate for vents. You simply paint around them.

What Is the Cure Time?

Another question that you may need answered is how long it takes from the application of the material to the time where it is considered waterproof. One of the great benefits of this waterproof sealant is its ability to provide this waterproofing from the moment it is added to the roof. You will not have to wait until it cures, which typically takes a few days. It will be providing you protection from the moment it is laid on your roof.

How Hard Is the Application Process?

Perhaps one of the best benefits of this type of roofing material is the fact that you do not need to be a professional roofer to install it. While you could hire professionals if you wish, it is also possible to take care of the installation all on your own. After cleaning the roof, you can apply it with a roller and brush similar to how you would paint something. You only need to add a single coat, and it will easily go around vents and pipes. It is nice and easy to do.

If you will be applying your Liquid Rubber to the roof, make sure that you have a measurement of your roof, so you can be sure you are buying the right amount of the product. Also, be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure that you are applying it the right way.

If you are on the fence about getting Liquid Rubber for your roof, these benefits should show you why so many other people have already started to use this for their own roofs.

Who Should Use Liquid EPDM Rubber for the Roof?

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Have you heard liquid EPDM rubber used on roofs and wondered whether it might be something that would work well for your property? Perhaps you thought that this solution would only work for businesses, or maybe you have a business but weren’t sure whether it was beneficial enough for you. It is time to learn more about this product and where it tends to work the best.

Homeowners

If you are a homeowner who has a residence that has a flat roof, or a low sloped roof, then you may be able to utilize this type of surface for your roof. While this could work for your home, it will depend on the type of roof that you have. You may want to check to see if there are any regulations where you live that determine the type of roofing you are allowed to have.

If you have some outbuildings that have low or slightly sloped roofs, then you will certainly want to consider this type of rubber for the roof. Later, we will look at the main benefits that this Liquid Rubber can provide.

Businesses

Many businesses already have flat roofs, and that means that they tend to be an ideal candidate for this type of roofing material. This tends to be an affordable solution that will provide some protection for the roof. Whether it is a building in a strip mall or a standalone building, Liquid Rubber can be a great choice.

What Are the Benefits?

One of the biggest and most important benefits of Liquid Rubber is its ability to provide your roof protection against the elements. This means it will be much less likely for you to develop a leak in the building. Think about how important this would be for businesses that have a lot of equipment or stock that they need to keep safe and dry. It would also be a benefit to homeowners, of course. Having this protection added now can help to save a lot of trouble and costs in the future.

Liquid Rubber Roofing

Liquid Rubber Roofing

You will also notice that the Liquid Rubber is available in two different colors – black and white. When you are choosing one for your business, you will want to think about your geographic location. If you live in an area where it tends to be hot through most of the year, getting the white EPDM rubber roofing is a good option, as it will reflect the sun’s rays, keeping it cooler inside of the building. If you live in an area where it gets cold during part of the year, you might want to have black roofing, as it will keep it warmer. This can help you keep your energy costs somewhat lower.

With Liquid Rubber, you will also have the benefit of flexibility in the types of roofing materials it works with. It works well for concrete, metal, wood, and more. No matter the type of roof you have now, it is likely that the coating will work well for you, too.
A final benefit to discuss is the actual application. While you could hire professionals for the installation of the EPDM rubber, the liquid coatings are DIY. You can follow the instructions from the manufacturer and have the coating on your roof in a very short time. It goes on simply, like paint, so nearly anyone will be capable of giving their roof the protection it needs.

If you have been wondering whether Liquid Roof is right for you, the answer is probably yes. Just make sure that you have a flat or low-sloped roof.

Best Reasons to Use a Liquid EPDM Rubber for Roofs

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When it comes to roofing materials, it can be difficult for many people who are not professional roofers to understand all of their options. There are many different types of roofing materials available and figuring out which is best and will provide your property with the most protection is not always cut and dry. However, one of the options that stands above the others is Liquid Rubber. While using Liquid EPDM rubber for roofs is not always the best option for all properties, it does offer some great reasons to consider it.

Lower Your Maintenance and Repair Needs

Maintaining a roof and repairing leaks can be time-consuming and costly. However, with this waterproof sealant, things have gotten somewhat easier. You will not have to worry about replacing shingles or worry about metal items being ripped from the roof in the wind. The maintenance for Liquid Rubber tends to be quite easy.

You simply need to head up to the roof a few times per year to make sure it is clear of debris. The coating will protect it from most problems, so you don’t have to worry about leaks, but you will still want to check for any holes or punctures, just in case something blew onto the roof and caused damage. This type of coating can help to cut down your time for maintenance and repairs.

Fast Installation

One of the other stellar reasons to use this type of roofing is that it goes on extremely fast. In a fraction of the time it would take for other types of roofing materials to be installed you can have the Liquid Rubber installed on your roof. You could hire a professional for the installation, or you might want to take care of it on your own. It will often depend on how large the roof is, how much time you have, and how comfortable you are tackling it on your own. Those who have large areas to cover will likely want to have a crew come in and take care of it.

Another great benefit of Liquid Rubber is that this waterproof sealant will start providing protection from water the minute it goes onto your roof. The EPDM rubber has waterproof qualities, and that means it does not even need to cure fully before it provides you with this protection.

Environmentally Friendly

There are some ways in which this waterproof sealant is friendly to the environment, as well. For starters, it tends to be very long lasting, able to provide protection for your roof for decades. This means you will not have to use other materials to keep repairing your roof, essentially cutting down on the number of resources you are using. In addition, you can choose from different colors. The white rubber will help to reflect light to keep the space below cooler in hot climates. The black rubber coating will absorb the light, and it can make the area below warmer. This could help you to reduce your energy usage and the cost of your energy bills.

