How to Maintain and Repair Your Metal Roof

Posted on February 12, 2013 by admin

With proper maintenance and timely repairs, metal roofs can last a very long time. These systems are designed to be long-lasting. Here are some maintenance and repair suggestions that will keep your roof looking like new, year after year.

Inspect and Clean Regularly:

Inspect your roof at regular intervals throughout the year. Seasonal inspections are a good idea to save your roofs from leaks if you live in an area where there are four distinct seasons. You should also inspect after storms. Hail, wind, snow and even severe rain can damage your roofing.

You should clean your roof at least once a year. You may only need to clean once a year to make sure that gutters are clear of leaves and other debris that could cause water to pool or ice dams to form. You can use soap and water to clean most metal roofing systems, but check the manufacturer’s specifications to be sure.

Ensure that Different Metals Do Not Touch:

If different kinds of metal touch and become wet, they will corrode. For example, copper pipes projecting through sheet metal will eventually rust at the point of contact. There are products on the market to prevent this kind of contact.

Repair Scratches:

Minor scratches might not seem like a big problem. But if they are not repaired, water will gather in the uneven surface and rusting will occur. To repair scratches, pour a small amount of mineral spirits on a clean cloth and use it to remove any debris from the scratches. After the area dries, take a small paintbrush and cover the scratched area with an appropriate color of metal touch-up paint. You can follow up with a clear coat to provide additional protection. Summer season is the best time to fix roof leaks problems and there are products available in the market like liquid EPDM Rubber coatings and Elastomeric coatings.

Remove Rust:

Rusty spots should be sanded down first using a scrubbing cleanser and then light sandpaper. Do not use a wire brush. Once the rusted area is smooth, apply a metal primer. After the primer dries, use your touchup paint to improve the appearance and follow up with a clear coat if desired.

Repair Dents:

Dents may be popped out if you have access to the underside of the roof. Otherwise, you may need to call a professional. Repairing dents in metal roofing calls for the use of a stud welder. It’s not a job for the average do-it-yourselfer.

Consider a Protective Elastomeric Coating:

Elastomeric coatings can further increase the lifespan of the roofing system. Today’s Elastomeric roof coatings are available in an assortment of colors. They provide waterproofing, help to reduce sounds and can add to the beauty of your roof. You may not have to do all of these things, but the more time you spend protecting your roof form roof leaks, the longer it will last.

For product information or ordering Visit their site at http://www.epdmcoatings.com or their facebook page http://www.facebook.com/liquidepdm or call them at 855-281-0940.

Flat Roofing Materials Compared

Posted on January 25, 2013 by admin

There are three basic types of flat roofing materials, although there are variations within the three categories that allow building owners to have more choices. Whether your building is new and this will be its first roof or you are replacing older roofing material, here are the three main categories you will be able to consider. There are inherent advantages and disadvantages of each type.

Built-Up:

Built-up bituminous roofs have been the standard for many years. They are still relatively popular primarily because they are inexpensive.

Built-up bituminous roofing is created using layers of hot tar, gravel, a smooth river stone ballast and tar paper or fiberglass membranes. Other than the lower cost, the advantages include fire resistance and some people think the appearance is more attractive.

There are several disadvantages. The material is very heavy. The underlying joints of the roof may need to be strengthened in order to install this type.

The installation itself is messy and smelly. It is not a do-it-yourself job for the building owner.
Once installed, it is hard to find leaks in the material and repairing leaks can be difficult. As time goes by, the gravel can break loose and clog the gutters. This choice is not recommended for buildings that are currently occupied.

Modified Bitumen:

Modified bitumen sheeting has a mineral-based surface to convey the fire resistant benefits of built-up bituminous with less weight. The sheeting consists of a single layer that is rolled onto the roof. The sheeting may be attached using a “torch-down” system, although newer modified bitumen rolls have a peel-off backing that sticks to the existing surface. The peel-and-stick installation can be a DIY project for the building owner.

One advantage of modified bitumen has to do with the light colored minerals that are embedded in the sheets. The minerals reflect heat, which can convey energy savings in areas where summer air conditioning costs are high. This is also an affordable alternative.

The main disadvantage of the torch-down system is the risk of fire. The process is not recommended for buildings that are currently occupied. The sheets are not the most resistant to scuffs and tears. Modified bitumen is considered less durable than the next type.

