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.

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.

Whether you’re in the middle of planning a new home, in the process of construction, or are planning a re-roofing for an existing building, you need to make smart, savvy decisions when it comes to the materials you use. You might assume that metal, clay, slate, tar and gravel, bitumen, or even asphalt shingles are the best option for your home.

While they can all offer some advantages, none of them is really “best”. In fact, that term might be more reasonably applied to another option – a liquid rubber roof. Why should you consider going the rubber roof route, rather than something a bit more traditional? Here are four important reasons to consider this option.

1. Long Lasting

One reason to consider going the liquid rubber roof route rather than something more traditional is that it is much longer lasting. Flat roof types, such as built up bitumen and tar and gravel, generally only last about 10 to 15 years. Asphalt shingles generally have a lifespan of about 25 years, which means you may have to have it replaced at least once during your ownership. Rubber roofs can last 50 years or longer when properly installed and properly maintained.

2. Less Maintenance

All roofs require some degree of maintenance. Even metal roofs, which can last up to 50 years, need to be resealed from time to time to prevent corrosion and other damage. Rubber roofs need less maintenance than other options. While an annual inspection should be conducted to check for physical damage, little other maintenance must be done.

3. No Seams

Perhaps the single most problematic issue with any roofing system is the presence of seams. These are the weakest point on the roof – they can deteriorate and allow water to seep in. They can be damaged by wind during storms, and more. All roof systems have seams, or seam-like sections. For example, there is a seam between each individual sheet of metal in a metal roofing system. Technically, there is a seam between each row of shingles in a traditional asphalt shingle roofing system, too.

A liquid rubber roof, on the other hand, has no seams at all. Whether the rubber is rolled on or it is sprayed on, it will self-level and erase any tiny gaps. The result is a seamless whole membrane that offers outstanding protection and is very weather resistant. That means less chance of damage from storms, and a dramatic reduction in the chances of developing a water leak.

4. Faster Installation

Finally, there is the fact that liquid rubber roof material is faster to install than any other system on the market. It can take several days to install a metal roof. It can take a week or so to install a traditional asphalt shingle roof. Bitumen and tar and gravel roofs have similar timelines.

A liquid rubber roof, on the other hand, can take just a few hours. This is because all that needs to be done to adhere the roofing material is to apply it to a properly prepared substrate. It will immediately adhere and begin the curing process. The process is even faster if the liquid rubber is sprayed on rather than rolled on, but spraying is usually best suited to flat roofs.

By now it should be clear that not only is a liquid rubber roof an option for your home, but it may just be the fastest, most economical, and longest lasting roofing solution available to you. With that being said, professional installation is vital to ensuring the highest quality roof for your home.

Today, many people are choosing to use Liquid Rubber coatings for their roofs that are flat or that have low slopes. They learn about the benefits that the product can offer, and they want to have that protection for their own roof. However, they will still often have quite a few questions regarding the product. The following are some of the questions that many people tend to have with Liquid Rubber coatings.

How Is It Different from the Membrane Version of EPDM?

When it comes to EPDM, there are a couple of options. You could choose the membranes, or you could choose the Liquid Rubber coatings. The materials are essentially the same, but there are some important differences. With the liquid, you will not have to worry about seams, as you would with the membrane sheets. In addition, you will not have to worry about the liquid roof eventually becoming chalky, as it will with the sheets after about eight years or so.

Where Can EPDM Rubber Coatings Be Applied?

You will find that these coatings can be applied in many different locations and on many types of materials. They can be used on metal, rubber membranes, concrete, urethane foam, fiberglass, primed wood, acrylic sheets, foam insulation for popes, and much more. Because it can be used in so many locations, it means that you should not have any trouble putting this on your roof.

How Long Before the Coating Is Waterproof?

With many types of roofing, you need to wait until you have about a week of sunny weather that you can count on before you can apply it. With the Liquid Rubber coating, you will not have this worry. It will become waterproof and protect your roof from the moment that it is applied. Even if it rains just a few hours after installation, your roof will have protection from the water. Of course, it is still going to take several days of dry weather that’s at least 55 degrees F to cure properly.

Do I Need a Professional for the Installation?

