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.

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.

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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Roofing Types & Problems

Posted on January 31, 2012 by webmaster

When we start talking about roofing problems, the first thing we need to know about is types of roofs prevailing in the market and the pros and cons of each roof type. Whilst Roofing is constantly exposed to the elements, structural shifting, and stresses as well as chemicals in the atmosphere all take their toll on your roof. Aging occur on all roofs, wear and tear stemming from neglect, abuse, contamination, and accident can result in expensive repairs or premature failure of the roofing system, if not detected. A Regular inspection program will help detect minor problems before they become big ones, avoiding interruptions of work going on inside the building, and most importantly, protecting the owner’s investment and adding many years to the life of a roof.

Roof Types:

Wood: There are two types. Shingles are cut to a specific size and smooth finished. Shakes are irregular and rough-textured. Wood gives a natural look to a home. It also requires more maintenance to protect it from the elements.

Metal: Metal roofs have returned from the olden days to become a popular roofing option. Once limited to low-slope structures, standing seam steel roofs can now be used on steeper roofs as well. Metal is durable, practically maintenance-free, heat reflective and non-flammable. Installed in sheets, a metal roof will actually dissipate a lightning strike rather than conduct it.

Built-up Roofing: Built-up roofs are installed on flat or very low-sloping structures. They consist of alternating layers of felt or fiberglass treated with asphalt. These layers are topped with asphalt (tar) or aggregate. Built-up roofs are more common in commercial buildings.

Tile and Slate: These are two of the oldest roofing materials around. They are long-lasting and durable. Their weight requires a reinforced roof structure that can support them. Both can be quite expensive and neither is easy to install.

Slate Roofing: is a very expensive choice, but it’s very beautiful and distinct. Many Colonial and French homes look very appealing with this style of roof materials. Slate roof materials are heavy, as you can imagine, and will need additional structural support.

Factors that affect roofs

Sun delivers a combination of ultraviolet rays and heat can prematurely age a roof.
Snow or ice that melts and refreezes (called ice damming) pushes up the roofing material and causes leaks. Ice damming can be a temporary problem that ends when the thaw is complete. Excessive amounts can damage the roof and roof structure.
Rain is normally kept at bay by a roof. But when rain or moisture gets underneath roofing, damage can occur.
Wind can remove any roof in the most extreme occurrence. However even minimal amounts can weaken a poorly installed roof by letting dirt and moisture get underneath.
Moisture from condensation underneath a roof not only harms the roof and sheathing, but also can cause problems inside of the house.
Trees provide shade to help cool a house. They also provide leaves and limbs that can fall or scrub against the roof.
Algae and moss get a foothold on moist surfaces. Excessive growth can retain moisture and cause eventual weakening of the roofing material.

Other Causes of Roof Problems:

Improper Installation
Improper Design
Lack of Maintenance
Flashing Failures

Each of these major causes of roof damage can be minimized by regular and careful inspection for early and minor problems. Immediate attention to any flaws or damages with competent repairs can help you avoid major damage to your roof and prevent the need for early and costly roof replacement.

Having a roof that leaks is a very common problem of many homeowners, especially if you live in an area that sees a lot of rain. When your roof leaks there are a lot of problems that can happen such as mold and mildew stains, damaged foundations, and water stains on the ceiling, just to name a few. Because of this it is important for you to have the knowledge of how to find the leaks in your roof.

When you do discover a leak in the roof you should not panic but simply know that it is time to fix the leaky roof. A leak can actually be a good sign as it will force you to check the leak and it is a good idea at this time to look over the entire roof to see if there are any other leaks or problems. Fixing a leak in your roof is not very expensive and it does not take a lot of time.

The Common Roof leaks problem can best be solved by using EPDM. It is compatible with all types of roof problems caused by sunlight, snow, moisture, rain wind and other causes etc. EPDM is the broader term among roofing material used for repairing, it includes liquid rubber. EPDM is compatible with almost all types of roof including flat roof, sloped roofs and other times of roofs mentioned in this article.

For deal with other types of roofing problems visit EPDM Coatings LLC.

Roof Sealants for Leaky Roofs

Posted on January 31, 2012 by webmaster

Sealers really are nothing more than a clear finish that has been altered to make it perform differently. What is added, or removed, from the finish determines what the sealer is and what it does. Primer, which is the sealer used with paints and pigmented lacquer, is basically paint or lacquer, that has an increased amount of pigment.

Roof Sealing

The sealant can be used for installation and maintenance of a roof made of shaped boarding or roof tile:

in places of isolation joints between open-ended exit points and roof sheets;
under ridgy planks and joints of a tent shape roof;
under a snow shield on a roof;
when installing the furring;
at lap seams;
at trough joints;
at a joint of a trough and a drainpipe;
at a trough end;

Sealers are capable of doing a lot more than simply stopping up the pores of cracks in any surface. They can be used as a barrier coats to seal in surface impurities like dirt, wax, silicon and natural oils and preventing them from leaking out of wood and through the finish. Sealers can act as bonding agents between two materials that may not normally adhere to one another.