EPDM:

EPDM is a type of synthetic rubber. It resembles an inner tube but has been engineered to resist damage from sunlight. EPDM sheets are available and can be anchored with fasteners, glued on or ballasted with stones. Liquid EPDM rubber is also available for waterproofing or coating existing roofs to extend the lifespan of the roof.

The advantages include easy installation and high durability. Rubber is inherently accompanied by a reduced risk of leaking. If leaks do occur, they are easy to locate and repair. There may also be a sound-reduction advantage.

The only disadvantage may be heat absorption depending on the color selected. Lighter colors are recommended for warm climates but may cost more.

Some building owners feel that the cost is a disadvantage. EPDM does cost more than other roofing materials. But because it is more durable and typically lasts longer, EPDM may cost less in the long run.

For product information or ordering visit EPDM Coatings or call them at 855-281-0940.

The Causes of Ice Dams and How to Prevent Them

Posted on January 25, 2013 by admin

Ice dams occur due to uneven temperatures on a sloped roof. The greater the slope of the roof, the more damage an ice dam can do. The process is usually set into action by snow, although an ice storm could also be the trigger.

What happens is that snow or ice on the higher portions of the roof melts. The melt or water flows down the slope until it reaches a point on the roof where the temperature is below freezing. Often, the point that is below freezing is an overhang where there is little or no warming from radiation, convection or conduction of heat.

When the water reaches the lower temperature, it freezes. Water from above continues to flow down the slope and remains liquid until it reaches the ice. Over time, the result is an ice dam. It is a dam in that it traps water behind it. The water can only freeze if it reaches the colder portion of the roof.

Icicles typically form below the dam as some melting occurs during the day. Seeing icicles along the edge of a roof can be a sign that an ice dam has formed.

The damage that occurs to the building is mainly from the water, although the weight of the ice can also cause damage if the overhang on which it rests is not strong enough to support the weight. The water behind the dam searches for an outlet. It starts to work its way through the roofing material and into the insulation.

Once inside the building, the water spreads through the insulation and down the interior walls. It can also spread across the ceiling causing stains and damage to dry wall or other materials.

Ice dams can be prevented in the planning stages of a newly constructed roof. Additional insulation can be used to make sure that the ceiling is airtight. Warm air travels through the ceiling and into the attic space. The warm air rises, causing the higher portions of the roof to be warmer than the lower portions.

Reducing heat loss prevents snow melt. The roof must be strong enough to support the extra weight of the snow. In areas where a large amount of snow falls on a regular basis, there are usually requirements concerning the load that a roof can bear.

Snow rakes can also be used to remove snow and prevent ice dams. Caution is required when using the snow rakes to avoid personal injury and prevent damage to the roofing materials.

There are products like elastomeric coatings, liquid rubber and liquid roof that are one the best products in the market to save your roof from damage.

For product information or ordering visit EPDM Coatings or call them at 855-281-0940.

Things to Remember When Applying Liquid EPDM

Posted on January 4, 2013 by webmaster

1) Catalyst must be added prior to use. Scrape sides of container with a rubber spatula to ensure catalyst distribution.

2) Xylene or Mineral Spirits Solvents may be added to adjust viscosity or for clean-up.

3) Easiest way to spread the rubber on a flat surface is to broadcast material with a rubber squeegee then roll using a short nap roller. Product is self leveling. A flat spatula can be used for small areas.

4) Product has a long pot life after catalyst has been added; 4-6 hrs. depending on temperature.

5) Only temperature affects the rate of cure. Relative humidity has no influence.

6) Product is hydrophobic (sheds water) so substrate to be coated must be dry initially. The uncured rubber can get wet or even have ponding water, with only a cosmetic effect after application, and will still cure.

7) The rubber will penetrate into porous substrates such as wood and poured concrete. A primer/sealer should precede application of rubber.

8) The chemical reaction of the catalyzed rubber can be arrested by freezing the material. This can keep material usable for weeks or months. To use again simply allow it to reach room temperature and apply.

Liquid EPDM Coatings are aftermarket roof sealants

Posted on December 3, 2012 by admin

A number of aftermarket roof sealants are available, including urethanes, acrylics and liquid rubber. Liquid EPDM rubber is by far the most durable of the sealants available and has the widest range of applications.

