Elastomeric Roof Coating Project in Photos

Roof coating project over a Built-Up Roof System (BUR) in Apache Junction, AZ.  

 

Completed on February 3, 2017 by The Roof Medics.

 

The first set of photos are the BEFORE photos showing the general condition of the roof:

 

 

  

 

 

The second set of photos shows the priming & coating step: 

  

  

 

 

The last set of photos shows the finished roof: 

 

  

 

  

 

If you have a roof issue, we are the professional roofers you’ve been looking for.  We are honest and professional and take our jobs very seriously.  We look to provide you the customer service you don’t expect from our industry.

To set an appointment for someone to come and look at your roof problem, please call 480-284-7338 or click here.

The Roof Medics – Roof Repair and Roof Replacement Specialists – Residential & Commericial Licensed, Bonded, Insured  – AZ ROC CR42 License #256001

Serving Phoenix, Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, Scottsdale

Self-Adhering Bituminous Roofing Membranes

This is an excerpt from a good article written about Bituminous Roofing Membranes:









The ancient Mesopotamians had it right when they began using asphalt to waterproof temple baths and water tanks. The Phoenicians later found asphalt useful in caulking the seams of their merchant ships. And when they needed to seal their baths, reservoirs, and aqueducts, guess what substance the Romans relied on? Thousands of years later, asphalt has a proven track record documenting its ability to resist water penetration. 

The ancient Mesopotamians had it right when they began using asphalt to waterproof temple baths and water tanks. The Phoenicians later found asphalt useful in caulking the seams of their merchant ships. And when they needed to seal their baths, reservoirs, and aqueducts, guess what substance the Romans relied on? Thousands of years later, asphalt has a proven track record documenting its ability to resist water penetration. 







The premise has remained the same, but the technology has changed. In the past decade, major advances have been made in asphalt roofing. Modified bituminous roof membranes, for example, have emerged as a popular option for low-sloped roofs. 





Asphalt used in manufacturing modified bitumen systems is generally modified with one of two materials: atactic polypropylene (APP) or styrene butadiene styrene (SBS). These modifiers create a uniform matrix that enhances the physical properties of the asphalt. 



When added to asphalt, APP gives the substance plastic properties, creating greater elasticity and stretching the modified asphalt. Likewise, the SBS polymer soaks up asphalt like a sponge, fixes its shape and form, and imparts flexibility and resilience to the membrane. Thus, the membrane is self-sealing around nails. 



SBS-modified bitumen membranes resist water penetration while exhibiting superior elongation and recovery properties over a wide range of temperature extremes. This high-performance benefit makes them exceptionally durable, reliable and easy to maintain. 

Greatest of Ease

Add "versatile" to that list of attributes. Historically, modified bitumen membranes were torch-applied, mop-applied using hot asphalt or applied with solvent-based adhesives. Newer membranes combine the performance of proven modified bituminous compounds with a self-adhesive bituminous layer for ease of application. 



Constructed in a similar fashion to traditional modified bituminous materials, self-adhesive compounds comprise asphalt, polymers and fillers. Additionally, certain resins may be added to improve adhesion characteristics. The membranes are reinforced with fiberglass, polyester or a combination of the two. 



Among the advantages of self-adhesive membranes are safe and fast application through the use of highly engineered asphalts. Self-adhesive membranes also reduce the need for hot asphalt. In low-slope roofing, you can choose from a range of peel-and-stick self-adhesive products that have been used successfully on high-density, fume-sensitive occupancy type buildings such as health care facilities and schools. 



Based on their growing popularity, there is an ASTM International standard written to address self-adhesive membranes installed beneath exposed roofing materials (ASTM D1970, "Standard Specification for Self-Adhering Polymer Modified Bituminous Sheet Materials Used as Steep Roofing Underlayment for Ice Dam Protection.") In addition, standards are currently being developed to address APP and SBS based self-adhesive membranes in both low-slope and steep-slope applications. 

Residential Appeal

Self-adhering bituminous membranes are used in sloped roofing (greater than 2:12) as an underlayment to help prevent water entry from ice dams at the eave areas of shingled roofs in cold climates. Contractors and homeowners should always check local building codes to confirm eave protection requirements. 



