Preparing a Roof That Has Been Previously Coated

Previously coated roofs are still candidates for fully effective restoration

Guest Blog, Catherine Burkel, American WeatherStar

The cliché “you are only as good as what you stick to” is quite appropriate when it comes to a roof coating job on a previously coated roof. Roofs that have been coated in the past are the most challenging for effective roof repair via the application of a new roof coating system.

Fortunately, previously coated roofs are still candidates for fully effective restoration. With modern roof coating technology, several coatings and primers can easily adhere to just about any substrate or aged coating materials.

As a contractor, the adhesion capabilities of new roof coating products and systems should not be your only concern. The other questions lie just beneath your job. If the existing coating isn’t strongly adhered to the roof substrate, the new system you install may release from the roof with the old coating.  Basically, if the old system comes off the roof, the new coating system will come off with it.

Basically, if the old system comes off the roof, the new coating system will come off with it.

How do you know if the existing coating has reliable adhesion? Pressure washing. Aggressive pressure washing. We recommend using a rotary nozzle (turbo tip) to determine the adhesive state of the materials on the roof. This method will show potential flaws that may not be obvious problems during a general roof survey.

Old coatings, especially aluminum, are often not adhered well to metal or flat roofs. By doubling the amount of time spent pressure washing an old roof coating with a turbo tip, you can ensure the old materials are completely removed from the substrate. Or, if the material can’t be removed with the pressure washing, you know the adhesion is stable. Either outcome will give you the confidence to apply the new coating system without any doubts.

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