Metal Roof Repair How to Maintain a Metal Roof: General Tips Learning how to maintain a metal roof is important to ensure that the roofing will last as long as possible. With proper care, this type of roofing material outlasts many others. It is not unusual to see the roofs last for 50 years or even longer. New roofs often come with manufacturer’s care instructions for the material. If you don’t have the care instructions, you may be able to evaluate the material on your own to determine the composition. It is important to use compatible materials when doing any repairs. Otherwise, corrosion can occur. If you have difficulty making this evaluation, a good roofing contractor can help. For most roofs, maintenance and repair is relatively simple. You will need a sturdy ladder. Ideally you should have someone on the ground to hold the ladder as you are climbing up and down. You should only attempt this if you are comfortable with the height and you feel that the maintenance or repair work can be done safely. Otherwise, you should contact an EPDM roofing contractor. Once you are at a point where you can evaluate the area, you should start by looking for loose nails, rusty patches, holes or other signs of damage. If you are aware of an existing leak, you will need to take steps to repair the leak. In general, how to maintain a metal roof involves removing debris, such as leaves and branches. Any loose nails should be pulled and replaced. Hammering the nail back down may not be a good idea. Nails are not always used for installation. Some roofs are installed using screws. Screws tend to stay in place as the years go by while nails work their way loose over time. Urethane roofing cement is usually used for caulking around seams, edges and flashing. Learning how to maintain a metal roof involves learning how to use the urethane cement because it provides better protection from UV damage than plastic or asphalt type cements. Occasionally, re-caulking will be necessary as a part of regular maintenance. Look for cracked or damaged caulk seams and peel the old caulking away as necessary. Cracks in caulking caused by hail or flying debris are sometimes the causes of leaks. Existing leaks may be due to a small hole which can be patched relatively easily using compatible materials. If you learn how to maintain a metal roof properly and you take the necessary steps on a regular basis, you may never have to worry about learning how to patch holes. Order Here © Copyright 2011 EPDM Coatings LLC. All Rights Reserved. Address For RMA Contractors Only P.O Box 3429 Wernersville PA 19609 EPDM Coatings N.E Sales Office 494 Bridgeport Ave Suite 101, PMB 342 Shelton CT 06484-4748

The Most Common Commercial Roofs Types

The Most Common Commercial Roofs Types and Materials

Here, you can learn about the most common commercial roofs types and materials. There are three main types: flat, low-slope and sloped or pitched.  The sloped or pitched roof is most commonly seen in homes. Some modern office parks have this type as well. For warehouses and businesses, the flat or low slope roof is most common for several reasons.

A business’ buildings are usually larger than those used for housing. Installing a pitched roof on a large building can be more costly, and the lifespan of a large pitched roof could be significantly lower than that of a flat design. The interior spaces are often more open. This interior design lends itself to the flat roof.

A pitched roof limits the use of interior space. In homes, the small areas are often used for storage, like the attic. Businesses would rarely use attic space for long-term storage. Getting in and out of the attic space would be more time consuming than simply retrieving the items from a shelf in the warehouse.

Ease of maintenance, access to ventilation systems and other advantages are associated with the use of flat-roof designs. The main disadvantage is poor drainage. Only in arid desert environments is drainage a non-issue. Since flat roofs are the most common commercial roofs types, selecting appropriate materials has always been important. Waterproofing is considered essential. Slate and other types of shingles are generally not used on the flat roof design, which turns out to be another advantage, in that decorative shingles cost more and need to be replaced more often. Repairing a roof leaks is easier in most ways than repairing one that is pitched.

The built-up roof, which is sometimes referred to as tar or tar and gravel, is a system that was popular in flat-roofed buildings. It is rarely recommended by roofing experts today because of the short lifespan, the heat gain within the building, the continuous maintenance necessary and the unpleasant appearance. Modified bitumen is one of the most common commercial roofs types. It is considered affordable and can last as long as 15 years if properly installed and maintained.

Metal roofing materials are not usually recommended for flat-roofed buildings because of water pooling and the corrosion it causes. Plastic polymers of many kinds are being used to repair, replace or install on new roofing materials. They provide the waterproofing and can last many years. EPDM, PVC and CPE are examples of this type of material. Those are the most common commercial roofs types today. You should consult a good roofing contractor to get a recommendation concerning the best choice for your building.

