If you’re a homeowner or property manager, you know the importance of maintaining a safe and sound roof. A high-quality roof coating is one of the most effective ways to protect your EPDM roof from damage and extend its lifespan.
At OConnor Contracting, our team of flat roofing experts have worked with numerous types of roofing materials and roof coatings. To help you select a good roof coating, we’ve selected the best EPDM rubber roof coatings in 2023, recommended by our EPDM specialists.
Let’s start with a quick overview of rubber roof coatings.
👉 Understanding Rubber Roof Coatings
EPDM is a synthetic rubber roofing membrane that is widely used in the commercial and residential roofing industry due to its durability and longevity. The lifespan of EPDM roofs ranges from 30 to 40 years, but the roof starts to deteriorate after 20 years due to weather conditions and usage. This can lead to cracking, shrinking, and an increased risk of leaks and damage to the underlying structure.
To protect and enhance the performance of the rubber membrane, specific coatings have been developed for EPDM roofs. These coatings provide an additional layer of protection against the elements, including heat, UV rays, moisture, hail, ice, and snow. They also help to restore the elasticity of the EPDM membrane, preventing further deterioration and extending the lifespan of the roof.
Here is a detailed explanation of the types of coatings suitable for EPDM rubber roofs.
👉 What is the Best Coating for an EPDM Roof?
When it comes to EPDM rubber roofs, there are several types of roof coatings that are highly recommended for optimal protection and enhancement. The best choice of roof coating for an EPDM roof will depend on various factors, including specific roof requirements, budget considerations, and desired performance characteristics.
Here are some commonly used roof coatings for EPDM roofs:
1. Acrylic Coatings
Acrylic roof coatings are a popular choice for EPDM roofs. These coatings are water-based and offer reliable protection against UV rays, weathering, and mildew. Typically applied as a topcoat over the EPDM membrane, acrylic coatings provide enhanced durability and reflectivity.
2. Silicone Coatings
Silicone roof coatings are renowned for their exceptional weather resistance and long-lasting performance. They effectively shield EPDM rubber roofs from UV rays, ponding water, and extreme temperatures. Silicone coatings exhibit strong adhesion to EPDM rubber and can significantly extend the lifespan of the roof.
3. Butyl Rubber Coatings
Butyl rubber coatings, derived from butyl rubber, excel in terms of adhesion and flexibility. They form a seamless and robust protective layer on EPDM roofs, shielding them from UV exposure and other environmental factors. Butyl rubber coatings also offer excellent water resistance.
4. Polyurethane Coatings
Polyurethane roof coatings are recognized for their outstanding durability and protection against weathering, including UV rays. These coatings create a strong, flexible, and seamless barrier on EPDM rubber roofs, minimizing the risk of leaks and extending the roof’s longevity.
Let’s look at the top four EPDM coatings currently popular on the market.
👉 Top 4 EPDM Rubber Roof Coatings for Commercial and Residential Properties in 2023
The top products on the market are formulated by Armor Garage, HenryⓇ, National Coatings, and EPDM Coatings. Let’s understand why countless property owners and contractors trust these products and brands.
#1 Armor Roof Shield
Armor Roof Shield is a roof coating that boasts exceptional water resistance and performance. It has the lowest moisture transmission rating, making it the top waterproof rubber roof coating. With superior adhesion, elasticity, and impact ratings, this coating ensures high durability and long-lasting protection.
Furthermore, the Armor Roof Shield coating has high reflectivity properties, allowing it to reflect 90% of solar-radiated heat. This reflective capability helps to keep the building cooler, reducing the need for excessive air conditioning and lowering your energy consumption.
Another world-class feature of Armor Roof Shield is how it boasts a minimum stretch of 500%, 300% greater than a typical EPDM roofing membrane! This means that the coating allows the membrane to stretch and expand significantly without losing its integrity, providing added flexibility and resistance to cracking or tearing. Moreover, it is available in white, light gray, and a range of other colors offering aesthetic flexibility. To top it all, ArmorGarage provides a 15-year guarantee on this product, which is higher than multiple brands.
#2 Liquid Butyl Rubber by EPDM Coatings
Liquid butyl rubber is a type of synthetic rubber that is in liquid form. It is composed primarily of butyl rubber, which is a copolymer of isobutylene and a small amount of isoprene. Butyl rubber is known for its excellent impermeability to gasses, moisture, and chemicals, making it a popular choice for EPDM rubber roofs for sealing and added protection.
