FAQ’s

A roof coating is a protective layer applied to the surface of a roof to enhance its durability, waterproofing capabilities, and longevity. It is usually a liquid material that forms a weather-resistant barrier.

There are various types of roof coatings available, including for different roof types. Depending on your roof type and the condition of your roof, we can recommend the best coating for your roof.

Roof coatings offer several benefits, including:

• Enhanced waterproofing and protection against leaks.
• Protection against weathering and environmental damage.
• Cost-effective alternative to roof replacement.
• Environmentally friendly, as they can extend the life of existing roofs, reducing waste.

The frequency of roof coating re-application depends on the type of coating used, the climate in the area, and the roof’s condition. Generally, roof coatings can last anywhere from 5 to 20 years. Regular inspections should be conducted to assess the coating’s condition, and reapplication may be necessary if signs of wear or deterioration are observed.

Roof coatings can be applied to a wide range of roof materials, including metal, asphalt shingles, torch-on, concrete tiles, single-ply membranes, and more. However, not all coatings are suitable for every roof type, so it’s crucial to select a coating compatible with the roof material for optimal performance.

Some roof coatings can provide some degree of repair for minor damages, such as small cracks and leaks. However, significant structural issues or extensive damage may require more extensive repairs or even roof replacement. Roof coatings are best used as a preventive measure or to extend the life of a well-maintained roof. Our roof oil would not be used to repair roofs, as it is only an oil designed to re-oil certain roof membranes.

A: Many roof coatings are formulated to be environmentally friendly. They can help reduce energy consumption by reflecting sunlight and reducing heat absorption, which, in turn, can lower the demand for air conditioning. Additionally, roof coatings can extend the life of existing roofs, reducing the amount of waste generated from roof replacements.

Yes, white silicone roof coatings can improve energy efficiency by reflecting sunlight and reducing the amount of heat absorbed by the roof. This reflective property can help keep the building cooler, reducing the need for air conditioning and ultimately lowering energy costs.

The weather conditions during roof coating application can impact the coating’s effectiveness and curing process. Some coatings may require specific temperature and humidity ranges for proper adhesion and drying. It’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and avoid applying coatings during adverse weather conditions, such as rain or extreme temperatures.