It is more water resistant than other rubbers, including neoprene. It is more resistant to swelling and has a wider range of acceptable temperatures. It can be applied directly to practically any roofing material other than asphalt and can even be used on wood that has been primed.

Liquids have an obvious advantage over sheets. Sheets have seams. Seam sealers eventually deteriorate and water gets through the seams and under the sheeting.

Liquid EPDM can be used on top of neoprene, although some pre-treatment of the surface is required. Just knowing that the liquid rubber is recommended for use on top of the other type of rubber should be an indication that the material is more durable.

Liquid EPDM can also be used on top of polyurethane after a light sanding. It is somewhat surprising that urethanes are still used as aftermarket roof sealants. It is known that the structure is damaged by UV light and that discoloration occurs relatively quickly. Anyone who has made the mistake of using urethane as a roof sealant should consider applying liquid EPDM to truly protect the roof.

The liquids can also be used to seal existing leaks. They are self-adhering and fill up tiny fractures that let water through. It is a good idea to use a thick coat and cover the entire surface instead of attempting to only cover the leaky area.

When covering the entire roof, the liquid rubber reduces heat buildup. Not only does the roof stay cooler, but the interior of the building or the vehicle will also stay cooler. This benefit may reduce heating costs and keep the occupants more comfortable.

Liquid EPDM has become the most popular choice for RV roofs, because of all the above-mentioned advantages. It extends the lifespan of the roof and requires less maintenance. It lasts up to three times longer than any other aftermarket RV roof sealant and also reduces noise from rain.

As far as price goes, most sealants are similar in price. Depending on where you buy, EPDM may be a little more expensive, but because primers and additional coats are not usually necessary, and because it lasts so much longer, owners who choose this aftermarket roof sealant save money in the long run.

How to Maintain Your RV EPDM Roof

Posted on October 23, 2012 by admin

With proper care and maintenance, your RV EPDM roof can last for 20 years or more. That’s pretty much equivalent to the life of the vehicle itself. One of the benefits of EPDM Rubber roofing materials is that the care and maintenance required is minimal. Regular cleaning is the first step.

Most manufacturers recommend cleaning the roof at least four times per year. The cleaner used should be one that is specifically designed for EPDM roofing and is free of petroleum distillates.

Products containing petroleum distillates, whether they are designed for cleaning or protecting, will cause the rubber to swell and loosen. There are many chemicals that fall under the category. The easiest way to tell for sure that the cleaner you are using does not contain any of the chemicals is to look for one that states on the label “free of petroleum distillates, safe for use on EPDM Coatings materials.”

Cleaning is a relatively simple matter, but you should keep your safety in mind. If you are going to be getting up on the roof, you should be on your hands and knees to reduce your risk of falling.

The first step is to rinse the roof thoroughly with plain water at a relatively high pressure. Any branches or sharp objects should be removed by hand, if possible. While EPDM is tear resistant, sharp objects can cause scratches when they are pushed along the surface. Eventually the scratches can become tears.

Once all debris has been rinsed away, you will need to take a medium bristle brush, a bucket of safe cleanser diluted with water and get up on the roof. You need only scrub in areas where you see stains or dirt.

Keep your hose with you so that you can rinse while you are cleaning. Start in the corner farthest away from your exit point and work backwards to minimize the amount of time you spend on the wet surface.

After the roof is cleaned, you can use an EPDM protectant if you like. The protectant should be specifically designed for EPDM roofing, not for other types of materials. Some EPDM manufacturers also sell special protectants. While using the protectant is not essential, it may extend the life of the roof and reduce your need to restore or repair the roofing material.

Finally, proper care of your EPDM roof includes parking it in an area where the roof is protected as much as possible. Don’t park around fruit trees. The citric acid can deteriorate the material in between cleanings.

