Best Metal Roof Coating To Stop Leaks

Best Metal Roof Coating To Stop LeaksIf they are not maintained, most roofs will leak. Over time, the roofing materials begin to break down and show wear and tear. Metal roofs are particularly challenging because the metal expands and contracts more than other roofing materials, so the seams and fasteners shift more and can become dislodged. When this happens you risk leaks.

For both new and aging metal roofs, roof coatings can be applied in order to waterproof and extend the life of the roof. These coatings come in various forms and hybrids, but the basic metal roof coating options are silicone, acrylic, and polyurethane. Let’s take a look.

Silicone

Silicone is a go-to material for waterproofing roofs. Silicone’s elasticity allows it to expand and contract as the weather changes and keeps it from getting brittle in the long term.  It can be used on a variety of substrates and conforms to the topography of the roof well to create strong waterproof seals.

Additionally, silicone doesn’t retain water. That’s good on flat roofs with low points that have ponding issues. Those areas may hold water for long periods of time, so a product that will hold up well is critical. Silicone coating adds UV resistance and also keeps fungus and mold from growing.

Silicone can shore up metal joints reliably, and it has the strength to hold to those joints in tough weather. The only time you might shy away from silicone is in places with persistent strong winds. Such winds could exploit the tearing weakness of silicone and render the roof vulnerable to water.

Acrylic

Acrylic is another common waterproofing coating and has been around longer than any other type. It too has great elasticity that allows it to expand and contract with the weather. 

As a water-based substance, acrylic is environmentally-friendly. It’s the easiest to install because it cleans up easily. However, acrylic can’t be installed in cold temperatures or if there is dew present. 

Acrylic is great for pitched roofs but doesn’t do well in low areas or completely flat roofs, where there can be ponding water. In those areas, acrylic can swell and become weakened. Since it’s water-based, standing water tends to have a dissolving effect. 

One last factor to mention is that acrylic is extremely resistant to tearing. So a pitched roof in a windy area would be the perfect application for acrylic roof coating. 

Polyurethane

The third common coating is polyurethane. While silicone and acrylic form a solid, strong layer over the roof, polyurethane is much thinner. It is effectively a waterproof coat and does very little to add structural strength to the roof. When the roof has strength and durability on its own, polyurethane can be a great waterproofing coating. 

Polyurethane’s chemical makeup allows it to be applied in colder weather and makes the coating resistant to ponding water. It is also resistant to impact and foot traffic, so a flat roof would benefit from a polyurethane coating.

Which Coating Does My Roof Need? 

Not sure which coating is right for your property? Not to worry. The experts at Money Roofing have used roof coatings for years and will know exactly what to suggest for you. If you have an aging roof, they know what needs to be prepped before they can coat the roof. They’ll look for rust, corrosion, and signs that the fasteners are damaged. After repairs are complete, they’ll move on to coating.

For all of your roof coating, repair, maintenance, and installation needs, Money Roofing is your go-to roofing contractor. We work on residential and commercial properties, for existing properties and new builds. When you want a strong, reliable, properly sealed roof, contact Money Roofing online or call us at 469-342-3330.