Typically, these membranes are installed from the eaves edge to a point at least 24 inches inside the exterior wall line of the building, beneath the finished shingle layers. The adhesive asphalt component effectively seals the membrane to itself, and around the shanks of nails used in overlying shingles, so that any water that is forced underneath the shingle layers by wind or ice dams does not reach the deck or attic space below. 



Self-adhesive underlayment membranes can also be used as part of a flashing system in valleys or around roof penetrations (skylights, vent stacks, etc.), and are commonly applied beneath roofing materials on lower sloped roofs (2:12 to 4:12). 



In lower-sloped residential roofs (2:12 to 4:12), homeowners and roofing contractors can also apply the underlayment membrane over the entire roof area, to protect the roof should water get underneath the shingle layer. Some self-adhering membranes are actually designed to be applied as exposed roof coverings, and are covered with colored granules, similar to asphalt shingles. When installed, these membranes form a strong vapor seal over the attic. 



Some builders have found this type of membrane to be so durable that it can remain exposed on the roof longer than other membranes (in some cases days or even weeks), allowing them time to get back to the job at hand. 



Whether the membrane is exposed or not, moist air entering the attic from the heated living space below can be trapped beneath the membrane-covered roof deck and condense. Serious problems such as wood rot, mold development and water staining can occur. 



To avoid condensation problems, the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) recommends installing sufficient insulation, covering the entire attic floor to reduce heat migration into the attic. Homeowners and contractors should consider installing a continuous vapor retarder on the floor of the attic, beneath the insulation. Adequate through-ventilation should be installed to ensure sufficient airflow through the attic cavity. 

The entire original article was written by Reed Hitchcock and can be found here.

If you have a roof issue, we are the professional roofers you’ve been looking for.  We are honest and professional and take our jobs very seriously.  We look to provide you the customer service you don’t expect from our industry.

To set an appointment for someone to come and look at your roof problem, please call 480-284-7338 or click here.

The Roof Medics – Roof Repair and Roof Replacement Specialists – Residential & Commericial Licensed, Bonded, Insured  – AZ ROC CR42 License #256001
Serving the Phoenix Metro Area, Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, Scottsdale, Glendale

Roof Certifications

So, You Need A Roof Certification

Roof Certifications are usually required by a mortgage company during a real estate transaction.  A home inpector or home appraiser has raised concerns about a roof and the lender wants assurance that the roof will not be a problem for the new homeowner (or the lender themselves).  Roof Certifications are warranties that roofing contractors issue on a roof that assure a third party that there are no defects.  Here is where the roofing contractor comes in.  A roof certification means a roofing contractor is issuing a warranty on a roof that he did not install.

Not all roofs will get a roof certification.  A roof certification starts with a history of the roof followed by an inspection then followed by any repairs needed.  There are many factors that go into approving a roof certification.  The age of the roof is a big factor.  Leak or repair history is a big component.  The roofing contractor who is asked to certify a roof he did not install is looking at future liability.  There are usually repairs needed to get a roof up to a certifiable level.  This is an additional cost to the cost of the roof certification.

Don’t let your roof be victim to the “out of sight, out of mind” attitude that we are all accustomed to.
If you have a roof issue, we are the professional roofers you’ve been looking for.  We are honest and professional and take our jobs very seriously.  We look to provide you the customer service you don’t expect from our industry.

To set an appointment for someone to come and look at your roof problem, please call 480-284-7338 or click here.

The Roof Medics – Roof Repair and Roof Replacement Specialists – Residential & Commericial Licensed, Bonded, Insured  – AZ ROC CR42 License #256001
Serving the Phoenix Metro Area, Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, Scottsdale, Glendale

Roof Inspections

Inspecting Your Roof to Get Ahead of Problems

Protect Your Investment With A Roof Inspection

How do you know what is going on your roof?  Most people have no idea what is going on up there.  As a contractor, we are constantly surprised by what we find on roofs and sometimes the amount of it, like debris, toys, tools, bird poop, old roofing material, toys, clothes, rocks, bottles and water.

