Home and building owners know they should always care for their roofs to prevent them from becoming costly problems later. Aside from the usual roof inspection and maintenance, did you know you can apply a spray over your roof to provide additional protection?  

For instance, Bright Green Roof’s Shingle Preservation spray, a USDA-Biobased Certified Product, is designed to last up to 10 years with just one application. This spray protects your roof from harsh weather conditions, such as UV rays and heavy rain. 

Other products are available on the market, but it’s important to know the ingredients and their effectiveness in making your roof last longer. You must also decide whether to do the job yourself or hire a professional for the application. If your roof is difficult to access and the area is large, it might be best to hire someone with experience and proper equipment for a more thorough application.

What Is a Roof Spray?

A roof spray is a specially formulated coating applied to a roof’s surface to enhance its durability, weather resistance, and overall lifespan. Typically made from elastomers, silicones, acrylics, or polyurethane, roof sprays serve multiple functions. They act as a protective barrier against various environmental factors, including ultraviolet (UV) rays, rain, snow, and extreme temperatures.

Additionally, these coatings seal small cracks and leaks to prevent water infiltration that could lead to structural damage or mold growth. Applying a roof spray is a proactive measure that extends the entire roof’s service life and enhances its appearance, making it a valuable investment for maintaining and protecting a property.

Types of Roof Coatings and Their Lifespans

Elastomeric Coatings

Elastomeric roof coatings are versatile and flexible materials that stretch and return to their original state without damage. This type of roof coating forms a thick, rubber-like layer over the roof surface, offering protection against water infiltration and UV radiation. These coatings are commonly used for flat and low-slope roofs.

Depending on environmental conditions and the application quality, this coating can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years. Regular maintenance and inspections can maximize the coating’s lifespan. Proper application and adherence to manufacturer guidelines ensure the elastomeric coating provides long-term protection.

Silicone Coatings

Silicone coatings are known for superior resistance to ponding water and extreme weather conditions. This type of roof coating creates a reflective surface that lowers roof temperatures, reducing cooling costs during hot months. Silicone coatings also have strong adhesive properties to keep them intact, even on aging roofs.

Silicone coatings typically last 15 to 20 years, making them one of the more durable options for roof protection. Their longevity largely depends on factors such as the application thickness, environmental conditions, and proper maintenance.

Acrylic Coatings

Acrylic roof coatings are water-based solutions that are easy to apply and environmentally friendly. They provide good UV protection and reduce the roof’s surface temperature. Acrylic coatings are ideal for various roofing materials, including metal, concrete, and asphalt. However, they may need more frequent reapplication than other coating types.

Acrylic coatings typically have a 5 to 10-year lifespan. Despite their shorter lifespan than elastomeric and silicone coatings, they are relatively easy and cost-effective to reapply. Regular inspections and timely maintenance can extend the longevity of acrylic coatings for continued protection and energy efficiency for the roof.

Polyurethane Coatings

Polyurethane coatings are durable and robust, providing excellent chemical resistance and high levels of impact protection. There are two types of polyurethane coatings. Aromatic polyurethane is generally used as a base coat due to its resilience, while aliphatic polyurethane is used as a top coat for its UV stability and color retention.

Polyurethane coatings have a lifespan of approximately 10 to 20 years. Aromatic polyurethane, typically used as a base coat, improves the roofing system’s overall durability and impact resistance. While Aliphatic polyurethane, used as a top coat, enhances UV stability and color retention, maintaining the roof’s aesthetic appeal over time.

Asphalt Coatings

Asphalt coatings, often called blacktops or bitumen coatings, comprise bituminous materials. Applying a fresh coat of this product offers a cost-effective solution for waterproofing and is typically used on roofs with a steep slope. Asphalt coatings can be reinforced with fiberglass to enhance their strength and durability.

This coating type usually has a lifespan of 5 to 10 years. The addition of fiberglass reinforcement can extend its durability and overall effectiveness. Regular maintenance can maximize the lifespan of asphalt coatings, ensuring continued protection against water infiltration and UV damage.

Plant-Based Coatings

You can use plant-based coatings if you’re looking for an environmentally safe roof spraying material for your shingles. One product example is Bright Green Roof’s roof rejuvenation spray, which is 100% plant-based and doesn’t need to be mixed with water. It works by refreshing the oil in the lost shingle mat from outside elements like weathering.

Plant-based roof coatings can extend a roof’s lifespan up to 5 years. However, you can apply BGR’s spray up to three times, adding 15 years of extra life to shingle roofs that are still healthy enough for application.

What Is the Best Roof Coating for Shingles?

This depends on several factors, including the type and condition of your shingles, your budget, and your desired level of protection. However, acrylic coatings often stand out as an ideal choice. Acrylic coatings are known for their durability, excellent UV resistance, and flexibility, making them well-suited for protecting shingle roofs from the elements. In addition, they provide a reflective surface that can help reduce energy costs by lowering roof temperatures.

But if you want an environmentally safe shingle roof coating, you can use a plant-based coating.  This type of coating uses renewable resources and has no harmful chemicals, making it a popular choice for eco-conscious homeowners. Plant-based coatings offer the same benefits as acrylic coatings in terms of durability and UV resistance while being more sustainable.

Additional Tips to Prolong Roof Lifespan

• Regular Inspections. Schedule routine inspections at least twice yearly and after major storms to find and fix underlying issues immediately. Look for signs of damage, such as missing or broken shingles, rusted flashing, and accumulated debris.
• Clean Gutters and Downspouts. Ensure your gutters and downspouts are leaves, twigs, and debris-free. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and damage the roof’s edge or foundation.
• Trim Overhanging Branches. Trim or cut hanging tree branches over your roof. Overhanging branches can scratch or destroy your roof during a storm, while its leaves can clog gutters, leading to water damage.
• Remove Debris. Regularly clear off debris from the roof surface, such as leaves, twigs, and dirt. Accumulated debris can trap moisture and lead to mold growth or rot. Building owners should consider hiring a roofing company to achieve a safer debris-cleaning job.
• Address Moss and Algae Growth. Use roof-safe cleaning solutions to remove moss and algae. These organisms can degrade roofing materials and reduce the roof’s lifespan.
• Inspect and Maintain Flashing. Check the flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights for corrosion and leaks. Quality sealed and maintained flashing prevents water infiltration.
• Ensure Proper Attic Ventilation. Adequate ventilation in the attic regulates temperature and moisture levels. Proper ventilation can prevent ice dam formation and reduce the chances of mold growth.
• Install Insulation. Adequately insulate your attic to maintain a steady internal temperature, reducing the strain on your roofing materials caused by temperature fluctuations.
• Repair Leaks Promptly. Fix leaks right away to avoid extensive water damage and structural problems. Ignoring leaks can lead to expensive repairs in the long run.
• Consider Quality Roofing Materials. Invest in high-quality roofing materials that offer superior durability and weather resistance. While they might be costlier upfront, they can save on roof replacement and repair costs in the long run.

Need Professional Assistance in Making Your Roof Last Longer? Contact Us Today!

Various factors must be considered when choosing the best shingle coating and prolonging your roof’s lifespan. If you need expert guidance in selecting the right materials or maintaining your roofing system, Referred Roof Cleaning can help. Our team has been in the business for years, restoring roofs to extend their service life. 

We use the most suitable coatings for your roof, such as the Shingle Preservation spray from Bright Green Roof. This product is an eco-friendly and innovative solution for extending the lifespan and enhancing the durability of roof shingles. 

Contact Referred Roof Cleaning today for more information about our shingle preservation roof spray and other services!