b'TechnicalCHOOSING THE RIGHT ROOF COATING REQUIRES CAREFUL CONSIDERATIONby: Scott DeLeo is the Vice President of Product Management at ICP GroupE nsuringthelongestpossiblelifetime and money by delaying or eliminating the need to do for your roof is the goal of everya full tear-off and replacement. Typically, roof coatings residentialandcommercialbuildingare designed to provide a durable and reflective surface owner.Roofsareoftenexpensivetoregardless of what roofing material is already there and replace, so applying the right coatingcan easily be applied with a roller or spray equipment. All for protection is paramount. Now thatroof coatings can be added without violating local building weather patterns are becoming morecodes because they do not add dead load to existing roofs. unpredictable throughout the Midwest, its time to decide which roof coating is right for your application. Once the decision has been made to add a roof coating Choosing the right coating for your clients roofs mayto a property, it is important to examine the different types seem overwhelming because of the number of materialof products available and choose the one that best fits an options available, ranging from asphaltic blends to acrylicapplications specific requirements.elastomeric,polyurethaneandsiliconecoatings.ItsWhich Coating Is Right for Youimportant to consider the advantages and disadvantagesSince each roofing project has its own challenges, the next of each coating type to determine which roof coating willquestion you must answer is which coating is right for the work best for your application. job. There are four types of roof coatings to choose from, Understanding When Roof Coatings Make Sense each of which has advantages and disadvantages. When roofing contractors are deciding what coating toAsphaltic Blends: Made with asphalt and solvents, apply to a roof, they must consider several different factors,asphaltic blends are one of the most common roof including: coatings in the Midwest. They are extremely durable and The type of roof. can handle the harsh winters and sweltering summers of the region. Over time, they can become brittle, so they The climate of the region. may not be as effective over the long haul as some of The particular needs of the home or building. the other choices available.Adding a coating to a roof may save the customer significantAcrylic Elastomeric Coatings: Also known as rubberized 16 www.mrca.orgMidwest Roofer'