Flat Roof Repair and Roof Sealing with Elastomeric Coatings

For flat roof repair and roof sealing, Elastomeric Roof Coatings are the most popular choice today. Asphalt type coatings and built-up roofs are still around, but many of them are being replaced or “covered up” with the new liquid synthetic rubbers.

Most people find that the elastomeric coatings are easier to apply than the rubberized sheets that are also used for waterproofing. If you are repairing a very small section, the sheets may be the best choice. For large jobs, the liquid rubber is less labor intensive.

The liquids are applied like paints and other sealants. Most manufacturers recommend a squeegee for initially spreading the liquid. Then rollers or brushes are used to give you a smooth surface and a uniform thickness. The job is easier if you have two people; one to pour and use the squeegee and another to follow up with the rollers or brushes.

The brushes are for hard to reach areas that you can’t get to with the roller. The better manufacturers provide complete directions including how thick the roller pad should be and the kind of nap that works best.

Before you can use liquid rubber for flat roof repair and roof sealing, you need to find out if the roofing material currently in place will bond with the material. For example, the EPDM rubbers do not bond with asphalt-based materials. A catalyst coating must be applied first.

Silicone-based caulking needs to be removed and replaced with a non-silicone based material. EPDM and other liquid rubbers do not bond with silicone-based materials. Other than asphalt and silicone, most other materials will bond with the coatings.

Temperature extremes can make the coatings a poor choice. If the weather is too hot or too cold, the curing process may not take place. The coating will eventually cure, but it may take longer. Bubbling can occur if it rains before the cure process is completed.

Liquid rubber is not the only solution for flat roof leaks and roof sealing. Even if you decide to use the coatings, you may still need to do some repair-work. The material used to make the repairs need not be waterproof if you do decide to use coatings. Their original use was for waterproofing. They are becoming more popular today for other reasons, including reduced heat and noise transfer.

Inspecting and preparing the surface is the first step for all flat roof repair and roof sealing. Doing the preparation properly helps to guarantee your satisfaction with the overall job.

Roof leaks repair with EPDM coatings

Roof leaks repair with EPDM coatings is often recommended by professionals for many reasons. Here are the reasons to consider this type of liquid rubber siding for all of your roofing repairs.

Cost Savings

There are short-term and long-term cost savings. Repairing a leak is always less expensive than replacing the roofing material but most repairs are short-lived. The leak has to be repaired again and again.

Leaky spots typically occur on flat roofs in areas where rainwater pools. Those spots are not going to go away easily. To completely get rid of them could require a complete renovation of the building.

The best coating can last three times as long as other reparative materials. It lasts longer than acrylics and urethanes. Since you don’t have to make the repairs again and again, there is a significant long-term cost savings.

Ease of Use

Flat roof leaks repair with EPDM Coatings is also recommended because of how easy it is to use. You can do the work yourself. You can hire a contractor or you can have your existing maintenance crew do the work.

Complete instructions concerning temperature, application, coats, cure time and other important factors are included with the products. Basic application instructions include cleaning the surface and then applying the material with a rubber squeegee and a short-nap roller brush. You can use a standard paint brush for hard to reach areas.

Noise Reduction+

One of the reasons people choose a rubber coating is to reduce noise. Noise from rainfall and other sources are reduced significantly because of the rubberized surface. Of course, this benefit is only realized when the material is used to cover the entire roof. If you are repairing a small section, you may not see this benefit.

High Compatibility with Most Roofing Materials

Roof leaks repair with EPDM coatings is a good choice for more roofing materials than any other kind of coating. The coating can easily be applied to metal, rubber, fiberglass, concrete, wood, fabric or foam.