Liquid Butyl Rubber has a one-coat application process that eliminates the need for primers or multiple coats, saving you time and money. Unlike water-based coatings, it is solvent-based, making it highly resistant to extreme weather conditions, including freezing temperatures. It can also withstand ponding water throughout the year. During the drying process, it chemically cross-links and forms a strong bond with the roof, creating a seamless and crack-resistant membrane. It can be applied directly to various types of roofs without the need for special primers. Contractors across the U.S. have repeatedly recommended Liquid Butyl Rubber as an economical and long-lasting solution, proving it to be a reliable alternative to premature roof replacement needs.
#3 National Coatings Acrylic Coating for EPDM
EPDM roofs age as the black surface of the EPDM material is exposed to sunlight, causing oils to seep out, making the membrane less flexible and more brittle. This leads to shrinkage, punctures, and tears on the roof. Coating the EPDM membrane with an acrylic coating can eliminate these aging issues. Using an acrylic coating on EPDM roofs increases their lifespan and reduces overall costs.
AcryShield A502 is an excellent EPDM roof coating developed by National Coatings, which is a Henry company. It creates a seamless and fully adhered membrane that blocks harmful UV rays, preventing roof damage. Additionally, the coatings reflect heat, reducing energy consumption and cooling costs for the building. The bright white pigments in the coating helps maintain lower roof surface temperatures, preserving the oils in the EPDM membrane and keeping it flexible to accommodate expansion and contraction without leaks.
#4 Henry’s Pro-Grade® 988 Premium & Custom Color Silicone Roof Coating
This is the leading product on the market right now. Henry’s silicone rubber roof coating is best for residential and commercial properties, as it’s available in premium colors, such as brick red, tan, terra cotta, and safety yellow. Plus, it can also be custom-colored for precise matches based on your home’s aesthetics or your building’s energy needs. This rubber roof coating offers several features and benefits, such as resistance to permanent ponding water and excellent adhesion to EPDM membranes. When installed as part of a restoration system, Henry’s EPDM roof coating qualifies for a warranty of up to 20 years that covers material, labor, and workmanship, known as the Henry Gold Seal Warranty.
When selecting a roof coating for your EPDM rubber roof, it is crucial to consider factors such as its compatibility with EPDM, chemical resistance, and UV reflective rating, among others.
Now I’ll share some crucial things to consider when you’re looking to coat your roof.
👉 Things to Consider When Coating Your Roof
Let’s explore these considerations by tapping into the factors that affect the performance and durability of a roof coating.
- Fix Any Issues: Before roof coating application, make sure any leaks, cracks, or damage identified during inspection gets repaired promptly. Sometimes, it happens that the roof is beyond repair, and you might need a new EPDM roofing membrane instead of a new coating.
- Choosing a Compatible Roof Coating: From EPDM to metal and TPO, selecting a coating specifically formulated for your roofing material ensures optimal adhesion and long-lasting protection.
- Choose The Best Time to Apply The Roof Coating: Timing matters when it comes to applying roof coatings. Consider the ideal season or weather conditions for application. The best time to do any roofing work is in dry and moderate weather.
- Choose a Good EPDM Roofing Contractor: Look for professionals with a proven track record, industry certifications, and positive customer reviews. Imagine the peace of mind that comes from hiring skilled experts who will deliver exceptional results.
Consulting with a reliable EPDM roofing contractor can provide valuable insights and help you determine the most suitable products and technologies. If you are looking for EPDM roof coating services in Buffalo, New York, we’re here to help you.
Free Consultation and Estimate on EPDM Membranes and Roof Coatings
At OConnor Contracting, we’re proud to have the best experts providing flat roofing services in Buffalo, New York. Being a part of the Buffalo community, we are dedicated to protecting our neighborhood homes and buildings from harsh weather. That’s why we go the extra mile to offer you free consultations and estimates, ensuring that you receive the personalized attention and care you deserve.
Our experienced team will take the time to listen to your concerns and fix your roof with the perfect EPDM coating. We believe in providing tailored recommendations that address your specific needs, whether it’s extending the lifespan of your roof, enhancing its performance, or improving its resistance to the elements.
If you need EPDM roofing services in Buffalo, New York, call us at (716) 600-7663. We will be happy to help you!
