Roof Coatings: What You Need To Know

It’s very common in our area for early to mid-century homes to have additions with only slightly sloped roofs. When people got married in that era, they would often start with a smaller dwelling like a bungalow and build additions as the family grew. Unfortunately, that often means that the roofs of these additions could not be as steep as the pre-existing roof — it would make the interior of the new addition too short. These roofs (as well as porches and sheds) often pose a roofing challenge.

Why Are Shallow Roofs So Challenging?

These roofs are challenging because roofs with a slope of less than 4:12 should not be roofed with asphalt shingles. The water and snow will not drain quickly enough, and as the felt ages it will absorb water. Shallow roofs with shingles are also prone to ice damming, where moisture from the gutters freezes and backs up under the shingles.

However, when people think of roofing options, they think of shingles. It doesn’t occur to them that there might be other options, and sometimes even if the roofers bring it up, people stick to the trusty shingle.

What’s The Best Way To Cover A Shallow Roof?

A shallow roof needs a roof coating. A roof coating is basically a rubberized membrane similar to a high-quality underlayment. Properly installed, it is seamless, although it may be rolled out, sprayed on, or painted on, depending on the exact roof coating system. Roof coatings are amazing — a real marvel of modern engineering. Within their limitations, they create a waterproof, trouble-free roof for years.

What Are The Benefits And Disadvantages Of Roof Coatings?

One disadvantage of roof coatings is that they cannot be applied over asphalt shingles. They also cannot be applied on flat roofs, OR on shallow roofs if there are areas of pooling. Most roof coating manufacturers will not warranty roofs with standing water.

The benefits of roof coats are that you don’t necessarily need to strip the roof. Some coatings will work on bare plywood, but if the roof is metal, the coating can be applied over top (this is especially advantageous for people with metal roofs that may have developed leaks — it is not cheap to replace a metal roof). Roof coatings are not just for shallow roofs, they have other useful applications as well. Roof coatings can also reflect light and reduce solar heat gains.

A high quality roof coating will be warrantied for 10-15 years. At the end of this time, you can even have a manufacturer’s representative come out and have a look at your roof, and they may even extend your warranty. Although the lifespan of roof coatings is not as high as other types of roofs, but it’s inherently more difficult to keep a shallow roof from leaking.

For more information on types of roof coatings and how they can help protect your home, it is important to contact Northern VA roofing contractors immediately. Reaching out to Style Roofing at 703-754-9906 today for a free consultation can help protect both your property and your money as well!