Waterproof Roof Coating: What You Need to Know

The protection of your house starts… from the top!

The end of summer marks the start of everybody’s plans and preparations for autumn. And while some of us can’t wait for the first rain after a hot summer, the thought of ponding water damaging our roof is not that pleasant! To prevent any damage and ensure that our roof will remain in good condition for many years to come, it’s time to waterproof it, using the right roof coating product! Here’s what you need to know!

What is a roof coating?

A roof coating is a protective layer, applied on your roof in order to protect it against climate conditions and other outdoor elements. A waterproof roof coating in specific, will seal your roof, protecting it from moisture, ponding water and ice, preventing leaks and further damages.

What are the benefits of using a roof coating?

Apart from waterproofing your roof, roof coatings can also reduce your utility costs, as most of them have high solar reflectance. In other words, roof coatings help reflect solar radiation, keeping your home cooler during the hot summer days and improving energy efficiency.In general, a good roof coating can protect your roof against extreme weather conditions and extend its life by 10-25 years!

 

Why should I choose an elastomeric roof coating?

An elastomeric roof coating has the ability to stretch and return to its original length when needed. Put simply, it has the elastic properties of synthetic rubber. This allows the roof coating to be more flexible as the roof substrate expands and contracts during temperature fluctuations, as well as to bridge small cracks and joints when applied on your roof, thus making it an excellent material for waterproofing, sealing and protecting your roof!

What are the benefits of hybrid roof coatings based on acrylic and polyurethane?

Both acrylic and polyurethane are well-known roof coating materials. Acrylic is the most cost-effective coating material, good for most climates and ideal for short-term sealing needs (i.e. ten-year protection). It is generally highly reflective, UV resistant, and easy to work with, but it’s not the ideal material to seal your roof against ponding water.
Polyurethane, on the other hand, is a more durable coating material than acrylic, and more resistant to ponding water. However, it is not as cost-effective as acrylic, and it can also have a stronger odor.

When these two materials combine into a hybrid roof coating, their advantages and excellent features also combine, in a balanced and efficient way! Hybrid roof coatings based on acrylic and polyurethane show increased tensile strength, durability and high performance in extreme weather conditions, while they are easy to apply, odorless and cost-effective!

 

What else should I look for in a waterproof roof coating?

A good roof coating is a certified roof coating! Look for the product’s certification, such as European Technical Assessment ETA- 17/0924, ETAG 005 (Liquid Applied Roof Waterproofing Kits), or EN 1504-2.

Our top picks

Here are some of the high-quality, certified roof coating products you can find in our stores, to help you get started with your roof coating project:

Vitex HyRoof Hybrid PU
A hybrid elastomeric waterproofing roof coating, based on a new technology of acrylic polyurethane emulsion. It forms a highly elastic, seamless membrane, offering excellent protection from moisture and standing water for up to 10 years.

Isomat Whi.Isoflex Hybrid
An elastomeric, waterborne, liquid waterproofing membrane for flat roofs based on acrylic and polyurethane resins. It forms a seamless and jointless white membrane of high elasticity and durability. Highly resistant to ponding water, weather conditions, UV radiation and especially to very low temperatures.

Vivechrom Vive Isotop
A new hybrid technology elastomeric waterproof roof coating based on acrylic polyurethane, offering top waterproofing with expected working life of the system of 25 years. It forms a membrane resistant to moisture, standing water and ice. With excellent adhesion and high elasticity, it bridges small cracks and joints obtaining excellent resistance to extreme weather conditions from + 80°C to -25°C.

SuperPaint Super Seal
An antifungal brilliant white water-proofing and sealing compound for exterior use. It decreases the surface temperature by 6°C. Designed with the guidance of BASF Germany, it constitutes an ideal and reliable solution for the weather conditions of Cyprus.

Peleseal Plus+®
A premium quality acrylic, elastomeric, white, waterproofing roof compound reinforced with microfibres. It yields a flexible watertight membrane of white colour, which reduces the internal temperature of buildings during the warm summer months. It can be easily and quickly applied with roller or brush and has an estimated life span of up to 10 years.