Say Goodbye to Seam Problems

One of the areas where there are typically problems with a roof are at the seams where roofing materials come together. Even when they are installed properly, small gaps could allow for water to come through and into the roof. This could damage the property and items below. Fortunately, when you use liquid EPDM rubber for roofs, there will not be any seams. It will cover the roof like a skin, providing you with all the protection you need.

Benefits of Working with a Professional for Your EPDM Rubber Roofing & Repair

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Are you considering getting a new EPDM roof, or are you in need of a repair to the EPDM roof that you already have in place? If so, you might be tempted to apply the EPDM on your own. While it is possible, it often turns out to be more work than many people initially expect. Therefore, you may want to consider working with an experienced professional for your roofing needs. You will find some great benefits when you do.

It Will Be Done Right

As long as you take your time to properly vet the company you choose to handle your roofing needs, you can be sure it is done properly. Check their references, and make sure they have experience when it comes to dealing with EPDM liquid rubber roofing. Those who have worked with EPDM understand how to install and apply it properly, and they can take care of the job quickly in most cases.

Because you can be sure they are doing it right the first time, it means that it will be cost effective. One of the problems with trying to install the roofing materials on your own, if you have never done it before, is that you might not even know if you’ve made a mistake until you have a leak. You will not have to worry about this with the professionals, and they will have a warranty available in most cases. The warranty, and the professional job that they do, will provide you with peace of mind when it comes to your roof.

It Will Be Completed Faster

While an EPDM roof tends to be easy to install in a short amount of time, depending on the size of the building, it can still take a novice quite a while. Those who want to have their roof protected or repaired quickly will certainly want to hire a professional to take care of it for them. Not only will it be completed faster, but you will have the time to spend working on things other than the roof.

EPDM Rubber Roofing

EPDM Rubber Roofing

It’s Safer for You

When you have the roofing pros come to take care of the roof, you can be sure they will have all of the right equipment, including safety equipment and protocols. This is far safer than trying to do it on your own without the right safety equipment. When you repair the roof on your own, you would have to invest in safety equipment, which would also add to the cost.

Can You Do It On Your Own If You Want?

One of the nice things about EPDM membranes and coatings is the fact that you do not have to rely on a professional in many cases if you don’t want to. Those who have the time and who are willing to learn how to do it on their own can certainly take care of simple repairs, and even roofing. The liquid EPDM tends to be the easiest to apply for DIYers, though, as it goes on like paint. Consider the type of EPDM you will be using, along with the size of your job, and the time you have available when you are making your decision.

Now that you have a better idea of just what benefits a pro can provide you, it’s time to make the choice. Are you going to apply the EPDM on your own, or are you going to work with a professional? Both are viable options you could choose, but one will be much easier than the other.

Understanding Liquid Rubber Coatings: A Look at the Advantages and Application Uses

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The roof of a building or home is one of the most critical components. It is just as important as the foundation and the load-bearing walls. In fact, without the roof, the walls might rot away quickly, and even the foundation would be damaged by exposure to the elements. Due to exposure to UV rays, rain, sleet, snow, and temperature fluctuations, roofs can be damaged in a wide range of ways. Liquid rubber coatings can be used to repair that damage, and for many other things.

What Are Liquid Rubber Coatings?

Liquid rubber coatings are exactly what they sound like – coatings developed with a type of rubber. There are many types on the market today. For instance, you’ll find coatings made with silicone. Others are made with urethane. Some are made with the addition of acrylic. Yet other formulations might use neoprene, while others may use butyl rubber.

Liquid Rubber Roofing

However, one of the most versatile, high-performing, and durable options is made with what’s called ethylene propylene diene monomer, otherwise known as EPDM. This material is very durable, is highly resistant to UV rays, can be applied in any temperature situation, and offers a number of other advantages that make it ideal for roofing and roof repairs.

The Advantages of Liquid Rubber Coatings

As hinted at above, there are plenty of advantages associated with liquid rubber coatings, particularly with EPDM roofing material. One of those is that they are stable at all temperatures. Very high temperatures can soften some roofing materials, allowing them to sag and creating gaps in the protection offered. Very cold temperatures can make some roofing materials brittle and more prone to breakage. EPDM liquid rubber coatings, on the other hand, are stable at all temperatures and perform well throughout the year.

Another interesting advantage of liquid rubber coatings is the fact that they can be used to repair roofs even if there is a shift in the rooftop. If left unprotected, these can become gaps that allow water to penetrate beneath to the roofing substrate. The flexibility of rubber coatings allows them to flex, yet remain strong enough to protect against leaks.

Rubber roof coatings are also good for areas where traction might be needed, whether for workers, or in the case of any rooftop installation that requires regular maintenance or service – around HVAC systems, around green roof sections, and the like.

Finally, you’ll find that this material is completely impermeable. That means water cannot penetrate, even if it ponds up and remains for some time. It also means that oil and other chemicals cannot penetrate the coating.

Potential Uses for Liquid Rubber Coatings

Liquid rubber roof coatings have any number of potential uses. They can be used to repair damage to conventional roofing systems, or they can be used to refresh existing rubber roof systems. They can be used with the creation of new green roof garden areas, or to add soundproofing to a particular area. They make excellent solutions for creating semi-permanent walkways for workers who must access the roof regularly, and more. They can even be used to create an entirely new roof by covering up the existing roofing system.

How Are Liquid Rubber Coatings Applied?

There are two primary application methods used with these coatings. One is to pour an amount on the roof, spread it around with a squeegee, and then roll it on. The other is to use a sprayer to spray the material on. Spraying is faster, but rolling is more accurate. Spraying is a better fit for flat roofs, while rolling might be the best choice for pitched roofs.

Liquid rubber is a versatile material that offers immense benefits for both commercial and residential applications.