Today we are looking at liquid applied seamless membranes that seal out the elements. With materials engineered for the restoration of most roof substrates, GAF Topcoat resurfacing products are your solution for long term, total roof protection.
Less expensive than a new roof or retrofit, Topcoat systems offer a wide range of warranty options, with up to 20 year full labor and materials protection.
Replacing your old metal roof with a new one can be twice as expensive, and if left unprotected the new roof will eventually leak, just like the old one. Compared to other roofing systems, Topcoat goes on in a fraction of the time, and at a fraction of the cost.
Topcoat restoration products are not just for metal roofs, they also provide a low cost resurfacing alternative for most low sloped asphalt and for single ply roofs.
By resurfacing an existing roof system you can
GAF Topcoat products can save you money by decreasing your cooling costs. The high reflectivity of a Topcoat membranes white surface membrane can greatly reduce rooftop surface temperatures on roofs by as much as 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Topcoat products meet the stringent requirements and are qualified by today's most recognized energy efficiency programs.
Elastomeric and acrylic membranes and coatings cure chemically, a process accelerated and enhanced by the UV rays of the sun. Even on a cloudy day in Seattle, Topcoat can greatly reduce rooftop surface temperatures.
The difference in the thermal heat load between a section of EPDM roof that is not treated with Topcoat and a metal roofing area that is can be very significant. Formulation is one of the most important elements of Topcoats performance. Also, solids content and polymer quality are of critical importance for durability and longevity.
Topcoat membrane is highly durable, will stand up to the harshest weather conditions, and is resistant to most chemical attacks. Topcoat is tough because it has a higher percentage of solids than other liquid applied systems. The binders used to produce all GAF resurfacing products are the best non-chalking grade available. Topcoats water-based products use high quality flame-retardant ingredients, and achieve UL class A and FM class 1 approvals. Colors can be added for a custom tint, and unlike the copycats the pigmented Topcoats product does not contain cheap extenders such as clay.
The polymer is the backbone of any liquid applied product. Low quality polymers will break down from the sun's ultraviolet rays. As the polymer erodes in a low quality product, the powder is exposed and washes away. The result is chalking. Topcoats high quality polymer resists chalking. Extreme temperature changes can cause significant expansion and contraction of metal roof panels. The Topcoat system is flexible, from minus thirty degrees Fahrenheit to 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
Installing a Topcoat roofing system is as simple as prep, seal and coat. The roof must be clean and in sound condition to receive the liquid membrane.
You might check our other article about Best Roof Coating For Flat Roof
Benefits of Roof Coating Systems
Roof coatings are a great way to extend the life of your low slope or flat roof they protect the roof from wind rain and Sun that can cause a roof to dry out and crack and can provide energy savings by lowering the temperature of the roof before you coat the roof replace any wet insulation and address any ponding water areas once the roof is sound you're ready for the roof mate system the roof mate system includes all the components needed to restore the roof the system includes roof mate base coat top coat butter grade flashing fabric and seam tape the roof mate coating system can be used directly on most metal asphaltic and single ply roofs restoring the roof with coating is a three-stage process prep seal and coat the prep stage is where you clean and prime where needed pressure washing the roof is recommended taking care not to force any water into the scene once the roof is clean completely dry and free of any debris climbers should be applied GAF has two primers that can be used based on the roof type acryl x400 primer can be used on rusty metal concrete masonry and wood SP primer is a must for single ply loops SP primer on TPO and PVC membranes promote adhesion and prevent plasticizers from staining the coating once cleaned and primed the next stage is to seal the roof it's important to seal penetrations curbs and seams since most roof leaks occur at these locations roof mate scene tape should be used on all of the scenes on a metal roof roof makes butter grade flashing should be used to fill small voids such as alligatored areas on asphaltic roof roof mate butter grade flashing and fabrics should be used for all penetrations and curbs and should also be used for loose scenes on asphaltic and single ply roofs once the prep and seal stages are complete you are ready to coat the roof the roof is coated in two steps each coat is applied at one to one and a half gallons per 100 square feet of roof using a sprayer roller or brush first apply roof mate base coat and allow approximately 24 hours for drying this base coat is light grey in color and contains a bleed blocker to prevent asphalt oil greetings in the white topcoat for the final step roof mate topcoat should be applied perpendicular to the base coat to ensure even coverage once this coat is finished you are done so that's the roofs made coating system a simple and effective professional coating system that will give you years of protection and energy benefit
Step 1 - Prep the Roof Surface
Inspect the roof looking for required repairs such as minor sheet metal repairs. All loose or missing fasteners are re-secured or replaced. The roof is then power washed with water at 3,000 psi and allowed to dry. Sheet metal crickets are installed behind all rooftop units. All rust is treated with Topcoat mp 300 rust inhibitor. Areas of residual asphalt are primed with Topcoat mb+.
Step 2 - Seal Protrusions
Horizontal seams or end laps are sealed with a six inch width of Topcoat flashing grade, reinforced with Topcoat flashing fabric or Topcoats liquid fabric product without reinforcement when conditions apply. All vertical seams are sealed with Topcoat flashing grade. All detail areas including curbs, ridges, pipe penetrations, rakes and skylight perimeters are sealed with Topcoat flashing grade, or Topcoat flex seal, and Topcoat flashing fabric. Fasteners are encapsulated in Topcoat fastener grade or flex seal. Where present fiberglass skylights may also be restored with Topcoat skylight after they have been sealed.
At this point on guaranteed projects the roof receives its first mandatory inspection by a GAF field service representative.
Step 3 - Coat
The base coat of the Topcoat membrane is applied to the entire roof area. The finished coat of the Topcoat membrane, typically white, is installed over the base coat. Now the membrane is fully coated and sealed. The second GAF inspection is performed, and the GAF Topcoat system guarantee is issued.
Existing low sloped roofing systems can also be restored. Even an aged, smooth surface asphalt roof that has already been in place for over 30 years. Even if a lack of maintenance has led to leaks in a few areas. Again follow the basic steps of restoration. Prep seal and coat.
A moisture scan identifies wet or damaged areas. Those areas get replaced as part of the prep phase of a restoration. This step is of critical importance and a required element for GAF guarantee coverage. Without replacing wet roof areas, a coating will blister and peel away from the surface.
Next all the penetrations must get sealed with Topcoat flex seal and Topcoat flashing fabric. Then the roof gets coated with two coats of Topcoat mv+. The temperature difference can be immediately noticeable.
Topcoat products can also help assure watertight system performance when used as part of a yearly maintenance program. High quality sealants membranes and coatings can reduce thermal stress, seal open laps, repair aged caulk, and seal metal flashings. GAF is so committed to the importance of maintenance that they extend the duration of their membranes guarantees up to 25% when a certified maintenance professional maintains your newly installed roof. And including Topcoat products in your maintenance program helps assure the vulnerable areas of your system are properly maintained.
Join the growing numbers of industry leaders who are protecting their buildings with Topcoat. Take the first step in restoring your most valuable asset by contacting a licensed contractor in your area to help you determine which Topcoat system is right for your roof.