It is well known to us that power washing can destroy shingles (or even blow them right off the roof); but if configured at a suitably reduced pressure, and as a directed water spray, we see “controlled” power washing as both more effective and less harmful than any other approach, in achieving a thorough cleaning of asphalt shingles. Just as it is generally not a good idea to put a running power drill into your mouth … with appropriate modifications and control, and in the hands of a trained user (picture a dentist with a dental drill here), the results can be more beneficial than could be achieved through any other means. When we first started Weatherproofing shingles, we knew that to keep the granules on the shingles, we also had to keep the sealant attached to the underlying asphalt. As we use a penetrating sealant, this meant that the asphalt surface behind the granules had to be clean enough for the sealant to reach it, and to penetrate it … and so, to adhere to it. Neither chemicals nor mechanical scraping of the surface could do the job. Further: chemical treatment would leave the water-retaining dirt behind, to break the weak “glue” bond that held the granules on, and scraping (brushing, sweeping, etc.) would not only leave the lower dirt in place, but would break off granules during the “cleaning” process. With help from videos like this (PowerWashRoof), we developed our approach that drops the pressure, spreads the remaining force with a suitable choice of nozzle, and allows us to focus on extended dirt structures by adjusting the nozzle to target distance when required. In this short video (GCRoofDrDemo) that we display at home shows, we are cleaning and sealing an 18-year-old strata roof system in Nanaimo in 2013. The video shows that when cleaning with our modified pressure washers, we don’t have enough pressure to do more than about 5 inches at a time, and that we normally have to redo each area multiple times. We would love to get the work done faster, but that would defeat what we are trying to do … to extend the life of the shingles. Technical note: The nozzle that we use to produce the “spray” creates more noise than a continuous stream nozzle (a focused garden hose style … but with a much narrower stream). Our nozzle also creates a more violent looking rebound display of shattered water, with its dispersed delivery and multiple points of granule contact. The visual impact can suggest that greater power (pressure?) is being unleashed through the spray, but each change in appearance is caused by interference with the flow, and comes with a resulting pressure drop. Ultimately, it’s the momentum (mass times velocity) of the water that puts the granules at risk. The small “free” water droplets that we spray have less velocity than would be seen with a continuous stream, and because they travel as drops surrounded by air, they can go around a granule rather than through it. An internal drop of water in a continuous stream couldn’t easily move out of the way, because water is not compressible. With the spray, then, there is a dramatic reduction in mass (and hence momentum force) against each granule. Where the redirected drops can combine (between the granules), their force is then shifted to the trapped debris between the granules. The effect is somewhat like flossing between the granules. The advertised power of a pressure washer always assumes that you are using the continuous single stream (hose concept but narrower) nozzle flow in its advertising copy, to impress you with its power. Before we started cleaning roofs for weatherproofing, we did our power washer testing on the shingles of homes that we were about to re-roof. That’s where we tested and confirmed our chosen pressure control settings, selected our preferred degree of nozzle spray fan and orifice size combinations, and developed our continuous motion application technique. When cleaning, the Great Canadian Roof Doctor uses “commercial pressure washer” systems that allow direct control over delivered pressure, and have integrated pressure gauges that allow us to achieve reproducible end results … even with different source water pressure, or under flow limited conditions. From the ancient Greek philosophers we get the direction “Know yourself” (and by inference … our limits), and “Nothing in excess” which seems to allow for the controlled use of otherwise dangerous approaches. This philosophy has managed to retain its relevance for over 2,500 years now. That said, and with thousands of roofs cleaned, we have not yet seen a roof that looked in worse condition after our thorough cleaning than before. To be clear, on roofs with moss and/or algae involvement, it is common to find some loose granules held by (or in) moss and algae, that are no longer attached to the shingles. These granules will leave the roof when the moss leaves the roof. Any moss or algae affected area of granule loss will be stabilized with our sealant, and will be covered by our full warranty.

The cost-effectiveness of roof waterproofing coating as an alternative to re-roofing depends on several factors, including the condition of your existing roof, the type of coating used, and your long-term goals for the property. Let’s examine both the advantages and potential drawbacks:

Advantages of Roof Waterproofing Coating:

Cost Savings: Roof waterproofing coatings can be significantly cheaper than a full roof replacement. Re-roofing involves removing the old roof and installing a new one, which can be a major expense.

Quick Application: Applying a waterproof coating is generally faster and less disruptive than a complete re-roofing process. It may not require you to vacate the premises or temporarily relocate during the work.

Extended Roof Lifespan: A high-quality waterproof coating can extend the life of your existing roof by providing an additional layer of protection against weathering, UV rays, and water damage.

Energy Efficiency: Some coatings offer reflective properties that can help reduce heat absorption, leading to lower energy bills for cooling during hot weather.

Environmentally Friendly: By opting for a coating instead of re-roofing, you may contribute to reducing waste generation, as the old roof doesn’t need to be removed and disposed of.

Drawbacks of Roof Waterproofing Coating:

Limited Effectiveness on Severely Damaged Roofs: If your roof is in poor condition with significant structural damage or extensive leaks, waterproofing coating may not be sufficient to address these issues adequately.

Maintenance Requirements: Roof coatings may require periodic maintenance and reapplication over time to maintain their effectiveness.

Compatibility Issues: Not all roofs are suitable for coating. Some roofing materials may not be compatible with certain waterproofing products.

Expert Application Required: To ensure the effectiveness of the coating, it must be applied correctly. Improper application may lead to subpar results.

In summary, if your existing roof is in relatively good condition, and you want to prolong its life while reducing immediate costs, roof waterproofing coating can be a reasonable alternative to re-roofing. However, you may want to consult with an expert to determine if your roof is a suitable candidate for coating and to choose the right type of coating for your specific roof material and climate conditions. Keep in mind that while coating can provide short to medium-term benefits, it might not eliminate the need for a roof replacement in the long run.