Types of Roof Coating and How Much You Need

Your roof is one of the most critical elements of your home. It protects your home from the elements, contributes to energy efficiency, and plays a key role in your home's overall appearance. As a homeowner, maintaining your roof is essential to keep it in good shape. One way to do this is by applying a roof coating.

Roof coatings are liquid-applied, monolithic (seamless), fully adhered membranes that are applied to the surface of the roof. These coatings can be applied to various roof types including asphalt, metal, and concrete. They help to extend the roof's life, reduce energy consumption, and improve the building's aesthetics.

Types of Roof Coatings

There are several types of roof coatings available in the market, each with its own unique features and benefits. Here are some common types:

1. Acrylic Coatings
   Acrylic coatings are water-based coatings made from acrylic polymer. They are one of the most popular roof coatings due to their affordability, durability, and environmental friendliness. Acrylic coatings are resistant to UV rays, reflect sunlight, and help reduce energy consumption.
2. Silicone Coatings
   Silicone coatings are made from silicone polymer and are known for their excellent weathering properties and UV resistance. They are highly flexible, can withstand ponding water, and provide excellent adhesion to various substrates. Silicone coatings are also resistant to dirt pick-up and mildew growth.
3. Polyurethane Coatings
   Polyurethane coatings are made from polyurethane polymer and are known for their excellent adhesion, flexibility, and abrasion resistance. There are two types of polyurethane coatings: aromatic and aliphatic. Aromatic polyurethane coatings are less UV resistant but are more economical. Aliphatic polyurethane coatings are UV resistant and maintain their color and gloss for a longer time.
4. Asphalt Coatings
   Asphalt coatings are made from bituminous materials and are mainly used on asphalt roofs. They provide excellent waterproofing properties and help protect the roof from UV rays and other environmental factors.

How Much Roof Coating Do You Need?

The amount of roof coating you need will depend on several factors including the size of your roof, the type of coating you choose, and the number of coats required. Here are some steps to help you determine how much roof coating you will need:

1. Measure the Roof Area
   Measure the length and width of your roof and multiply them to get the square footage. If your roof has slopes or complex shapes, it may be helpful to divide the roof into sections and measure each section separately.
2. Determine the Coverage Rate
   The coverage rate of the roof coating will be mentioned on the product label or the manufacturer's website. It is usually expressed in square feet per gallon. For example, if the coverage rate is 100 square feet per gallon, one gallon of coating will cover 100 square feet of roof area.
3. Calculate the Amount of Coating Needed
   Divide the total roof area by the coverage rate of the coating to get the total gallons of coating needed. For example, if your roof area is 2000 square feet and the coverage rate is 100 square feet per gallon, you will need 20 gallons of coating.
4. Consider the Number of Coats
   Most manufacturers recommend applying two coats of roof coating. However, some coatings may require only one coat, while others may require three or more coats. Be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and adjust the amount of coating needed accordingly.

Roof coatings are an excellent way to extend the life of your roof, improve its appearance, and increase your home's energy efficiency. Hopefully this article has been a good resource to finding the right type and amount needed for your next project.