How to Apply an Elastomeric Roof Coating System to a Pitched Roofing Surface?

As a manufacturer of water based, eco-friendly elastomeric roof coatings we get asked often about the application processes on our products. These products are nonhazardous and user friendly with easy water cleanup after the job is complete. We are going to cover in the following blog the major steps to applying an elastomeric roof coating on your roof for the best results. This is a link to our most popular roof coating for pitched roofs called PERMAKOTE® - https://www.nationwidecoatings.com/pl/elastomeric-roof-coating

Step 1: Visual Inspection and Replacement of Damaged Building Materials

The substrate and roof to be coated must be in SOUND condition. Physically inspect and repair or replace all damaged areas back to sound and solid condition. Check for drainage to insure no ponding water on lower slope roofs and make sure the roof is adequately vented.

Step 2: Pressure Cleaning

Pressure clean entire roof surface using a water and chlorine solution to remove all surface contaminants. When roof is completely cleaned, rinse with water only and let it dry for at least 12 hours before continuing with project. These coatings have excellent topside mildew protection but will not kill mildew already on the surface.

Step 3: Repair Surface and Patching Imperfections

Patch and Caulk using PERMAPATCH™ on all cracks, crevices, fractures etc.

Step 4: Taping Seams (If Applicable, otherwise proceed to Step #5)

Tape all visible seams, valleys, large cracks and fractures prone to water intrusion on roof surface. Apply a liberal coat of primer and lay the PERMATAPE™ directly onto the wet primer. Tape must be put down before primer starts drying, about 15 minutes. After all area’s are taped allow to drive for 1-2 hours.

Step 5: Primer Coat

Be sure entire surface is clean and free of all moisture. Apply PERMABOND™ primer coat using a one-inch nap roller, paint brush or a one gallon per minute or better airless sprayer machine with minimum tip size of .021. Apply perpendicular to the slope of the roof. This begins a checkerboard application process for best results of the coating system. Wet mils of 12-16 results in a dry thickness of 4-7 mils. Let the primer dry for 4 hours before continuing with the project.

Step 6: First Coat of Roof Coating

Be sure entire surface is clean and free of all moisture. Apply first coat of roof coating using a one-inch nap roller, paint brush or a one gallon per minute or better airless sprayer machine with minimum tip size of .025. Apply the first coat perpendicular to the primer coat. Apply first coat at rate of 125 square feet per gallon per coat over entire roof surface. Wet film thickness 14-16 mils and dries to 8-10 mils.

Step 7: Second Coat of Roof Coating

Be sure entire surface is clean and free of all moisture. Apply second coat of roof coating using a one-inch nap roller, paint brush or a one gallon per minute or better airless sprayer machine with minimum tip size of .025. Apply the second coat perpendicular to the first coat. Let dry 24 hours before final evaluation.

Step 8: Final Evaluation

Now a detailed evaluation of the completed job will determine the quality of the workmanship and whether strict specifications have been met. Check that all roof areas are completely coated and sealed under permanently placed roof items such as roof top air conditioning units. Divide roof into 1,000 square foot sections and randomly check one spot in each section for a dry film thickness of 20 mils with primer or 16 mils without. Remember to touch up the spot check areas made by the dry film gauge. If specs have not been met, recoat entire roof or deficient areas.

Once the job is done clean-up is a breeze with soap and water. Any warranty paperwork should be completed and returned to Nationwide within 90 days of completing the project. Nationwide Protective Coatings warranties are renewable and transferable.

We also match competitors colors and custom colors! Check us out on your next roof project and see how easy an elastomeric roof coating can be applied to protect your roof for years to come.