Spray On Roof Coating for Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingle roofs can be commonly observed in various homes across the United States. These roofs comprise multiple layers of asphalt-soaked roofing paper, which are then laminated and secured onto the roof using nails or staples. The amalgamation of roofing paper, asphalt, and nails creates a felt-like material that can deliver waterproofing and weather protection to your residence.

To prolong the lifespan of your asphalt shingle roof, one technique you can use is the application of a spray-on roof coating. Such roof coatings can protect your shingle roof from water runoff and exposure to diverse environmental factors such as wind, sun, and extreme temperatures. Moreover, they can assist in decreasing energy costs by reflecting sunlight away from your home, which can aid in maintaining a cooler indoor environment during the summer months. Available in both roller and spray form, these coatings can be easily applied as long as you adhere to safety guidelines and the manufacturer’s recommended application procedure.

Benefits of Spray-On Roof Coating

One of the most common methods of protecting asphalt shingles is spraying on a roof coating. This approach can safeguard your shingles from the elements and help them last for an extended duration while offering an insulating layer that can ultimately reduce energy expenses. Let’s delve deeper into the other benefits of spray-on roof coating.

Enhanced Durability

Spray-on roof coating is a highly versatile roofing material that can be applied to virtually any surface, including asphalt shingles, metal, wood, and rubber. Applying a spray-on waterproof coating onto your roof can considerably improve its durability and prolong its lifespan. Typically, spray-on roof coatings have an acrylic or elastomeric formula that renders them highly resistant to UV sunlight exposure, extreme temperatures, hail impact, windblown debris, and water absorption. In addition, the thick layers of spray-on coatings applied over the existing roof covering can help resist moisture penetration and provide additional protection from normal wear and tear. 

These coatings can also reduce the need for frequent repairs by improving the overall flexibility of your shingles or pavement surface. Beyond enhancing durability, a spray-on roof coating can also reduce noise levels by damping sound waves. In addition, when sprayed over shingles, it can add texture, further decreasing noise from outdoor activities such as rainstorms or high winds. It also improves energy efficiency through heat reflection, eliminating hot spots in sunny areas or cool spots during winter when snow or ice covers your roof. 

Finally, when using an acrylic-based product, it can significantly diminish the tar build-up that is commonly associated with asphalt shingle roofs since the chemical composition obstructs oils contained within the blacktop and keeps surfaces clean and vibrant for a more extended period – substantially reducing signs of aging such as moss formation or cracking due to cold exposure.

Increased Energy Efficiency

Sealing a roof with a spray-on coating can aid homeowners in conserving energy and ultimately saving money. Applying a spray-on roof coating onto an asphalt shingle surface generates a monolithic cap sheet that reflects the sun’s rays and helps keep the home cooler. This can significantly decrease energy costs by maintaining an optimal temperature within your home while simultaneously preventing solar heat from entering through the roof.

Spray-on roof coatings also act as insulators that keep cooling or heating costs low by storing energy within the building, thereby reducing wasteful energy leakage in the summer when cooling and winter when heating is most necessary. Depending on the type of insulation used, spray-on roof coatings can reduce your electric bill by up to 40%. In addition, many spray-on roof coatings also provide thermal protection from fires caused by sparks from external sources such as fireworks or debris from running machinery or power tools. They are designed to extend the existing fire retardant properties of the shingles, ensuring more reliable safety for your

Types of Spray-On-Roof Coatings

In roofing systems, spray-on roof coatings are a remarkable and effective way to bolster their longevity. The appropriate coating can offer an added layer of protection against the harsh elements of the outside world and provide the means to restore and seal damaged shingles. Choosing the suitable coating that suits your roofing system is imperative to ensure it endures the effects of UV rays, rain, and snow. This article explains the various types of spray-on roof coatings that homeowners can utilize.

Acrylic

Acrylic spray-on roof coatings are an incredibly prevalent and straightforward option. Composed of plastic resin, they provide unparalleled waterproofing qualities, and it only takes one or two coatings to get the job done. Acrylic coatings offer a breathable, reflective surface that impedes heat from penetrating the interior of your home while regulating the temperature inside.

Furthermore, acrylic is impervious to fading caused by exposure to UV light, making your roof look stunning for years after the coating is applied. However, acrylic should only be applied when the shingle surface is dry; otherwise, it could cause more harm than good. If you live in an area prone to hail or significant temperature fluctuations, upgrade your acrylic coating with a chip-resistant polyester fabric layer underneath for added protection from wear and tear. This layer can provide up to 10 years of life expectancy for your roofing system and even save you money on future repairs.