For asphalt and asphalt built-roofs, a special elastomeric coating should be used first. The rubber does not adhere directly to the asphalt. But it will adhere to the elastomeric coating. Some companies offer a 10 year warranty when the liquid rubber is used in conjunction with the elastomeric coating. Those are the main reasons that roof leaks repair with EPDM coatings is a good choice. The cost savings alone makes it worth your consideration.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION/PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF LIQUID RUBBER

Metal

A one coat application of Liquid Rubber 9981 will produce a 20 mil(.5mm) dry film. No primer is need even if metal has tightly adhering corrosion. Rubber & Thermoplastic membranes Repair delaminated seams; resurface deteriorated flashing in place; stops embrittlement of Hypolon and PVC; recoat single ply EPDM.

Urethane Foam
One coat will protect foam against UV degradation.

Asphalt based coating

Liquid Roof coatings/Liquid Rubber coatings should not be applied directly over an asphalt based coating. Water based acrylic elastomeric coatings may be used as intermediate coats before applying Liquid Roof/Liquid Rubber. Asphalt's based applications should be considered as being unstable materials and are excluded from warranty coverage. Caution-Latex house paints can not be substituted in place of the acrylic elastomeric coatings.

Click Here For Product Information on Our Elastomeric.

Commercial implementation to Plywood
Can be applied direct to plywood and lumber; however, we suggest a non oil-based primer.

Concrete Repair
EPDM Rubber will penetrate into fissures at joints between old and new concrete. Product will also penetrate into surface pores unless concrete is trowel finished or pores are first sealed with a primer. Rubber will effectively waterproof tiles and rain gutters made of concrete or adobe type materials that provide a long lasting Repair.

Flashing and Repair
Roof to wall flashing can be formed in place by reinforcing the EPDM rubber with polyester fabric. No mechanical fasteners are needed. Quick repair to reinforce weak areas or bridge cracks repair can also be made in similar fashion.

Epdm Roofing Material Is One Of The Most Common Applications

EPDM rubber is also often the main substance used in the weather seals of vehicles, such as door seals, window seals, and hood seals. This is due to the great weatherproof properties of this type of rubber.
The importance of roof coatings can definitely not be ignored. 

Consequently the awareness of different type roof coatings among the roofing contractors and the building residents is very necessary. Therefore get yourself well aware of what type of coating you need and the type of roof you have so that you are able to apply the roof coating which is best for your roof.

Most of the older mobile homes and RV’s around usually have metal roofs, most often aluminum. In order to keep this type of roof in good condition, again it is usually only required that you inspect it regularly and keep it clean. For most metal roofs, it’s okay to clean it twice a year using an automotive wash and wax cleaner.

EPDM rubber has a lengthy proven track record; it has been in use for more than 40 years in diverse conditions. Outfitting your roof with quality materials is an investment, which will pay off in the future because you will not have to spend as much money on roof repair or on replacing your roof sooner that you would wish to. Flexible and versatile, EPDM rubber is a material with much strength, which you can rely on to keep your family safe and dry.

Rv Trend and Its Maintainance

Check Your Plumbing and Ventilation Every time you leave for one of your RV adventures, check or hire someone to check your toilet valves, lines, and your RV toilet stop to ensure it is all working correctly. Make sure your bathroom is vented properly because poor ventilation in small spaces with ample water is a perfect place for mold to grow. 

Don't forget to have someone look at the plumbing under your sinks and your waste disposal system. The last thing you need is a leaky toilet or sink supply line soaking your carpet while you're blissfully charging down the road to that next destination.

Keep Tabs on Your RV Roof and Ceiling make sure your roof is water tight by inspecting the caulking, moulding and seams. Examine your roof carefully at least twice a year for exposed fasteners, cracked seams, UV deterioration, mold and mildew, water spots on the ceiling. 

One clear indicator for RV roof deterioration is a chalky white substance left in your driveway when you wash your RV. If you are a "do-it-yourself-er" (DIY-er), you could start by spraying water and trying to determine the source of the roof leaks, replacing leaky roof vents, removing old caulking and replacing it with new, and repairing damaged seams. If your roof is in need of repair and you are not a DIY-er you may want to try a EPDM Rubber Sheets with no caulk, seams, or leaks. 

So the best way to do RV Roof Repair is with liquid roof. Prevent Mold from forming during Storage Store your travel vehicle under a cover that will protect it from the elements while allowing it to breathe, while venting inside water vapor to prevent mold, mildew from forming.