Selecting Roof Coatings

Industry guidelines have been put in place for testing and approval of liquid-applied acrylic roof coatings. These guidelines provide a benchmark for all products in this category being measured. Products meeting certain standards will list specific information on the product label as a guide for end users to evaluate and select suitable coatings.

The following are factors to consider in selecting a white roof coating:

• Compatibility with the roof substrate
• Conformance with local regulations and building codes
• Qualification for available state, local or federal rebates
• Requirement for professional application
• Reflectivity and emissivity specifications for the product
• Thickness of roof coating

It is also important to be aware of the various regulations that are had for roof coatings. You can obtain more information on these within our Title 24 Resources section.

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Selecting Quality Elastomeric Roof Coatings
This piece is a guide for architects, contractors and building owners faced with selecting the best coating for the best price. It aids these decision makers in asking specific questions about the coating that lead to an educated decisions and the proper selection.

Questions to ask Contractors
Contractors, the following questions have been provided for those who are interested in obtaining a quote or getting a bid from a roofing contractor. An answer of YES to all these questions will assure them a coating that meets all your expectations in terms of durability, energy efficiency, and asset protection.

• Will you be applying a top-quality 100%-acrylic coating?
• Does the coating meet or surpass technical norms such as the ASTM D-6083 specification (the American Society for Testing and Materials' Standard Specification for Liquid Applied Acrylic Coating Used in Roofing)?
• Are the coating's energy saving properties certified by the Cool Roof Rating Council, or does it meet the Energy Star program requirements?
• Will the coating be applied in at least two passes, for a minimum total thickness of 20 thousands of an inch? Will a roller, a brush, or a spray applicator be used and how will you make sure you obtain the right thickness with either one of these tools?
• If there are any leaks, will the proper repairs have been completed before the application of the coating?
• Has the proper surface cleaning and preparation for my type of roof been included as part of the bidding process (e.g. spray-washing, removal of debris, priming, etc.)?
• Should my coated roof be inspected and cleaned regularly as part of a preventive maintenance program?