15 Nov Basic Elastomeric Roof Maintenance – Protecting your Investment
From branches and straw to mud bricks and plaster, the materials that make up the roof above our heads have changed countless times throughout our history. The roof is ever a function of the building itself, and as buildings change in shape and size, so do the roofs above them.
Today’s modern industrial structures are larger, more complex, and more vital to the work happening in and around them. One modern roofing material has emerged to make the best of these industrial spaces and deliver clear and lasting value for a reasonable cost.
Elastomeric coatings are the way of the present and the future. Applied as a spray to existing roof structures, elastomeric coatings can salvage a rusted roof and add value where before only a roof replacement seemed possible.
With occasional maintenance and some simple precautions, elastomeric roofs can go the distance with both a structure and a business. Here are a few tips to make your elastomeric roof last as long as possible.
Drainage
As you would with any other roof, maintaining functional drainage across the surface of your elastomeric roof can prevent pooling and even leaking through possible tears.
Debris from nearby vegetation (especially after storms) can sometimes puncture the elastomeric coating, allowing pooled water to seep into the roof. By providing proper drainage for your elastomeric roof and cleaning away debris, you’ll extend both its life and efficiency.
Caution Maintenance Workers
With so many industrial systems installed on the roof, you’ll likely have maintenance workers come around from time to time. Before showing workers to the roof, it might be best to caution them about the roof’s membrane.
The careless actions of unaware maintenance crews–such as the rough handling or tossing of tools, walking in untreated areas, leaving metallic bolts, screws, or nails behind–could have costly consequences. A simple disclaimer advising care should do the trick and avoid any hurt feelings (or hurt roofs).
Watch for Spills
We tend to think of rooftop spills as water on a duck’s back–no big deal. But if your elastomeric coating encounters petroleum products, grease, oils, solvents, or other chemicals, failing to clean up afterwards could create more headaches.
Watch for spills on your roof’s surface from aging industrial units or regular maintenance and, as with the previous item, remember to broach the subject with any who work regularly on your roof.
Regular Roof Inspections
Elastomeric coatings are best inspected and protected by the same professionals who installed them. Weathercoat’s elastomeric roofing inspectors should be called out once or twice yearly for a general inspection of the roofing system.
Weathercoat offers a 10-year warranty on its elastomeric roofing systems, which is all-inclusive of materials and labor.
Regular Cleaning
To maintain reflectivity, watertight seals, and maximum efficiency, your elastomeric coating may need a simple cleaning once or twice a year.
Owners can use a hose or power washer to cautiously clear the roofing surface of debris, making sure to mark any signs of discoloration, blistering, or tearing. It’s important to use softer, intermediate tools when cleaning your elastomeric roof–plastic shovels for clearing off snow, soft-bristle brooms for other debris.
Enjoy your Roof!
Elastomeric coating reflects UV radiation, remains cooler in winter months and warmer in summer months, and adds less weight to your roofing structure (and less stress on your wallet) than rubber options. Durable, sustainable, affordable, and easily applied, elastomeric coatings are truly the industrial roofing option of the foreseeable future!
Learn more about pre-winter roofing restorations today!
Elastomeric coating’s greatest advantage is its ability to turn a damaged roof into a brand new, state-of-the-art roof. Through spray applications, an elastomeric coating can prevent roof replacements, add value to your structure, and save you money on utility or HVAC costs all year long. To learn more about the cutting edge, visit Weathercoat.com today!