All You Need to Know about Asphalt Emulsion Roof Coating Systems

Roof coatings can help protect your roof from strong winds, heavy rains, hail, snow, and other severe weather conditions. So, it is essential to coat your roof with a water-resistant and durable architectural roof coating like an asphalt emulsion roof coating. This roof coating is compatible with other roofing membranes and coatings as well as easily applicable to existing roofs. 

What Is Asphalt Emulsion?

Bentonite clay, water, and asphalt are emulsified using a colloid mill to make asphalt emulsion. The emulsifying process breaks down the molecule size and produces a stable, waterproof compound. Asphalt emulsion is odorless, affordable, non-flammable, and non-fibrous. It effectively seals all seams and cracks in your existing roofing system, stabilizing the roof substrates.

Where is Asphalt Roof Coating Used?

An asphalt roof coating is mainly used as a waterproofing compound for:

• Modified Bitumen
• Existing BUR (built-up) roofs
• Hypalon
• Coal tar pitch
• TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) roofs
• Gravel roofs
• EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) roofs

When Should You Use Asphalt Emulsion Coating Systems?

If you have any of the above-mentioned roofing systems and are looking to extend its life indefinitely, an asphalt emulsion coating system can be used. However, your roof should be inspected by a roofing expert to determine whether it qualifies for an emulsion roof coating. Minor deck and moisture issues can be resolved, but if the entire roof is damaged or not structurally sound, then replacement may be your only option.

What Are the Benefits of Using Asphalt Emulsion Systems?

Here are some benefits of an asphalt emulsion system:

• Has UL (Underwriters laboratory) and FM (factory mutual) ratings and renewable manufacturer warranty.
• Is seamless, durable, flexible, and tough.
• More economical, meaning you can build it up to the required thickness without wasting extra money.
• Is water-based and does not require heat or flame during  application, so there is no fume-related danger to occupants and roofing experts.
• Will meet and exceed LEED (leadership in energy and environmental design) requirements with energy-saving reflective coatings.
• Can be upgraded on your existing roof and used to repair your damaged roof without tearing it off.
• Contains chopped fiberglass and polyester that reinforces its strength.
• Has fluid-applied monolithic membrane that is seam and water-resistant.

How to Apply an Asphalt Emulsion Roof Coating?

Before applying, ensure the temperature is not lower than 50 degrees Fahrenheit as water-based coatings should not freeze before the water content evaporates. Asphalt roof coating is elastomeric, so they perform well in fluctuating temperatures and hold up well in freeze-thaw areas.

To apply the coating:

• Clean the surface using a blower or stiff broom or pressure wash if necessary.
• Apply the coating using rollers, soft brooms, or spray equipment.
• Carefully apply polyester fabric into wet asphalt emulsion to prevent bridging and gaps.
• When coating acrylics on non-fibered asphalt emulsion, ensure the polyester is not saturated with asphalt emulsion. The acrylic coatings should stick to the polyester fabric.

Are you looking for the best commercial roofing company in California for asphalt emulsion roof coating?  Contact Applied Roofing Services today at 714-632-8418 or get a quote online.