What is polyurea?
When most of the calendar year could be ice and snow-topped roofings, a commercial structure and its expansive roofing needs the best protection possible. Many different types of coatings can provide the level of protection needed. Many commercial structures have a polyurea roof coating in Pittsburgh, PA and the surrounding area for the benefits it provides. If you would like to learn more about this type of roof coating, read on for answers to some of the most common questions.
What are the different types of roof coating available?
In addition to polyurea roof coating, there are three other main types of roof coatings used today. As this blog will provide important information, it is recommended to review the material data sheets by the manufacturer to determine the best one for your particular structure.
- Acrylic roof coating: The original purpose of this coating was to give a roof a layer of UV protection. It is installed by spraying it on and it becomes a foam material that can be used on a wide selection of existing roofing membranes like a single-ply membrane or metal roofing. This acrylic-based material makes a roof hail-resistant as well as UV-resistant and is flexible. That flexibility allows a roof to withstand the movements of a structure instead of cracking as many roofing membranes do. dimensional instability of most roof membrane surfaces. A professionally installed acrylic roofing coating will reduce the roof’s surface temperature by twenty degrees.
- Silicone roof coatings: Silicone roof coatings is manufactured with a high solid dispersion of 100% silicone and is a highly elastic roofing material. It has excellent adhesion when installed correctly to the existing roof surface and is weather-resistant. It is slow to turn brittle and hard and can withstand exposure to ponding water for long periods. It has excellent UV protection in extreme and various temperatures, is oxidation resistant, withstands harsh environments, and comes in a wide choice of colors.
- Fluid asphaltic rubber roofing membrane: With the technology of today there have been advances made in commercial roof coatings which have given us fluid-applied materials that will extend the lifespan of a commercial roof at a budget-minded cost. This asphaltic rubber membrane roofing system can be installed in a cold-process fluid-applied application where there is a need for life-extending repairs using a combination of elastic properties like rubber and is waterproof and weatherproof. This provides a seamless membrane that doesn’t require reinforcements to make it waterproof like other types of commercial roof coatings.
What are the pros of a polyurea roof coating?
Polyurea is an elastomer consisting of two components: A-Component of isocyanate and B-Component of synthetic resin. This creates a reaction through a process of step-growth polymerization as the two components are formulated to give an improved specific physical property like faster dry time and flame retardants, moisture resistance, pigmentation, and more. The benefits of a polyurea roof coating are:
- Waterproofing: Polyurea roof coating forms a seamless membrane that is leak-free and can withstand permanent ponding. This material is used in other applications like pipelines, reservoirs, and wastewater treatment tanks.
- Durability: Polyurea roof coating is incredibly durable and flexible, with exceptional elongation and tensile strength. These facts make it an ideal coating for commercial roofing and has been used for floor and surface coating as well. It is abrasion-resistant, chemical-resistant, and corrosion-resistant.
- Quick-Drying: Polyurea roof coating is a quick-drying and setting material.
- Versatile: Polyurea roof coating can be formulated to be used in a wide range of properties without any primer layer. This includes the basic roofing substrates, concrete, metal, wood, and even spray polyurethane foam, without the use of a primer. It also performs effectively in a wide range of temperatures and humidity levels.
While polyurea roof coating has many benefits that can’t be overlooked, it does have its downsides too. Among them are:
- The Cost: Applying polyurea roof coating requires a setup that includes plural-component spray equipment. This can cost a roofing contractor as much as $50,000 or more when making the equipment fully mobile. In addition to the equipment, it requires the technician to go through hours of hands-on training. It is an investment for any roofing contractor.
- Color Constancy: Polyurea roof coating provides a matte finish that darkens with time and chalks when exposed to UV radiation. For an aesthetic appeal, an aliphatic variation of polyurea roof coating is recommended.
- Limited Self-Adhesion: Once cured, polyurea roof coating does not adhere to itself which can lead to challenges during the installation.
- Surface Preparation: For a polyurea roof coating to be successful, thorough preparation is paramount. This may include priming and sandblasting, and while the directions may not state this time has proven that a polyurea roof coating is more likely to fail without the prep work being completed.
In Closing: The Cost of Polyurea Roof Coating
The material for a polyurea roof coating can cost up to $2.00 per square foot. When factoring in the labor cost and any possible construction needed for the roof, the cost can vary between roofing contractors. If you’re interested in a polyurea roof coating in Pittsburgh, PA, our team can help you learn more about the options available to you. Reach out to us at 412-256-8050 to learn more about your choices.