Silicone

Silicone coatings are among the most commonly used spray-on roof coatings due to their exceptional waterproofing abilities and protection against UV rays and other environmental factors. In addition, silicone coatings are highly reflective, enabling your home or commercial building to save on energy costs. Additionally, silicone roof coatings adhere better to asphalt shingles than traditional asphalt-based products, making for a much more durable and long-lasting seal. This is especially ideal for flat roofs like those found on garages and storage sheds. However, as these products contain volatile organic compounds, paying close attention to the product labeling for specific application instructions is crucial to ensure proper usage and safe handling.

Polyurethane

Polyurethane is a spray-on roof coating that comprises two liquid components that react under pressure. Combined, they form a waterproof seal on the surface of the asphalt shingles. Polyurethane roof coatings are optimal for those looking for a heavy-duty product capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions. It’s the most demanding and durable option among spray foam roofing materials, standing up to ultraviolet rays, ozone exposure, and extreme temperatures. As a result, it’s considered one of the best waterproofing agents available for roofs. In addition, Polyurethane offers superior protection against ponding water and superior adhesion that doesn’t suffer from shrinkage over time. The only downside to Polyurethane is its high VOC content, which requires it to be used in well-ventilated spaces with proper safety precautions in place.

How to Apply Spray On Roof Coating

Applying spray on roof coating to asphalt shingles can help protect your home from the elements and extend the life of your roof. It is a relatively simple process that can be done in a few steps. Before you begin, it is essential to ensure the roof’s surface is cleaned and prepped properly. This will ensure the coating adheres correctly and your roof is fully protected. Next, let’s look at how to apply spray-on roof coating to asphalt shingles.

Preparation

• Before you apply any spray on roof coating, preparation is essential. Your roof must be clean, dry, and debris-free before you can begin the coating process. Inspecting the roof for loose nails, gaps in shingles, torn flashing, and damaged vent pipes is essential. All of these issues will need to be addressed before coating. 
• Make sure that all caulking and repair work is fully cured before continuing. You must also inspect your gutters and downspouts to ensure they are debris-free and draining away from the house foundation. Remember that a spray-on roof coating job requires flat surfaces with virtually no contour or pitch; if necessary, use special coatings specifically designed for applications on steeply pitched roofs.
• Finally, ensure you have enough air pressure (between 10-30 PSI) from an air compressor or airline before using the sprayer to achieve proper coverage. Take all safety precautions – wear safety glasses or goggles when handling or using a sprayer!

Application

Spray-on roof coating is always applied with an electric, gasoline- or kerosene-powered sprayer. Before applying the coating:

1. Ensure you have properly prepped your roof by clearing away dirt, debris, and algae.
2. Use the correct spray nozzle size—check the manufacturer’s instructions for proper sizing.
3. Use a low-pressure fan-spray nozzle and keep it 12 to 16 inches away from the surface you cover.
4. Always spray in one direction in an overlapping pattern.

It’s essential also to ensure that each coat is dry before applying another so it doesn’t run or cause any build-up. When applying a spray-on roof coating on asphalt shingles, use masking tape along the edge of any vertical surfaces, such as skylights and vents, to ensure the coating does not leak onto them. Work around any protrusions by hand spraying in layers with your paintbrush or foam brush thicker than the average thickness you used when spraying with the nozzle. Let each layer completely dry before beginning another until at least a 1/8 inch thick coat of applied coating is achieved over all surfaces of asphalt shingles. Allow all areas to dry thoroughly before using the roof afterward.

Clean-up

Once the spray-on roof coating has dried, debris and overspray can be cleaned up easily with a putty knife or rubber squeegee. Be careful not to scratch the surface as it is delicate and vulnerable once cured

 Use a pool brush or broom to sweep up any excess powdery material from the surface, then thoroughly rinse and clean with a hose to remove all traces of the dried coating material. Next, check your surroundings for plants and vegetation that may have been affected by overspray during application. If necessary, use a natural cleaner such as vinegar or baking soda to help remove any remaining residue that may have settled into nearby foliage.

Finally, keeping your work area tidy and free of loose debris after using the spray-on roof coating is essential – this will help ensure a successful job every time!

Conclusion 

Spray-on roof coatings offer a unique and viable solution for protecting asphalt shingles from the elements. While the cost-benefit analysis can be complicated to consider, some of the advantages of using a spray-on roof coating for asphalt shingles include quick and easy installation, long-lasting protection from UV rays, heat, and moisture, reduction in repair costs, and energy savings.

Additionally, many coatings are available to address different needs, such as waterproofing and added insulation. Therefore, when choosing a roof coating for asphalt shingles, it’s essential to consider all factors before deciding which product is best for your home or business.