Roof Sealers are bright white, reflective, elastomeric roofing solutions for roofs that are not yet ready to be torn off and are capable of being restored back to their original quality. EPDM, Modified Bitumen, Metal Roofs, Single-Ply, Polyurethane Foam, Smooth Built Up, or even Gravel Built-Up, we have a roof coating that can repair and restore your roof. Our roof coatings can even repair metal roofs to good as new condition.

Once water finds it’s way in through the gap and under the roof sealing material it works it’s way downwards and can be the cause of water leaks inside a building. The water causes further condensation which is unseen and causes the steel sheeting to corrode.

Elastomeric Roof Sealants

Elastomeric roof coating is a 100% acrylic, highly elastomeric, titanium fortified roof coating formulated to provide a high solids rubber-like membrane. Designed specifically for use on metal, polyurethane foam, EPDM, APP, masonry, asphalt and wood surfaces, this elastomeric roof coating product forms a highly reflective barrier resulting in significant energy savings! Dries bright white.

Boots, gloves, diving suits etc, have proven that rubber is the first impervious product that is totally waterproof. EPDM flexes and resists temperature changes, is totally resistant to atmospheric pollution, unaffected by UV light or ozone and extremely robust to puncture. Unlike bituminous substances it does not crack, peel or become brittle with age, which has been proven with its use in sub zero temperatures in the These facts make EPDM rubber flat roof membranes the best installing flat roof sealant to fix a flat roof structure. Ideal for flat roof contractors or do it yourself flat roof home restoration.

High-strength elastic roofing and sealing material consisting of at least one bonded fabric layer of organic material, optionally at least one further bonded fabric or bonded-fabric material layer of inorganic material, and a coating of bitumen on both sides, where the bonded fabric layer(s) is (are) impregnated with the bitumen, and where the bonded fabric of organic material has a certain area weight and a certain residual deformation after previous elongation. The bitumen coating optionally can be made elastic by the addition of modifiers with sufficiently low glass conversion points.

Other Roof Sealants

A number of other materials are used to provide an air barrier at different locations in the house. These include specialty gaskets and tapes, as well as sheet materials such as polyethylene, spun-bonded olefin, rigid insulation, drywall, plywood and sheet metal. Installation techniques are critical when using sheet materials as an air barrier. All edges, seams and penetrations in the sheets must be sealed.

Tips on Sealing Some of the Leakiest Areas

If you notice a draft through an outside wall electrical outlet, it must be sealed. (Some inside wall outlets can also provide leakage paths, so check them as well.) Turn off the power to the outlet by turning off the circuit breaker or removing the fuse. Check to make sure the power is disconnected by turning on a lamp.

You will obtain a better seal if you caulk the gasket before installation. Place child safety plugs in seldom-used outlets. Some foam pads come with a gasket that fits on the safety plug.

If you are installing an electrical outlet during a renovation, get a good seal by placing it in a special plastic box that is available from many hardware or electrical supply stores. Caulk the penetration for the wire, and seal the new air and vapour barrier to the edge of the box.

Planners and roofing companies still face a big challenge in finding an inexpensive, timesaving and durable sealing system for flat roofs on industrial buildings. Particular problems are presented by roofs with complex shapes and a large number of breakthroughs, such as airshafts and pipe supports. It is hard to get around these problems using conventional roof sheeting, especially as it is usually around the breakthroughs that the roof begins to leak.

Roof repairing Problems with Solutions

Posted on January 31, 2012 by webmaster

Roof is the greatest source of protection from any type of whether condition for the world. But they have to spend more for its repairing and remodeling almost every year especially after rainy and summer season. Roof Leaks are mainly the cause of improper installation and ineffective flashing of roofs at the time of its construction. Roof Leak may occur about any place of the roof buy they found more near the chimney, step, apron, pipes, and points at which two roofs meets. Roof leaks may also occur when your roof shingles installed improperly. If you ignore it for a long time, then they may become a cause of major damage for of the roof.

The next Cause of roof leaks is the weather condition also, some time summer sun become a cause of generating this problem with roofs and some times summer season result for this problem. In USA, thousand of people have to spend at least $12 billion every year only for repairing their roofs. For this purpose they have to contact with roof repairing and constructing experts who can fix all these type of problems of their roof. The season exposures can play a huge harmful role on the health of this part of home. Many natural elements like wind, circles, rain, snow and more lead to damaging effect on the roofs of homes.

