How to apply cool roof coating?

If you are a contractor or an aggressive do-it-yourselfer, applying elastomeric cool roof coatings can be easy. With this article, PUPA INDIA wants to let you know how to apply CONMAX COOL FLEX, a cool roof coating. Good results require care and attention to detail, but few special skills. This bulletin takes you through many of the basics of coating a typical roof.

Please consider that a quality coating application will take time, often working in a very warm environment. Protect your eyes and skin from excessive exposure. In very warm weather, work early in the day. Pails of material weigh over 60 pounds each and must be lifted to the roof. This requires strength and safe equipment. Consider pouring the coating into a smaller container to make lifting easier.

A strong ladder and someone to help with the project is desirable.

Getting Started

Carefully examine the roof membrane (surface material) for cracks, tears, blisters, evidence of ponding, exposed foam, and open seams. If already coated, evaluate the condition of the coating. Pay particular attention to areas around roof penetrations (vents, skylights, pipes, etc), ponding areas, cracks in parapet walls, and the attachment of roof membranes to parapet walls. Roofs should be in good condition to warrant coating.

Serious roofing problems should always be referred to a qualified roofer for repair before attempting any coating. Coatings cannot save worn-out, dried-out, or structurally weak roofs.

Measure the length and width of the roof to determine the size of square feet. Be sure to allow for parapet walls, garage, and porch roofs to be covered. (NOTE: The roof size is not the same as the living space.)

Purchase all necessary materials and tools in advance. Nothing is more frustrating than climbing off a roof in the middle of a job to buy more material.

A coating job can often be completed over a two-day weekend in warm weather. Dry, sunny weather over 70° is ideal. Avoid periods of very cold nights when dew and frost can be a problem.

Do not coat roofs that may have moisture trapped below the surface. Always allow each coat to cure before applying the next coat. In extremely hot weather, start as early as possible and get off the roof before temperatures become too high. On extremely hot surfaces (dark roofs or very hot days), apply top coatings before roof temperatures are too high (causing drying and contact). For any other queries in preparing tools or any mixing ratio, do follow crm@pupahomecare.com or call our toll-free line 9585556414.

Applying the Coatings

There are three simple steps for applying cool roof coatings:

Step 1: Cleaning the roof surface

Roofs collect oils from asphalt, chimneys, and cars plus lots of dirt and dust. Coatings don’t stick well to any of these. Use a broom to scrub ponding areas and areas of peeling coatings. Work a section at a time and hose off the dirty water. Sweep away puddles to promote drying. Do not allow wash water to dry on walls, furniture, windows, and visible surfaces.

Step 2: Applying CONMAX COOL PRIMER.

Use CONMAX COOL PRIMER after cleaning the surface to ensure better adhesion of the coating on it, increase durability, and provide additional protection for the material (CONMAX COOL FLEX) being used.

Step 3: Apply CONMAX COOL FLEX.

Coating when the roof is dry and the sealant has set. You will be using a 9-inch heavy-duty frame, a ½-inch paint roller for spreading coating on the roof, or 1–1/4-inch roller for dipping in the pail, and a 5–to 6-foot extension pole. Use a 3/4-inch roller with basecoats and emulsions. Map out your roof and make each pail fill that area. See CONMAX COOL FLEX product sheets for recommended coverage. An inexpensive 3-inch or 4-inch brush should be used to reach areas not possible with a roller. Two thin coats or one heavier coat may be used to achieve this result.

Do Not Over-Roll Coatings

Coatings are applied with a minimum of working the product for a maximum thickness. Work right from the pail, dipping the roller or pouring on the roof and spreading.

Give scupper and ponding areas several additional coats for added protection. Allow each coat to dry before recoating. In cool weather, one coat a day is the maximum; two may be possible in the summer. Watch the weather!

For maximum durability and leak resistance, we recommend that two coats to be applied on the surface. If two complete topcoats are not applied, always apply two thick coats to problem areas such as scuppers, drain areas, ponding areas, seams, and repaired areas. Be sure to inspect the roof to note changes several times per year. Much of the reflectivity of a coating can be preserved if the surface is washed occasionally.

Save any unused coating for minor repairs that may be required later.

For more details on the CONMAX range of products, please visit www.pupaindia.com or call us at 9585556414.