When people think of adding a coating to their roof, they immediately think that they are going to need to hire contractors to take care of the job. With this type of coating, that is not the case, though, which is a wonderful benefit. You will find that when you follow the manufacturer’s instructions, it is simple enough that you can apply it on your own. It goes on like paint, and you can use it around pipes, vents, and other areas since it is so flexible and easy to use.

If you have a large roof or you do not want to apply the Liquid Rubber coating on your own, you could always hire someone if you prefer.

How Many Coats Are Needed?

One of the other nice benefits of this type of coating is that you are typically only going to need a single coat. In addition, you do not have to worry about adding a primer for most surfaces, and you will not have to add a top coat. This makes it a fast, efficient, and effective type or roof coating.

Why Are There Two Different Colors Available?

You might have noticed that there are two colors available for the product, black and white. Choosing the color is not about a matter of esthetics, but rather a way to help control the temperatures inside of the building. The black will absorb sunlight and tends to be a good option for those who live in colder areas where it snows. The white reflects the light and is better for those who live in hot areas. It can make it easier to reduce your energy costs during certain times of the year.

Now that you know more about the Liquid Rubber coatings, it is time that you added it to your own roof.

Liquid Rubber roofing is a fantastic option for many different types of buildings, including commercial buildings that have large flat roofs. This product will create a seamless membrane on the roof, which can provide you with a range of benefits. Let’s get a closer look at the biggest benefits that this type of roofing can offer to give you a better idea of why it might just be the ideal solution for your roof.

Easy Application

When it comes to many types of roofing materials, you are not going to be capable of installing or applying them on your own. You will not have the experience, knowledge, or tools to take care of it. However, with Liquid Rubber roofing, this is not going to be a problem at all. It is a DIY product, and you should not have any trouble when it comes to applying it on your own. Even with a large roof, you should be able to apply the roofing membrane quickly and easily, just like putting on a coat of paint. In fact, it is only going to need a single coat.

Heat and Cooling Benefits

One of the great benefits of using this type of roofing is the advantage that it can give you when it comes to your heating or cooling costs. The product is available in two colors – black and white. People who live in a climate where it gets cold and snows in the winter might want to choose the black Liquid Rubber roofing. This is going to absorb the heat from the sun, which will make the roof warmer, and keep the interior of the building warmer. This means you could lower your cost of heating the building.

Of course, when you use the white in a warm climate the opposite holds true. The white is going to reflect the sunlight, which will help to keep the building cooler, thus helping to reduce the AC costs.

Waterproofing for the Roof

Of course, one of the biggest benefits of having Liquid Rubber roofing is to provide your building with protection from water. This type of coating can help with rain and with ponding water that might accumulate on the roof. If you notice that you have any damage to the roof before you apply the coating, you might want to have it repaired before you add the coating.

Reduce Rust

When you are using Liquid Rubber roofing, you will find that the coating can be used with many different types of material. It can be added on top of asphalt, concrete, and metal. Having it cover the metal parts on the roof can provide them with some added protection, as well, and you will not have to worry about them rusting.

Durable

The coating is highly durable, and it will provide your roof with solid, quality protection for many years. In fact, it has been proven to work for more than 30 years. However, even though it is highly durable, you are still going to want to make sure that you inspect the roof occasionally to make sure that there are no issues.

Cost Effective

This is an affordable choice for those who want to repair their roofs and provide protection from further leaks in the future. It can increase the lifespan of the roof, and you do not even need to hire someone to apply it for you.

These are some of the top benefits of Liquid Rubber roofing. Now that you can see all of these benefits and how they could help you, it is easy to understand why so many people have chosen to go this route. It could be the best solution for your roofing needs, too.

Applying an elastomeric roof coating to your building can protect your underlying roof, which is very important for preventing costly future repairs. It can also help you to save on your energy costs, because coatings can reflect the sun’s heat and keep the heat out of your building. There are many options for roof coverings, but elastomeric roof coating is a great choice for many reasons.

Choosing the right coating means you need to be aware of the key features that make these roof coatings so beneficial. That allows you to choose the best quality when you select the coating for your roof.

