What Are Elastomeric Roof Coatings?

Posted on July 19, 2018 by rubberroofing

If you have a roof, you need to make sure that it has proper protection or you’ll soon be paying for repairs of some sort. With elastomeric roof coatings, you’ll get amazing protection and much more.

The Basics

To begin with, let’s cover the basic definition to help you better understand elastomeric roof coatings.

This material offers an effective and affordable way to fix leaks in your roof. Elastomeric roof coatings can be leveraged to repair any type of leak, too. Whether you have a tiny one letting in water drop by drop or there’s been serious structural damage that is a major threat to your building, this material is a fantastic option.

It’s also great for coating your roof to protect it against damage before it ever happens.

Usually, this material is made with polymeric products. This explains why elastomeric roof coatings have so much stretch to them.

How Elastomeric Roof Coatings Are Used

As we’ve already touched on now, this material is very popular for repairing roofs and/or coating them so they aren’t damaged in the first place. They typically work best with the following types of roofs:

Built-up roofing
Concrete
Metal roofs
Modified bitumen
Polyurethane foam
Single-ply roofing
Wood

This isn’t a comprehensive list, though. If you don’t see the type of roof you have on this list, it might still be an option. Just check beforehand to make sure.

A Long-Lasting Roofing Solution

Your roof takes a lot of abuse over the years. That’s why you need such a dependable coating for it. Elastomeric coatings are fantastic for this as they are resistant to mildew and fungi, two issues that can quickly ruin your roof.

An Aesthetically Pleasing Coating

Another big advantage of using elastomeric materials for your roof is that the final result will be perfectly seamless. While it’s important you know how to install it properly, the uniform look you’ll get is going to look incredible.

Obviously, this also helps to ensure that there is no way debris, water or other elements could get through this coating and damage your roof below it.

Protection from the Sun

The sun can do serious damage to your roof. Aside from the fact that it will discolor it and peel its paint over enough time, there’s also the fact that the sun can actually heat the building beneath it.

When that happens, your building will actually become warmer. In turn, you’ll need to pay considerable amounts for air conditioning to keep everyone inside comfortable.

UV light bounces right off this coating, though, meaning your building’s aesthetics remain the same and your utility bill doesn’t take a beating.

VOC Compliant and Nontoxic

Finally, the chemicals used to provide this amazing coating to your roof don’t have to worry you because of fears they might be dangerous. This coating is completely VOC compliant and nontoxic, so there’s no need for concern.

Given its price and the amazing benefits it has, elastomeric coatings for your roof are an easy choice to make for protecting your building.

Common Questions Regarding Liquid Rubber Coatings

Posted on June 21, 2018 by rubberroofing

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.

Top Benefits of Using Liquid Rubber Roofing

Posted on May 9, 2018 by rubberroofing

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.

7 Key Properties of Elastomeric Roof Coatings

Posted on April 23, 2018 by rubberroofing

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.

Pros and Cons of a Liquid Rubber Roof

Posted on March 19, 2018 by rubberroofing

If you’ve never heard of liquid rubber roof coating, you aren’t alone. Primarily used for commercial buildings, it’s only been recently that homeowners and small business owners have realized how beneficial this product can be for their properties as well. If you are considering a protective coating for your roof, here are some things to consider about this option:

Pros of a Liquid Rubber Roof

There are many reasons that a liquid rubber coating can be a huge benefit for buildings of all shapes and sizes.

Liquid rubber is flexible, waterproof, and UV-resistant, so it resists damage from the three most common elements that damage roof materials. Temperature fluctuations, which usually cause roof materials to crack, are not a problem thanks to rubber’s ability to expand and contract without breaking.
Rubber is very long lasting. Because this type of covering is usually laid out in one piece, it has very few seams that can be damaged. These roof materials are designed to last for decades.
Repairing a liquid rubber roof is inexpensive and easy. Maintenance is almost nonexistent over the years; at most, you may have to touch up any aesthetic paint that was applied once every decade or so.
There are many options to choose from that can help you determine what kind of rubber roof covering you need. From a thin coating of 45mm liquid rubber, to a coating of up to 90mm, the range is extensive, so that you can get the right coverage based on your building’s structure and your needs.
Your interior utility bills will be lowered thanks to this material’s natural UV resistance. Sun is reflected away from the roof, which makes the interior of the building cooler.
Rubber is a very green choice because it takes less energy to produce a rubber material than it does to produce other common roofing materials. Rubber is also 100% recyclable, so decades into the future when your roof needs a replacement coating, the old coating won’t be tossed into a landfill.
Liquid rubber roof coatings are fire resistant, which not only keeps you safer, but can also lead to a reduction in homeowner’s insurance in many cases.

Cons of a Liquid Rubber Roof

The biggest drawback to this type of roof covering is that it’s not the most aesthetically pleasing choice. However, it can be painted with acrylic paint, which not only covers up the black or white liquid rubber with a more attractive color, but also makes the coating last longer. Additionally, some manufacturers have even started to make this coating in strips that resemble shingles more closely, for homeowners with stricter HOA rules, for example.

