Important Benefits Of Flat Roof Coatings For A Bergen County, NJ, Building
Important Benefits Of Flat Roof Coatings
For A Bergen County, NJ, Building
Advice On North Jersey Properties
From Expert Roofing Contractors
When you own or manage a Bergen County, NJ, commercial building, you should be aware that its flat roof is one of its most vulnerable parts. Flat roofs, unlike the peaked roofs of residential structures, collect debris and moisture easily because leaves, twigs, and water do not naturally shed from the roof due to gravity.
Because of this, it is essential that you protect the roof against leaks and damage. Many expert roofing contractors agree that the most reliable way to do this is with flat roof coatings.
What Are Flat Roof Coatings?
Coatings of this type are paint-like liquids that cure and harden into an impermeable barrier. This barrier rejuvenates roofing materials and can save a property owner between 60% and 80% off the cost of a full roof replacement.
Before application, the roofer sweeps the roof free of debris and then scrubs it clean of dust and grime with a medium grade pressure washer and scrubbing attachment. Often, in many cases, a second cleaning is necessary using an approved detergent or chemical cleanser, to remove decades of residue. It must be absolutely clean for the coating to adhere properly to the roofing materials.
Common flat roof coatings include the following:
- EPDM – Ethylene propylene diene monomer is an easy-to-apply synthetic rubber.
- Cold Asphalt Liquid Application – This is composed of a series of different, fast-curing coating materials.
- Silicone Coating – Silicone is commonly applied over EPDM or TPO roof systems. They are specifically designed to withstand ponding water.
- Reflective Aluminum Roof Coatings – Specifically designed to reflect UV rays, cooling surface temperature, and the upgraded versions of this coating system can fill gaps/voids while preserving roofs 10-20 years.
The Benefits Of Applying Flat Roof Coatings
To A North Jersey Commercial Building
Flat roof coatings offer multiple benefits. They let owners put off repairs or replacement, lower cost of utilities, and prevent expensive property damage. The following sections explore these advantages in detail.
Extend Roof Lifespan
A quality coating creates a barrier between the flat roof of your commercial building and the elements. Many roofs in Bergen County, NJ, deteriorate due to exposure to wind, rain, ice, snow, and the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
By applying a silicone or synthetic rubber coating, you protect the roof from the harshest of climate extremes. This slows the rate of deterioration and extends the lifespan of your roof. This is particularly important for flat roofs, since they often receive foot traffic from maintenance and utility personnel.
If you’re concerned about the cost of roof replacement on your commercial building, consider applying a flat roof coating. It protects the roof and helps you get more life out of it.
Reduce Heating And Cooling Costs
The cost of heating and cooling a commercial building in Bergen County, NJ, is significant. A good flat roof coating can help you cut these costs and reduce your energy consumption.
Sunlight is composed of multiple bands of visible and invisible electromagnetic rays. One of these bands is called infrared radiation. It is the band within the electromagnetic spectrum through which heat travels in waves. When sunlight, or specifically infrared radiation, strikes an object, that object starts to heat up.
Many flat roof coatings have a reflective sheen that prevents sunlight from absorbing into the roof. This keeps your commercial building cooler and reduces the amount of air conditioning it requires.
Prevent Leaks
Roof leaks are among the most destructive events a commercial building can suffer. Leaks permit water to enter the building and absorb into the wood. It can result in the ceiling sagging or—in extreme cases—even collapsing.
Dripping water not only affects the structural integrity of a roof, but it can destroy property inside the building. It can stain walls and ceilings, cause paint and wallpaper to peel, and destroy furniture, flooring, and finishings.
Roof leaks also result in mold infestation, which can be difficult and expensive to mitigate. It also leads to health problems like itching, sneezing, runny nose, skin rashes, and respiratory problems.
Reduce Maintenance Costs
Maintaining an uncoated commercial roof can not only be a hassle, but it can be expensive. For instance, your in-house maintenance team might spend hours scouring the roof to locate a roof leak and additional hours trying to repair it. You must pay for their time and for the cost of supplies to make repairs.
Worse, repeatedly calling in a roofing contractor can quickly consume your maintenance budget. For older roofs that often spring leaks, this could prove catastrophically expensive.
Flat roof coatings surround, coat, and bind with your roofing materials. When they’ve cured, the old, feeble roof becomes rejuvenated. The coatings plug any current leaks, prevent new ones from emerging, and add flexibility to a roof that might have become brittle.
