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The Types of Roof Coating for Commercial Buildings
There are different types of roof coating for commercial buildings. We look at some common coatings for industrial roofs and pros and cons.
When it’s time to repair or renew an industrial roof, choosing the right roof coating materials is essential. There are different types of roof coatings for commercial buildings, and the solutions you choose need to suit the building. Some coatings are more costly than others, but the benefits of certain coatings can provide long-term cost efficiencies. Let’s explore some common roof coatings so you can weigh up the different pros and cons.
Silicone Roof Coating
Silicone is a popular and versatile type of roof coating due to its durability and weather-resistant properties. Although it’s considered to be waterproof, in fact, this type of coating is just water-resistant. As a roof can consist of several materials, this enables the surface substrate and underlying structure to breathe.
There are a few disadvantages of using a silicone roof coating. Application can be difficult for contractors as silicone is very slippery, and it’s not as robust as many people perceive. Storm debris can easily cause damage, and when the roof is exposed, this can result in these underlying areas corroding. Silicone-based products require considerable preparation and a perfectly dry substrate before application. Our Technical Services Managers have seen first-hand the damage done to silicone-coated roofing systems caused by bird attacks.
Asphalt Coatings
Asphalt is a cost-effective roofing material, traditionally used for various buildings across the UK. Simple to fit and repair, asphalt can be easily moulded to different shapes. It can be a cost-effective solution for small industrial roofs where roofing materials need to fit around vents. However, asphalt can dry out, making it brittle and subject to cracking.
Due to asphalt being a heavy material that easily absorbs heat, many contractors choose to apply a sealant at an additional cost. A purpose-designed tarmac sealer or sealcoating is the recommended way to protect an asphalt roof. These types of coatings can also help to restore loss of colour.
Polyurethane Roof Coating
Polyurethane coatings are purposefully designed for a range of different types of roofing systems. A high-impact coating, they are ideal for higher foot traffic areas, such as roof access to air conditioning vents. Water-resistant and effective against extreme weather conditions and temperatures, polyurethane coatings can help to extend the lifespan of a roof.
A good quality polyurethane roof coating offers a durable, long-term solution for commercial and industrial roofs. For certain products, if the coating is applied to the specification standard, you can benefit from lengthy guarantee periods.
Giromax® Roofcoat is one such solution. Consisting of a new generation hybrid polyurethane formula, this moisture-tolerant coating can be applied to pitched metal roofs even in damp conditions. Offering exceptional weather and UV resistance, as well as being water-repellent, this roof coating is guaranteed for up to 25 years.
Also available is Giromax® Roofcoat for asbestos cement roofs. This specialist roof coating safely encapsulates asbestos roof sheets and any hazardous fibers and is guaranteed for up to 20 years.
Conclusion
There are always pros and cons for roof coatings, and any proposed solution should consider the roof substrate and building. For metal profiled roofing systems, the additional issue of high temperatures requires a coating solution that can withstand the increasing extreme weather conditions. If you have a roof made from asbestos cement, there are various health and safety concerns to consider. This type of roof coating needs great care to ensure any dangerous asbestos fibres are encapsulated.
Over the years, the Giromax® team has helped many of our clients choose the right coating for their needs. It’s through years of experience that we’ve developed innovative hybrid polyurethane formulas that use a minimal amount of solvents and are better for our planet.
If you are looking for a coating solution for your industrial or commercial roof, Giromax® offers a full range of roof coating products. For technical guidance on application or substrate preparation, please speak to our team or call 01455 558969 today.
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The Types of Roof Coating for Commercial Buildings
Managing Director
When it’s time to repair or renew an industrial roof, choosing the right roof coating materials is essential. There are different types of roof coatings for commercial buildings, and the solutions you choose need to suit the building. Some coatings are more costly than others, but the benefits of certain coatings can provide long-term cost efficiencies. Let's explore some common roof coatings so you can weigh up the different pros and cons.
Silicone Roof Coating
Silicone is a popular and versatile type of roof coating due to its durability and weather-resistant properties. Although it’s considered to be waterproof, in fact, this type of coating is just water-resistant. As a roof can consist of several materials, this enables the surface substrate and underlying structure to breathe.
There are a few disadvantages of using a silicone roof coating. Application can be difficult for contractors as silicone is very slippery, and it’s not as robust as many people perceive. Storm debris can easily cause damage, and when the roof is exposed, this can result in these underlying areas corroding. Silicone-based products require considerable preparation and a perfectly dry substrate before application. Our Technical Services Managers have seen first-hand the damage done to silicone-coated roofing systems caused by bird attacks.
Asphalt Coatings
Asphalt is a cost-effective roofing material, traditionally used for various buildings across the UK. Simple to fit and repair, asphalt can be easily moulded to different shapes. It can be a cost-effective solution for small industrial roofs where roofing materials need to fit around vents. However, asphalt can dry out, making it brittle and subject to cracking.
Due to asphalt being a heavy material that easily absorbs heat, many contractors choose to apply a sealant at an additional cost. A purpose-designed tarmac sealer or sealcoating is the recommended way to protect an asphalt roof. These types of coatings can also help to restore loss of colour.
Polyurethane Roof Coating
Polyurethane coatings are purposefully designed for a range of different types of roofing systems. A high-impact coating, they are ideal for higher foot traffic areas, such as roof access to air conditioning vents. Water-resistant and effective against extreme weather conditions and temperatures, polyurethane coatings can help to extend the lifespan of a roof.
A good quality polyurethane roof coating offers a durable, long-term solution for commercial and industrial roofs. For certain products, if the coating is applied to the specification standard, you can benefit from lengthy guarantee periods.
Giromax® Roofcoat is one such solution. Consisting of a new generation hybrid polyurethane formula, this moisture-tolerant coating can be applied to pitched metal roofs even in damp conditions. Offering exceptional weather and UV resistance, as well as being water-repellent, this roof coating is guaranteed for up to 25 years.
Also available is Giromax® Roofcoat for asbestos cement roofs. This specialist roof coating safely encapsulates asbestos roof sheets and any hazardous fibers and is guaranteed for up to 20 years.
Conclusion
There are always pros and cons for roof coatings, and any proposed solution should consider the roof substrate and building. For metal profiled roofing systems, the additional issue of high temperatures requires a coating solution that can withstand the increasing extreme weather conditions. If you have a roof made from asbestos cement, there are various health and safety concerns to consider. This type of roof coating needs great care to ensure any dangerous asbestos fibres are encapsulated.
Over the years, the Giromax® team has helped many of our clients choose the right coating for their needs. It’s through years of experience that we’ve developed innovative hybrid polyurethane formulas that use a minimal amount of solvents and are better for our planet.
If you are looking for a coating solution for your industrial or commercial roof, Giromax® offers a full range of roof coating products. For technical guidance on application or substrate preparation, please speak to our team or call 01455 558969 today.