The best way to ensure that you get a great covering for your roof if you choose liquid rubber is to choose the right roofer. Be sure that you choose a company with experience installing liquid rubber. As the aesthetics of this material improve every year, it won’t be long before there are virtually no drawbacks at all to this type of roof.

EPDM Rubber Coatings vs. Silicone Coatings

Posted on February 15, 2018 by rubberroofing

When it comes to choosing the right kind of protective coating for your roof, there are many options. EPDM rubber coatings are one of the most popular options, but you may also come across silicone coatings and wonder, what’s the difference? What makes one better than the other? Or are they the same?

As it turns out, these are related products, but they are not the same. They are both a type of rubber that share a few features, but there are unique things about each that make them better suited to different types of buildings. Here’s what you need to know about each:

EPDM Rubber Coatings Overview

Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomers, or EPDM, is a synthetic rubber of very high density, that is able to withstand extreme temperature changes. Its flexibility and strength make it ideal for buildings that are exposed to both high heats and extreme cold. Industrial building owners like it for its affordability and easy maintenance. It is also flame retardant, UV resistant, and very easy to install. EPDM is also recyclable, so you don’t have to worry about the coating ending up in a landfill in a few decades when it’s time for a replacement.

Silicone Coatings Overview

Silicone is a flexible rubber that is also very flame retardant and able to withstand high heat. It can actually withstand slightly higher heat than EPDM, which makes it ideal for engineering and automotive locations. However, it is not quite as strong as EPDM, which means that it could be damaged by extreme weather and environmental concerns more than EPDM might be. However, silicone is also recyclable, and offers plenty of UV resistance as well. Silicone is also less effective against rain because it doesn’t have good acid or alkali resistance.

So What’s the Difference?

For most applications, EPDM rubber coating and silicone coating won’t be much different. Both allow you to protect your roof from environmental factors, both protect your roof from fire, and both are highly flexible in the face of temperature changes. However, if environmental protection is your main concern, EPDM coating is the better choice – it offers more strength against rain, and is less likely to tear in hail or other strong weather.

But silicone is ideal for areas where extremely high temperatures are the biggest concern. For companies that need to do welding or repair work on the roof regularly, a silicone coating may be the better option to protect the roof better. Both options are long-lived and durable for decades, and neither require a ton of maintenance. Whichever option you do choose will last for a long time barring significant environmental concerns.

Which Coating Should You Choose?

As you can see, which type of coating you choose will depend on your requirements for your roof. It’s essential that you consider what your roof will be used for when choosing the coating material. Once you determine the utility of the roof, then you can consider the factors like price, strength, and resistant properties of the coating.

Liquid Rubber Coatings – A Roofing Material to Consider

Posted on January 16, 2018 by rubberroofing

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.

Is Liquid Rubber Roof the Right Choice for Your Business?

Posted on December 19, 2017 by rubberroofing

Do you own a business with a flat roof? If so, you know that ponding water is a serious challenge. Over time, it can cause major damage, as well as water leaks into your business. Finding a solution can seem difficult to do – few roofing materials can hold up to the damage incurred by ponding water. There is good news, though. Liquid Rubber roof can help protect your business and breathe new life into your existing roof. Is it right for you?

The Roof Type

While many types of roofing materials can be installed on a range of roof pitches, Liquid Rubber is best suited to flat roofs, and those with very low pitches. However, it can be applied to virtually any substrate, from wood to concrete to metal, and everything in between.

Creates a Smooth, Seamless Surface

Most roofing materials create seams. This is true for everything from metal to asphalt shingles. Even concrete has seams. The challenge here is that all seems have the potential to leak over time. However, because Liquid Rubber is made from synthetic rubber, it ultimately creates a smooth, seamless surface. It bonds with itself perfectly, leaving no seam behind for water to exploit in entering the building. You can say goodbye to seam repair with this roofing solution.

Ideal for a Range of Temperatures

Liquid Rubber roof material is made from the same synthetic rubber as your car’s radiator hoses. That shows that it can hold up very well to immensely high temperatures. However, it can also handle dramatic temperature changes with equanimity. Just think of how a radiator hose might go from below freezing to well over the boiling temperature of water in just a few minutes – Liquid Rubber does the same thing for your roof.

This is important for a number of different reasons. Because it holds up so well to temperature fluctuations, it is stable in winter, spring, summer and fall. It can handle long-term exposure to harsh sunlight, and it will not become brittle or start to crack due to temperature fluctuations.

Ease of Application

One of the best things about Liquid Rubber roof material is that it can be applied simply and easily. In fact, most business owners can handle installation on their own. That means you benefit from reduced costs, and you’re able to save time and hassle. All you need to install it is a paint roller and a paint brush. However, you can also add it to a sprayer if you’d prefer a spray-on application. An airless sprayer is usually considered necessary for roofs spanning more than 5,000 square feet.

