Roofers: They're Number One

The roof protects the rest of the house from various damages, including weather damage. Unfortunately, the protection comes at a price, and roofs suffer significant weather and wear damage over the years. Roof coatings, which contractors apply on the roof's surface, protect the roof from some damage. Below are examples of the numerous benefits of roof coatings.

Heating Energy Efficiency

Reflective roof coatings reflect sunlight during the hot summer months. The reflection limits the heat that penetrates the roof and heats your house. As a result, the cooling system does not overwork to keep your house cool. The hotter your local climate is, the more you will benefit from reflective roof coatings.

An energy-efficient roof has multiple benefits. For example, energy efficiency:

• Reduces your heating-related energy bills
• Can enhance your business status (by enhancing your business' greenness) if you have it on a commercial roof
• Helps protect the environment by limiting the production of pollutants and consumption of limited energy resources

Some roof coatings are more energy efficient than others. Talk to your roofing contractor to help you choose an appropriate roof coating if energy efficiency is a critical goal.

Moisture Protection

Moisture damages your roof in multiple ways. For example, moisture can rot different roof parts, such as the roof decking. Moisture can also corrode metallic parts of the roof, which is why metal parts often have non-corrosive treatments, though the treatments do not work forever. Lastly, mold can also trigger mold and mildew growth on the roof.

Most forms of moisture damage occur if water gets through the roofing material. The damage occurs gradually. Water-resistance roof coatings prevent water from making it past the outermost roof materials. Such water penetration is dangerous since it can cause hidden damage to internal roof materials.

UV Protection

Sunlight has ultraviolet (UV) rays that damage the roof over time. The UV rays break down the pigments in roof colors, fading the roof and interfering with your home's curb appeal. The UV rays also heat roofing materials, causing them to expand. The expanded materials have to contract when the temperature drops. The expansion and contraction cause thermal damage.

Some roof coatings have treatments that protect against UV damage. A good example is the acrylic roof coating that manufacturers originally produced for UV protection.

Roof coatings are available in different forms. Many protect against multiple threats, but you can also choose a roof coating for a specific benefit. Talk to your roofing contractor for help in choosing and applying the right coating for your roof.