This is a great question and one we get asked often. The answer is…it depends.
We sell roof coating systems that are warrantied anywhere from 5-20 years, however, a lot of variables impact the lifespan of a roof coating. We will specifically address a lot of things we see that determine how long a roof coatings last.
Application of Roof Coatings
Imagine if you had someone with little to no experience building your house because they happen to be handy. There’s a lot of expertise that needs to go into constructing a home properly so that it’s built to last and not everyone in construction is qualified to do so.
Roof coatings are no different.
We’ve heard of other stories where inexperienced roofing contractors apply roof coatings because it seems easy enough. And then the roof coatings fail after a short period of time and the client is disappointed in roof coatings and the contractor blames the faulty material.
Would you ever blame a faulty hammer if it was used improperly? Same issue here.
For roof coatings to adhere and function properly, they need to follow the application instructions of the manufacturer PLUS the discernment of an experienced roofer. The prep work of installing a roof coating is imperative for the product to adhere and cure correctly. Short cuts in this crucial step could lead to system failure and disappointment all around.
Weather Conditions
The other rather major factor in the durability of a roofing system is the weather. Particularly in the Midwest where Armour Roof Co. is headquartered we experience extreme fluctuations in weather. The hottest point of the year could exceed 100 degrees while the coldest temperature could be -20+.
Temperature effects the contraction and expansion of just about any product that is subject to the elements.
Think about the roads in Omaha. Every year, without fail, there are potholes that emerge in the streets during the Winter season. Wear and tear affect this and the weather plays a major factor, too. It doesn’t necessarily mean that the roads were incorrectly installed (though that could also be the case), but it points more often to the elements affecting the roads.
So while it would be ideal to have mild weather, your roof will inevitably be affected by the changing seasons of the Midwest.
Maintenance of Roof Coatings
Maintenance is one of those things that is easily overlooked in coatings. Just like your car requires regular, ongoing maintenance to perform optimally, your roof also requires some ongoing maintenance.
With every roof we finish and warranty we have clients sign up for our maintenance plan. This way we can do regular checks on the roof and remediate any vulnerabilities before they become much bigger problems. Proactively managing a problem is always cheaper than reactively managing a problem.
This prolongs the life of the roof and, in theory, roof coatings can continued to be renewed and restored indefinitely (barring any disastrous weather).
Summary
How long do roof coatings last? While we can’t definitively answer this question you have the best chance of making it last longer by choosing a company that installs it correctly and maintains it properly. Armour has had 9 seasons of experience and over 250 roof installs so time and experience make us qualified to install your roof coatings. Please call (402) 289-7869.
