Preferred method for applying coatings to metal roofs

Typically, four steps are needed to properly coat a metal roof:

1. All loose coatings, heavy rust, debris, and fresh roof cement must be removed, and the existing roof system must be repaired — such as replacing missing or loose fasteners and metal panels as needed. Then the roof is power-washed at 2000 psi with a cleaner, using an airless spray rig.
2. Prime the roof with a metal roof primer using an airless spray gun followed by a wet film gauge to determine the proper mil thickness has been applied.
3. Flash fasteners, penetrations, seams, and lap joints with a flashing grade sealant that can be brushed, rolled or extruded.
4. Apply the finish coating (using the airless spray gun), followed by the wet film gauge to ensure proper mil thickness. A typical dry mil thickness for the finish coating is 18-25 dry mils, achieved in 2-3 coats. The finished coating system serves as the top layer of the roofing system. This is quite different from a paint film thickness (approximately 3 dry mils).

Seams, penetrations, and fasteners are typically treated manually, using a combination of coating, caulking, and reinforcement. Application of the roof coating is then generally accomplished by spray, due to efficiency and uniformity issues. Single-package and longer potlife products may be applied by brush, roller, or a combination of spraying and back-rolling but usually only on projects of limited size, or where special considerations or limitations restrict the installation method.

Spray applications methods are best for metal roofs because of the irregular shapes and joints that must be covered, although coatings can be applied using brushes or rollers.

Help your customers save money by installing profitable cool roof systems
Integrating Conklin's roofing and coatings systems into your business is a win-win for the customer, the community in which you live and work, and for your roofing company:

1. The customer gets a less expensive, sustainable roofing system that helps them save on their energy costs
2. White roofs contribute to the reduction of landfill waste and your community's urban heat island
3. Conklin roofing and coatings systems are more profitable to install than other roof systems

Join the Conklin Team
For more information on how to start or enhance your existing business installing Conklin roofing and coating systems, please contact Conklin Master Contractor Stan Volkman ofThe Contractor's Alliance at (612) 750-6639 or via email atinfo@TheContractorsAlliance.com.

Why are coatings applied to metal roofs?

Metal roofing systems with original factory-applied coatings will experience coatings degradation due to weathering and are recoated with an appropriate maintenance coating to restore and extend the life of the roof. Uncoated metal roofing systems experience galvanic corrosion and are also candidates for roof lifecycle extension by being coated with a corrosion-inhibiting coating system. White reflective coatings have the added benefit of a “cool roof” for energy savings.

When applied to metal roofing, coatings can perform several important functions, ranging from aesthetic to weatherproofing. They offer a choice of color, protection against moisture intrusion, potential energy savings, and structural enhancement, all at a reasonable cost. And they provide a sustainable, long-term option to the eventual replacement of leaky, corroded metal panels that may be covering expensive buildings and their contents.

Metal thermally expands and contracts. This movement can cause the screw holes to elongate. A metal roof coating system can be used to address this problem for retrofit and repair. Metal roofs typically have a good coating when new, but this original coating can wear out over time, exposing the roof to rusting.

Coatings can prevent deterioration by providing a “sacrificial” layer to take the punishment that the elements and the environment dole out. Depending on the geographical location and building configuration, coatings can reduce energy consumption and improve building occupant comfort. Reducing hot building temperatures has been shown to improve productivity. Coatings can waterproof a leaky roof and also protect the integrity of a metal roof by reducing thermal-shock roof damage. A cool roof coating moderates the excessive thermal expansion and contraction that otherwise could lead to fastener and seal failures.

Help your customers save money by installing profitable cool roof systems
Integrating Conklin's roofing and coatings systems into your business is a win-win for the customer, the community in which you live and work, and for your roofing company:

1. The customer gets a less expensive, sustainable roofing system that helps them save on their energy costs
2. White roofs contribute to the reduction of landfill waste and your community's urban heat island
3. Conklin roofing and coatings systems are more profitable to install than other roof systems

Join the Conklin Team
For more information on how to start or enhance your existing business installing Conklin roofing and coating systems, please contact Conklin Master Contractor Stan Volkman of The Contractor's Alliance at (612) 750-6639 or via email at info@TheContractorsAlliance.com.