FAQ: Homeowners
Can puddles harm my waterbased coating?
Can thinners be used on my roof coatings?
Can I use these coatings on any type of roof?
What about a rubber roof?
How do I tell the difference between a Rubber Modified Asphalt Roof and an EPDM Rubber Roof?
Will this coating provide complete protection against leaks?
How will use of cool roof coatings affect my heating bill?
The information on this site is provided as a free service. It is based on common conditions and may not apply to your specific situation. Please contact a Gardner representative with specific questions or comments.
| Yes. If your roof has any areas where rain water gathers and forms pools, your waterbased coating will not do its job properly. For one thing, these puddles can gather dirt and other debris which could restrict your coating's reflective ability. Constant exposure to standing water can cause cracking, peeling and holes in the protective coating. It is essential that you make sure to keep gutters clear and that any roof you intend to use a waterbased coating on has the appropriate slope required to provide positive drainage and eliminate puddles entirely. |
Can thinners be used on my roof coatings?
| It is highly unadvisable to use any kind of thinner when applying cool roof coatings. In fact, you may be in violation of federal regulations by doing so. Besides, these roof coatings come ready to use, so there really is no need to add anything before application. Make sure that any necessary cleaning of associated brushes or other items used to apply the coating are done using water. If thinners do make their way into roof coatings, they may experience a shorter lifespan. Additionally, the coating of your roof may appear uneven as a result of exposure to thinners, and blistering and peeling could become more commonplace. The possibility of mold growth may also be heightened by the use of thinners. |
Can I use these coatings on any type of roof?
| Every one of our products has a label which indicated the roof types on which it can be used safely. Not every coating is right for every surface, and one that is fine for use on plywood may not be safe for tar paper or asphalt roofs. Before using any coating on any roof, you should read the label, and if you are still unsure, contact the manufacturer directly to avoid any problems or the potential voiding of your roof's warranty. |
What about a rubber roof?
| First, you need to determine whether or not your roof is truly a Rubber Roof (aka EPDM) or if it is a “Rubber Modified” Asphalt Roof. In roofing the terminology “Rubber Roof” is loosely used and can have various meanings. As for the use of coatings, APOC products can be used on all types of Rubber Roofs including true “EPDM Rubber Roofs.” When applying to an EPDM Rubber Roof, APOC 295 Primer must be used prior to application of coatings. Some rubber roofs are amenable to the use of acrylic latex elastomeric coatings, while others most certainly do not. It is always best to check with the manufacturer before you use any coating. If your rubber roof is able to use our coatings, be sure it is completely clean before application. Remove any and all chalking, dirt or dust. You may want to consider a professional powerwashing as well to ensure all mildew is eliminated. As with all product applications, it is probably advisable to test a small area of the roof, specifically in an especially damp or shadowy area of the roof before applying to the surface as a whole. |
How do I tell the difference between a Rubber Modified Asphalt Roof and an EPDM Rubber Roof?
| Contact APOC and we will be more than happy to help you with this. |
Will this coating provide complete protection against leaks?
| No system of protection is 100 percent foolproof and even the best coating materials will lose their effectiveness over time. However, if your roof is built properly, with good materials, and allows for proper drainage of any rain water to prevent pooling from taking place, then adding our coating will certain decrease your chances of having a leak. Remember that it is essential to always keep your drains clear and to repair any cracks or small leaks with the right kind of cement as soon as you are aware that they exist. The sooner you catch these problems, the better your chances at fixing them. |
How will use of cool roof coatings affect my heating bill?
| In the winter, the earth is farther from the sun that in the summer. Additionally, days are shorter and the sun is lower in the sky. That is, if there aren't clouds in the sky obscuring direct sunlight in the first place. All of this adds up to less heat entering your home through the roof. If anything, in the winter, heat enters houses through windows. After a snowfall collects on your roof, the amount of sunlight it receives may be eliminated completely. Cool roof coatings have no impact on your winter heating costs. They only limit the amount of heat coming into your building during the summertime. |
The information on this site is provided as a free service. It is based on common conditions and may not apply to your specific situation. Please contact a Gardner representative with specific questions or comments.