Liquid EPDM and its benefits

Posted on September 26, 2012 by admin

The EPDM roofing association which started in 2002 has always focused on educating contractors and the roofing community on the characteristics and benefits of EPDM membranes. Their studies have concluded that EPDM’s service live is over 20 years. Arguably the most important benefit of an EPDM system is the membrane’s flexibility. A growing number of contractors are specializing in EPDM installation, due to its low callbacks and insurance premiums. EPDM roofing systems also feature low maintenance, easy repair options and low annualized costs.
With Liquid EPDM there is No cutting, No gluing and No Seaming! EPDM Liquid Rubber® totally eliminates the problems encountered with single ply materials because it produces a seamless membrane which is all of the same chemistry. So what do we gain by using EPDM Liquid Rubber®? It eliminates seam failures and eliminates shrinkage of the single ply rubber. It also prevents further chalking particularly with white EPDM and it extends the life of a roof. Liquid Rubber®, available through Epdmcoatings.com is the only EPDM in Liquid form. This product is a high solids solution of sheet EPDM Rubber. It converts from liquid to solid elastomer via a unique free radical cure mechanism which works at temperatures of 55° F and higher. EPDM Liquid Rubber® can be applied directly on many types of substrates that have solid, stable, non-porous and uniform surfaces such as flat roofs. For most substrates, primers are not necessary. As an example, some types of substrates that can be coated with EPDM Liquid Rubber® without a primer are:
• EPDM Rubber Membrane on flat or sloped Roofs
• Weathered Steel Siding
• Outstanding barrier for salt-water environments
• Weathered Fiberglass
• Weathered standing seam and corrugated metal roofs
• Weathered Vinyl, PVC and Polycarbonate plastic
• Foam insulation for pipe
• Cast Concrete foundations
Liquid Rubber® may be applied at any temperature that permits it being spread onto the surface. It will waterproof immediately upon application. The solvent will evaporate at a rate governed by temperature but will not be affected by relative humidity. Exposure to freezing temperatures before cure has taken place will not damage the film. The time necessary to reach cure should not be a concern as this process will occur automatically. Exposure to sunlight will accelerate the curing process. The final film properties of the cured membrane will be the same regardless of the time required to achieve cure. EPDM Liquid Rubber® will provide long term protection even under extreme exposure conditions. It is resistant to temps of 300 degrees F and minus 62 F. Liquid rubber is water resistant even in an uncured state. An unexpected rain shower shortly after application will not wash it off. The slow cure and non-polar nature of EPDM Liquid Rubber® gives it outstanding surface wetting properties. The product does not fill cracks and crevices but will produce an even film penetrating even the smallest surface irregularities. When EPDM Liquid Rubber® is applied over porous surfaces such as poured concrete, pinholes will appear on the surface as the material slowly displaces the air in the pores. This surface wetting feature enables the product to be applied in a SINGLE COAT and the still results in complete film integrity. EPDM Liquid Rubber® can be applied to hot surfaces encountered during the summer. The solvent in the system will flash off rapidly but the polymer will remain soft long enough to permit overlapping even after 1-2 hours. The cure rate is still controlled even at temps up to 120 degrees. The product can, therefore, be applied on the hottest day.

The controlled cure rate also results in a longer pot life, giving the applicator more than adequate length of time (4-6 hours depending on temperatures) to use the mixed quantity of material. Adhesion will increase over time. Polar surfaces such as metal, concrete and wood result in stronger adhesion than non-polar surfaces such as asphalts. Most weathered surfaces including single ply and thermoplastic membranes will have enough of a surface profile to anchor the EPDM Liquid Rubber®
By itself, the EPDM Liquid Rubber® membrane will exhibit the characteristics of its EPDM chemistry i.e. U.V. ozone stability, excellent ponding water resistance and long-term retention of flexibility. EPDM Liquid Rubber® applied over generally sound singly ply EPDM can extend its life another 20 years. The useful life of metal roofs will also benefit greatly when EPDM Liquid Rubber® is applied. It is recommended that a corrosion inhibitive primer first be applied to areas where severe rusting has occurred. EPDM Liquid Rubber® does not contain any corrosion inhibiting pigments but it is such an effective moisture barrier that it can be applied directly over light rust without a primer. For more information contact epdmcoatings.com at 866-311-3736 or visit their website at http://www.epdmcoatings.com. They also have a blog filled with discussions from customers as well as valuable information on the product at http://liquidroof.blogspot.com/

The Best Roof Coatings for Your RV Roof Maintenance

Posted on September 5, 2012 by admin

When it comes to maintaining your vehicle’s roof, the first step is to make an inspection at least once a year. That could mean getting out your ladder. Be careful. Remember that most accidents occur at home.
An annual power washing is usually recommended. If you have been to the beach, take the time to wash the salt and sand off of your vehicle on your way home. Salt and sand are corrosive. The best coatings for your RV roof maintenance help to protect against this kind of corrosion, but cleanliness is still important.

