If you are a building manager, you know very well how difficult it is to keep water off a flat roof. Because drainage on flat roofs is so poor, a common problem is ponding, in which water collects on the roof. This damages the roof in a variety of ways and often leads to leaks. To prevent these problems, building managers constantly look for ways to waterproof their roofs. Applying a flat roof coating for ponding water is one of the best ways to waterproof a roof. Coatings like silicone and acrylic are applied directly over the roof. These coatings are seamless and seal up small holes to stop leaks and help the roof shed water better. They also prevent new leaks from occurring.

Most coatings will work on most flat roofing materials including tar and gravel and modified bitumen roofs. Many also work on metal and concrete roofs. In addition to commercial buildings, coatings are also applied on mobile home roofs as well as on the rooftops of certain campers and RVs. If you want to waterproof your flat roof and need a flat roof coating in Nashville, TN, you can always count on the professionals at Yoder’s Commercial Roofing for exceptional service. To schedule a service appointment, all you need to do is call (931) 220-1728.

There are several flat roof coating options available, though most coatings are either silicone, acrylic, or polyurea. While all have their value, silicone coatings are fast becoming the preferred coatings for flat roofs. This might leave you wondering “Is silicone roof coating worth it?” Why are people choosing silicone over other coatings?

One main reason people are choosing silicone over others is its effectiveness as a waterproofing agent. The coatings are not water-based so they don’t absorb moisture, and water will not pond on the roof when the coating is applied. It’s also valued because it remains intact rather than shedding away like other coatings. When you get a silicone coating, you’ll require less of it and get the same or more benefits than other coatings.

What is the best way to repair a leaking flat roof?
Although applying a roof coating will help prevent new leaks from developing, if your flat roof is already leaking it will need to be repaired before a coating is added. For materials like TPO or PVC, you’ll need a professional to make the repairs, but for EPDM and other common flat roofing materials, some leaks can be a DIY job.

• Repair small holes and punctures using rubber sealant applied directly to the damaged area. Alternatively, you can get patches for EPDM roofing. Tar will work on a tar-and-gravel roof. The tar is covered with mesh reinforcement and a layer of gravel.
• Repair blisters by cutting through the bubble end to end, drying the area underneath, and applying either sealant, tar, or patch over it.
• Repair a larger tear or hole using the same methods, only using more sealant and larger patches.

Although traditionally most roof coatings are white, some manufacturers are producing coatings of many colors. Some popular colors include green, light tan, brown, black, and red. Manufacturers have begun providing different colored coatings so people can better match the coatings to the rest of the building’s color and design. While adding a color coating might be aesthetically pleasing, you might lose some of the UV protection gained with a white coating. Check with the manufacturer for details on a particular coating’s effectiveness against UV radiation.

If you want to add a splash of color, it’s best to use a colored roof coating rather than adding paint to a white coating. Paints and coatings are different materials and paints do not adhere well to them. They also may affect the coating’s other properties.

If you are having problems with leaks and ponding and want to waterproof your flat roof, you should consider having a roof coating applied. The professionals at Yoder’s Commercial Roofing are the experts to trust for roof coating in Nashville, TN. Find out how we can help you by calling (931) 220-1728.