Monday, November 26, 2012

Raising the Roof – Understanding the Real Value of Roof Coating

Roof Coatings: What Benefits It Could Provide to Your Home's Roof




Your home's roof is your first line of defense against the threats of outdoor elements. With the important role it plays, it is only fitting that you protect your roof as well so that it will be able to best serve its purpose. Although regular maintenance is the key to a long-lasting roof, there are other things you can do to prolong its service life. One of which is through the application of roof coating.



Basically, roof coating is an additional layer of protection applied on a finished roof. It is usually in a fully-adherent fluid form which when applied on the surface creates a thin membrane that seals the materials that were used to create the roof. Most, if not all, roof coating products have elastic properties that allow them to expand and retract as the weather changes. Thus, when properly applied, it enables the roof to withstand the impact of rain, hail, sunlight and other outdoor elements.



Professional roofers highly recommend the application of roof coatings as a part of preventive maintenance and even restorative solutions for roofs. And, if you are a homeowner and you would like to ensure that you will enjoy the service life of your roof for a long time, you should include such procedure on your roof care for some good reasons.

Protection Against Leaks or Drafts


One of the most practical aspects of roof coating application has something to do with waterproofing the roof, including sections where flashings were used as a part of the design. When properly applied, the roof coating binds the flashing to the rest of the roof's components, which include the shingles, asphalt and metal panels. For older roofs or those that have apparent cracks and damages, this application helps seal the aforesaid problem spots. As a result, the entire roof becomes less susceptible to drafts and also allows the roof to withstand continued exposure to rain and humidity which are known to hasten the deterioration of roofing materials.

Improve the Home's Energy Efficiency


Aside from its waterproofing ability, roof coating is also known to improve a home's energy efficiency. How? There are numerous roof coating products in the market that exhibit reflective qualities. And when applied to the roof, they help reflect the harmful effects of the sun, thereby keeping the roof surface and substrate cool at all times. This is a significant accomplishment since it will lessen heating and air conditioning use, which, in turn, provides you the opportunity to save as much as 50% on your home's energy cost.

Enhance the Aesthetics of the Roof


Roof coating also serves cosmetic purposes. Since most coating products used for the roof can be tinted to match any color scheme, you can easily pick a hue that complements the existing look of your home. Likewise, as roof coating protects the roof against leaks and moist, it can help reduce the possibility of moss and lichen buildup, which are noted to leave black streaks on the roof, making it unsightly. Thus, when you leave in a high traffic area, you can be assured that your roof will look at its best day in and day out.

With all the good things that can be said about roof coatings, there's no doubt that it is a sound investment that offers great returns. Apart from strengthening your roof against the damaging elements of the outdoors, improving its aesthetics and extending its service life, having your roof coated also provides you significant savings on heating and cooling costs.

This article was written by one of Home Coatings' regular contributors. Home Coatings is a premier company that provides roof and wall coatings for commercial and residential structures. If you are looking to have roof coatingsfor your home, Home Coatings is here to help.