The best coatings for your RV roof maintenance are the ones that last the longest. Most experts agree that the longest lasting sealants are the ones made of EPDM rubber.

EPDM is a material often used in new construction of the vehicles. The manufacturers apply the rubberized membranes to the metal roofs to protect them from the elements, to help prevent rusting and to provide some protection against debris.

It is often debris though that causes the damage. Rapid temperature changes hail and even sudden afternoon showers can cause damage too.
The least expensive coating alternative and the one used most commonly is an acrylic water-based product. While that might seem like an inexpensive alternative, it can be costly in the long run. The temperature extremes and other threats mentioned above can partially or totally destroy an acrylic coating, leaving the metal exposed.

You might not know that the metal is exposed until you see a leak or do annual maintenance. By then, there could be rust and damage to internal insulation and other materials. You should be able to see how costly the whole thing can become.

If you choose the best coatings for your RV roof repair, you could save money in the long run. If you’re smart, you’ll choose to apply the coating when the vehicle is new as a protective measure. You’ll just have to check to make sure that you are buying a brand that is compatible with the materials used in the construction of your vehicle.

Not only does a liquid rubber coating provide benefits that include waterproofing, protection against damage from flying debris and increased lifespan of the vehicle reduced risk of leaking. The coating improves the cosmetic appearance and often helps to keep the interior of the vehicle cooler during hot summer months. There may also be some soundproofing advantages when you choose the best coatings for your liquid roof maintenance.

The Best Roof Coatings for Your RV Roof Maintenance

Posted on July 30, 2012 by webmaster

An annual power washing is usually recommended. If you have been to the beach, take the time to wash the salt and sand off of your vehicle on your way home. Salt and sand are corrosive. The best coatings for your RV roof maintenance help to protect against this kind of corrosion, but cleanliness is still important.

The best coatings for your RV roof maintenance are the ones that last the longest. Most experts agree that the longest lasting sealants are the ones made of EPDM rubber.

It is often debris though that causes the damage. Rapid temperature changes hail and even sudden afternoon showers can cause damage too.

The least expensive coating alternative and the one used most commonly is an acrylic water-based product. While that might seem like an inexpensive alternative, it can be costly in the long run. The temperature extremes and other threats mentioned above can partially or totally destroy an acrylic coating, leaving the metal exposed.

Creative Maintenance and repair of Roofs & Homes

Posted on June 22, 2012 by webmaster

Talking about feasible and suitable home repairing and maintenance, that is the hottest issue for every person and they want to get the most effective results and creative work for saving their property. In this busiest life, home owners and industrialists have very little time for repairing and maintaining their homes, roofs and commercial sectors. So they want some special type of products for repairing and maintaining their homes and offices, by applying them, they can easily repair and maintain their homes for many years. In order to provide the results for this requirement, there are number of challenges which a contractor have to face during the tear off the roof or home and installing a new roof. They have several ways of completing task of construction, in shifts and at once or regular basis, but for a creative maintenance of a roof and provide long time strength to the home, there is the never ending responsibility for a builder. More over when a home owner wants to get the work with less cost and down timing, this responsibility exceeds its limits and become a new challenge for home constructors. So the home constructors have a long list of responsibilities that is endless.

With recurring costs and time consuming repairs, facility maintenance personnel are focused on providing a safe and efficient environment to the homeowners and to provide satisfactory results. There are many products in use for construction purpose that gives the extra ordinary results that can easily satisfy the home owner and also easy in application for the constructor. As Liquid roof coatings are the best sealant for repairing, it gives full recovery for any roof leaking problem that may occur because of summer sun or heavy rain. Liquid roof is also most famous product among the constructors because it provide a time down criteria for its application with full coverage of roof leaks. So constructors have numerous proven solutions to solve maintenance issues for all types of homes and roofs and commercial sectors on the basis of all these products. They also provide the surety to reduce costs and downtime while improving product life cycles and energy efficiency.

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