It is important to ensure that your roof is equipped with building materials that are appropriate to the weather conditions of the area that you live in. Choosing cheap, low-quality materials that do not handle well in certain weather conditions can prove to be a very expensive mistake. This type of mistake especially at the time of construction leads to bear heavy cost of repairing near about each year or in every season. You can minimize the problem by selecting the material that is more suitable and having great resistance for all type of weather condition like EPDM and liquid rubber designed specially for it. Elastomeric roof coatings and liquid rubber are also designed for roof leaks due to draining water in rain; provide great resistance for water in rainy season. Similarly epdm is the best product for summer sun that can easily control the temperature by providing complete protection to the roof from sunlight.

For the durability of a roof, at the time repairing is very important, because roof leaks convert into the major roof damaging problem those have no solution instead of reinstallation of the roof. Many homeowners do not realize it until it is too late, but there are many situations in which roof repairs must be done because the roof was improperly constructed and designed. These complications may include weak structures that buckle easily under pressure, a slope that is considered to be inadequate, selecting materials that are not durable enough to withstand the overall shape and design of the home, and even selecting materials that are not considered to be quality enhanced and hold up to certain weather conditions.

If you want to avoid the complication of roof repair, it is necessary to avoid these situations and select those quality products for roof repairing and remodeling purpose like epdm, epdm coatings, liquid roof repair, roof repair coating etc. that are best for repairing a roof. If these products like Liquid EPDM, Liquid roof, roof coatings etc. at the time of home construction, you will get the best results for your home and can easily minimize the roof repair cost as they provide a long time protection from repairing and roof leaks. The chances of roof leaking problem can also be minimized by setting the roof inspection on the regular basis. As you find any roof leak in your roof during this inspection, you can easily repair it by your self. For this purpose, there are many products for this solution, you can apply liquid roof and Liquid Rubber on your roof for getting release from this problem and can maintain roof leak for a long time period. Roof repairing and remodeling is as easy as you can do it by applying newly designed roof repairing products that are specially designed for the solution of this problem.

Roof Repairing Guide

Posted on January 31, 2012 by webmaster

There are all kinds of roofs. If your own happens to be quite flat, and your house is a one-story building, so that you can reach the roof by using an ordinary ladder, there is little danger in venturing out on it, but if you have to crawl through a window and claw your way around on a steep roof, you will do much better to stay away from it. However, there are a few basic rules for safe roof work which every homeowner should be familiar with.

Many people do not realize they have a problem with their roof until the inevitable happens…..roof leaks. More often than not, that is when a roofer receives a call to perform a roof repair – only to find that the whole roof needs replaced. Some are frustrated when they are being apprised of this situation and believe the roofer may be trying to “sell” them something they may not need. Be aware that roof repairs cost more on a hourly basis then replacing a roof. It would take “only” approximately two days of doing roofing repairs to equal the same amount paid in labor for an entire week when replacing your roof.

If a leak is recognized, clear the area of any home belongings, for instance electronic equipment furniture, etc. Place a bucket to collect the water for the time being. Once you can clearly see where the water is dripping from the ceiling, take a ladder and look at the roof in that area. You might easily see a part of the roof that has a broken shingle; you might also see debris, loose flashings, etc.

The Roofing Process

A moderately sized roofing job might take only 3 or 4 days.

Remove all existing shingles, deposit them in a roll-off, and remove.
Begin to make minor repairs on roof if in good condition. If not, replace bad wood with plywood or 1″x6″ boards, whichever is applicable to your roof.
Install the “ice dam,” which is an ice and water barrier made of plastic to prevent backed up ice in the gutters from working itself under the shingles.
Lay down asphalt paper.
Apply the shingles – starting at the eaves and working upward.
Apply flashing around all areas where leaks might come into the house – against the chimney, stack vents, etc.
Install the ridge vent.

We need to cover a few things before starting any roofing project. These include:

Get Proper Information: Be aware this is a construction project and there will be noise and debris. Children love to watch what’s going on with their house but they must be kept away from the perimeter of the worksite, ladders and equipment.
Share Properly Your roofing Condition with Roofers: Roofers generally do their best not to drop debris into shrubbery or flower beds but it is sometimes unavoidable. Inform roofing company if you have delicate flower beds or shrubbery that needs special protection.
Point out sprinklers: that heads along driveways and sidewalks to help us prevent damaging them.
Roofing is a noisy job, including hammering and power equipment. In most instances we will finish the job, including a thorough cleanup, in less than two days.
Hanging Items on walls should be removed: Loosely hung items on walls should be removed. Also, bring in flower pots or other yard objects close to the perimeter of the roof.
Inspect your building condition completely: If you have wood shingles, be aware that dust and debris particles will fall into the attic during the tear off process. You may want to cover some items in your attic with protective cloth or plastic.

Many roofing problems, including shorter than expected life spans, are the result of improper material selection in the first place most roofing decisions are made on the basis of first cost or appearance and local climatic conditions are often given too little consideration. Hail, wind and freeze/thaw cycling are particularly hard on most roofing materials. Start by understanding the local climate your roof must deal with.