Elasticity in Elastomeric Roof Coatings

This type of roof coating is ideal for climates where the temperature can change drastically. This is because of the coating’s elasticity, which means how well it moves as the building expands and contracts with the temperature change. Choose a coating that has a high elasticity rating to prevent breakage.

Perm Factor

The perm factor of a roof coating means how well it resists moisture. If the elastomeric roof coating has a lower perm factor, that means it is much more water proof. Choose the lowest perm factor you can find to prevent leaks.

Strength in Elastomeric Roof Coating

Tensile strength is the measurement of how well the coating will hold together over the years. Weather exposure is the key thing that causes coatings to deteriorate, so be sure to ask the manufacturer or installer about the coating’s ability to withstand the elements.

Tear Resistance

Tear resistance is different than tensile strength in that it measures how well the elastomeric roof coating will avoid tearing from foot traffic or other elements. It primarily measures how well the coating can withstand direct forces – such as hail falling on the roof – rather than UV rays and other environmental factors.

Moisture Gain by Weight

This feature of roof coatings measures how well the coating will either repel or absorb water so that it doesn’t come into contact with the surface below. Be sure to choose a coating with a good rating in this area to prevent damage to your building itself.

Peel Adhesion

You want to be sure that your coating will stick to the roof below no matter the conditions. Certain coatings are attached in different ways, so be sure to ask the installer which method is best for the coating you’ve chosen, and how well it will adhere over the years.

Reflectivity in Elastomeric Roof Coatings

Finally, you do want to consider how well the coating will reflect heat and light away from the building. Reflective coatings are usually white, while absorbing coatings are usually black. Be sure to consider this rating carefully, as it can drastically change your utility bills in the future.

When shopping for the roof coating that will best suit your building, be sure to keep these seven characteristics in mind. Choose the best quality that fits into your budget and you’ll have a solid roof for decades to come.

When it comes to choosing a roof for your home, you have quite a few choices. Asphalt shingles are affordable, readily available, and can be purchased in any number of colors. Sheet metal is also an option. It’s more expensive than conventional shingles, but lasts longer. It is also available in a number of color options. Then there is natural stone like slate, as well as tile and other options. Finally, there are liquid rubber coatings. Liquid rubber is perhaps the most interesting option to consider. Why, though?

What Are Liquid Rubber Coatings?

First, let’s establish what this roofing option is in the first place. With all types of roofing, you have a subsystem and then a roofing material that overlies that – metal, asphalt shingles, etc. With liquid rubber coatings, a layer of liquid rubber is applied to the substrate on your roof. Note that only synthetic rubber should be used here, as natural rubber will degrade quite quickly. It’s also worth noting that if your roof has a steep pitch, conventional roofing materials are the better option. Liquid rubber coatings are better suited for roofs with a gentle pitch, or for flat roofs.

What Benefits Do Liquid Rubber Coatings Offer?

Now that we’ve explained a bit about what liquid rubber coatings are, what are the benefits offered? Actually, there are several that homeowners should understand. One of those is that Liquid Rubber roofing is waterproof on contact. There is no drying time needed to become waterproof, unlike competing products. That means you’re safe if a sudden storm rolls through right after you start applying the compound to your roof.

Another benefit found only with Liquid Rubber brand roofing compound is that a single coating is all that is needed to create a completely waterproof barrier between your roofing substrate and the environment. That means less time spend applying the compound, less compound used, and more money and time saved.

Many homeowners appreciate the fact that liquid rubber coatings are available in both light and dark colors. A darker coloration can be good for blending in with the overall aesthetic of a neighborhood, but a lighter color can help to reduce cooling costs within the home. White rubber reflects sunlight and thermal energy, meaning that less heat is transferred to the interior of the home, thereby reducing the need to use the air conditioner.

Finally, you’ll appreciate the fact that Liquid Rubber roofing compound can be applied without the need for any professional help. While you can definitely hire a roofer to apply it for you, all you really need is a roller and a paintbrush for most residential roofs. You can also apply this specific brand six times thicker than other brands, allowing you to create a robust barrier between your home and Mother Nature.

From the information above, it should be clear that not only are liquid rubber coatings ideal solutions for your home’s roof, but that Liquid Rubber roofing in particular is an ideal option for homeowners seeking affordability combined with outstanding protection and durability.