Single Ply Roof Coating
Flat Roof Repair
Why Consider a Single Ply Roof Coating Application?
A single ply roof coating can extend the life of your roof by 10 years or more. Inadequacies in the early generations of single ply membranes have caused roof leaks and premature failure due to chalking, shrinking, adhesive failure and flashing deterioration in many EPDM and CSPE roofs.
Crazing is the development of a multitude of very fine cracks in the roofing material. Plasticizer migration and UV-instability in thermoplastic roof materials such as PVC and CPE have resulted in shrinking, chalking, crazing and embrittlement.
BEFORE: The seams of this EPDM roof have pulled apart, causing leaks in several areas.
Single Ply Roof Restoration Process
- Cleaning and Surface Preparation
- The entire single ply roof was thoroughly washed using a 3,000 psi pressure washer. A biodegradeable degreaser was used to ensure a clean surface. All seams, flashings and penetrations were carefully sealed to render the roof watertight.
- Priming
- Priming ensures a good adhesion between the single ply roof surface and the elastomeric coating.
- Top Coating
- 30 dry mils of elastomeric roof coating is applied on the entire single ply roof in 2 coats.
AFTER: A leak-free, seamless elastomeric roofing membrane now covers the old, weathered single ply roof. The cool roof coating reflects about 90% of the heat from the sun. The roof-top airconditioining units also operate more efficiently since the temperature intake air around the units have been noticeably reduced.
All these benefits for about half the cost of replacement. What more can you ask for?
A pressure washer is mandatory for preparing a roof's surface for coating application. Pressure washing removes embedded dirt, chalking and poorly adhered material. In most cases, 2000 psi can adequately clean the surface without damaging adhered roofing laps, masonry or flashings. Higher pressure ratings can speed up cleaning provided that a wider nozzle is used to prevent damage to the existing substrate.
An airless sprayer pump capable of developing 1,800 to 2,500 psi material output pressure should be sufficient to spray a variety of acrylic coatings. A siphon hose on the material inlet typically is used to draw material directly from 5-gallon pails or 55-gallon barrels.
A spray gun with an extender wand allows for comfortable coating application without having to hold the spray gun uncomfortably close to the surface. A 517 tip is usually recommended for roof primers and 631 for elastomeric coatings. 
Tips are reversible for easy cleaning and clearing of occasional tip clogs.