Understanding the Role of Roof Coatings on Flat Roofs in Ohio and Kentucky
Many multistory buildings make use of flat roofs. The advantages include maximizing floor space and avoiding additional weight. Smaller buildings use slanted roofs to shed water, but large structures would create too much water shed. Polymer coatings are one important solution for a flat roof to prevent leaks. .
The objective with covering a flat roof is to create a watertight seal that remains impermeable to longstanding puddles of water. Coatings are also designed to be easy to remove and replace. Flat roofs never use shingles, because the design of shingles is to overlap and take advantage of gravity. They are not sufficiently watertight to endure puddles, and are not recommended on any surface with an incline of less than 15 degrees.
Roof coatings use either a single layer of rubber or plastic or several layers of a polymer coating and then rubber mats on top. Because rubber and plastic can break down when subject to heat and ultraviolet light, most flat roof coatings are topped with gravel to shield from direct sunlight and dissipate heat. Black materials are especially bad about absorbing light.
When necessary multiple layers might be used for additional protection. Your roof might be vulnerable to erosion with a single layer, but Cosam will know what’s best in this circumstance. Very large roofs generally use compound methods due to the challenge of funneling large volumes of water in a downpour and tend to have sinks and drains all along the roof surface.
The objective of a roof coating is to provide a completely tight membrane. A multilateral system is also a reliable choice. It is best to start with a dry sound base of some variety, because additional measures can be taken without destroying those already in place.