Your roof protects you from the elements, but do you protect your roof?  Start by inspecting it at least once per year (especially right before the harsh Arizona Monsoon Season).  By checking out your roof you will help it last longer, promote drainage and see what condition it is in and what repairs, if any, need to be completed.

Should you do a roof inspection yourself?  The quick answer is "No."  Most people have no business getting on a roof as they are not used to climbing a ladder, navigating parapet walls and walking on a pitched roof.  Roofers are the best option to have walking on your roof - this is what they do.  They also know what makes up a roof, how roofs are installed and what to look at for existing or potential roof problems.  No matter what, safety is key.  If you do not feel safe doing it - DON'T!  Get a professional to do it.

A roof inspection will consist of climbing up/down a ladder, walking the roof (although there are some roofs not suitable for walking), noticing existing roof problems or potential roof problems, taking photos, and taking measurements as needed.  A typical roof inspection should take between 10-60 minutes per roof depending on size and type of roof.  Residential roofs are typically smaller than commercial roofs thus taking a shorter time.

Don’t let your roof be victim to the “out of sight, out of mind” attitude that we are all accustomed to.

If you have a roof issue, we are the professional roofers you’ve been looking for.  We are honest and professional and take our jobs very seriously.  We look to provide you the customer service you don’t expect from our industry.

To set an appointment for someone to come and look at your roof problem, please call 480-284-7338 or click here.

The Roof Medics – Roof Repair and Roof Replacement Specialists – Residential & Commericial Licensed, Bonded, Insured  – AZ ROC CR42 License #256001

Serving Phoenix, Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, Scottsdale

Roof Drains and Proper Drainage

 
 

Roof drainage is one of the most important aspect of roofing.  The longer water is on your roof, the longer it has to find a way through your roof system.

 

There are different kinds of roof drainage systems.  The most common are eaves (open edges of your roof), roof scuppers (holes through walls), and roof drains (holes through the roof into drainage pipes).  Roof scuppers and roof drains need the most attention because they are more likely to clog and interfere with water draining off of the roof.

Simple steps can be taken to help keep water flowing off of your roof instead of into your house or building.  Routine maintenance and cleaning, including removal of trash and debris with emphasis on keeping the scuppers and drains cleared.  We always recommend cleaning at least once per year, preferably before the monsoon season. 

Don't let your roof be victim to the "out of sight, out of mind" attitude that we are all accustomed to.

If you have a roof issue, we are the professional roofers you’ve been looking for.  We are honest and professional and take our jobs very seriously.  We look to provide you the customer service you don’t expect from our industry.

To set an appointment for someone to come and look at your roof problem, please call 480-284-7338 or click here.

The Roof Medics – Roof Repair and Roof Replacement Specialists – Residential & Commericial Licensed, Bonded, Insured  – AZ ROC CR42 License #256001

Roof Cleaning & Maintenance

When rain falls in the Valley of the Sun, the water is supposed to hit your roof and flow off as quickly as possible.  One of the biggest causes of roof problems we find in the Phoenix Metro area (Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, etc..) is poor roof maintenance.  It is usually a build-up of debris left on a roof by birds or trees. These build-ups cause rain water to flow improperly (sideways and even backwards!) eventually causing roof leaks.  The roof debris can also cause roof drains to clog or be blocked.

Roofs need maintenance (including periodic cleaning, inspections & repairs) like a car needs an oil change and a tire rotation.  How much maintenance depends on the age and type of roof (shingle roof, tile roof, flat roof, foam roof).  These simple steps can help your roof get the most useful life.  We see, all too commonly, roofs prematurally failing due to lack of maintenance and cleaning.

Don't let your roof be victim to the "out of sight, out of mind" attitude that we are all accustomed to.

If you have a roof issue, we are the professional roofers you’ve been looking for.  We are honest and professional and take our jobs very seriously.  We look to provide you the customer service you don’t expect from our industry.

To set an appointment for someone to come and look at your roof problem, please call 480-284-7338 or click here.

The Roof Medics – Roof Repair and Roof Replacement Specialists – Residential & Commericial Licensed, Bonded, Insured  – AZ ROC CR42 License #256001

Tile Roof Installation - The Roof Medics