So, is Liquid Rubber roof right for your business? In almost all instances, the answer is yes. It offers significant durability and weather resistance, can be installed by you, quickly and easily, and it bonds to virtually any type of substrate you might have. It doesn’t get much simpler than that.

Understanding the Advantages of Liquid Rubber Roofing

Posted on November 20, 2017 by rubberroofing

When it comes to your home, you need to protect it against wear and tear, and you need to make repairs as soon as possible. The single largest area of exposure on your home is the roof. Not only must it contend with constant exposure to temperature fluctuations, but you expect it to deal with intense sunlight, rain, sleet, snow, hail and other threats.

Over time, those can create damage that reduces your roof’s ability to protect you and your family. The good news is that Liquid Rubber roofing can be an ideal solution to your needs. What advantages does this roofing material offer over other options?

The Right Roof

First, understand that Liquid Rubber roofing is not ideal for all residential roofs. Generally, you need a roof with a low pitch (angle), or even a flat roof. Roofs with steeper pitch should make use of sheet metal, slate tiles, or conventional asphalt shingles. With that being said, if your roof has the right pitch, then Liquid Rubber roofing can be quite advantageous.

The Advantages Offered

So, how does liquid rubber roof material stack up against other options on the market? Actually, it holds its own quite well. There are several reasons for this. First, when you apply Liquid Rubber roofing, you create a seamless application. That’s in direct contrast to asphalt shingles, metal roofing and other options. All of these materials are put down in strips or pieces, and then those pieces must be joined. Every joint or seam has the potential to cause leaks down the road.

Another advantage of Liquid Rubber roofing is the quick curing time. With other synthetic rubber roofing options, you might have to wait weeks, even months before the material was fully cured. With Liquid Rubber, that’s not the case. It is fully cured in just days. Moreover, it cures completely at a much lower temperature than other synthetic rubber roofing systems, meaning that it can be installed during the spring, summer or fall. It can even be installed during the winter in areas where wintertime temps are mild.

You’ll find that Liquid Rubber roofing can also be applied to virtually any substrate without having to use a primer. Whether you have a wooden sub-roof, or you’re dealing with concrete or another material entirely, this allows a much faster installation process, and saves you money since you don’t have to purchase primer.

Finally, you’ll find that Liquid Rubber is the only synthetic rubber roofing material on the market that waterproofs immediately. Other products need time to cure and become tacky. The challenge here is that the material is vulnerable until it cures enough to be waterproof. Rain during this time could completely compromise any material installed, washing it away and leading to the need to reapply. With Liquid Rubber, you benefit from immediate waterproofing as soon as the material is applied to the substrate.

As you can see, Liquid Rubber offers quite a few advantages over other roofing materials, and may be the ideal choice for your needs.

Reasons to Repair Leaks with Liquid Rubber

Posted on October 17, 2017 by rubberroofing

Are you dealing with a roof that has taken some damage recently? Can you tell there’s been damage lately because the roof is now leaking? This is common for homeowners, in all honesty. You may not always think about inspecting your roof to see how things are holding up. Instead, you end up being made aware of it when you see leaks sprouting up or other damage becomes apparent.

It’s never fun to find out that you have a leak, but it may not be as dire as you think. Liquid rubber is a great way to solve this problem and you can do it without breaking the bank.

Liquid Rubber is Affordable

As soon as you realize you have a leak, your mind might go to figures, wondering how much it’s going to cost to take care of the issue. The good news for you is that using liquid rubber to repair that roof can be more affordable than you first expect. In fact, it’s probably the most affordable option you have when it comes to a leaky roof.

On top of that, this material is made from recycled materials so it’s pretty environmentally friendly, as well. Between those two things, you may not find an option that fits better than liquid rubber. However, there are other reasons to use this substance.

Do It Yourself

Many types of roofing sealants are a real pain to apply. In fact, most of them require a skilled professional to ensure things are done just right. That is not the case with liquid rubber. It can actually be applied by nearly anyone, saving you from all those pesky labor costs that the other materials bring with them.

In addition to being able to apply the material yourself, it’s also easy to do. It won’t take you endless hours or days to get everything together and done. Nope. In fact, all it really takes is a good cleaning, an application, and you’re pretty much done.

Perfect for any Climate

So, you may be aware that some roofing materials work great in the heat but don’t do so well in the cold or vice versa. There are also materials that don’t do well with lots of rain or snow, which means that while they work for a while, they often sputter out pretty quickly too, leaving you to buy a new material.

You don’t have to worry about this with liquid rubber. It is just as happy in scorching temperature as it is in frigid ones. It has been tested in the most extreme climates and it has no problem adapting. However, curing it works better if the temperature is at 55 or higher. That said, even if it isn’t, it just takes more time.

There are four excellent reasons for applying liquid rubber the next time your roof springs a leak. It’s a great material that provides a whole lot of benefits that other roofing sealants simply do not. Don’t be afraid to give it a try!