CAN A ROOF COATING SAVE MY CEMENT TILE ROOF?
As the cost of installing a new roof continues to rise, Acrylux has been receiving more inquiries about our waterproofing systems. This is a complex question to answer and we usually start by gauging our customer’s short and long-term expectations. Next, we evaluate the type of roof design and surface that is going to be coated as well as the age and condition of the roof system. It is important that each situation is evaluated individually to determine if they are a proper candidate for waterproofing. Common roof systems that are inquired about include asphalt-based flat roofs, shingle roofs, and cement tile roofs. Although these roof systems can be waterproofed successfully, there are many important considerations to review before an investment is made. This article will be about cement tile roofs since they are the most rewarding yet the most difficult to waterproof.
The cement tile roof is by far the most frequently inquired about. Cement tile roofs are very expensive to replace due to the intense labor of removing old tiles, purchasing new tiles, and installing new tiles. A common misconception is that cement tiles are the cause of a leaky tile roof, but it is actually the underlayment beneath the tiles. Often times the structural wood below the underlayment is in perfect condition and the cement tiles are secure and functional. This seems like an unfortunate waste of resources and money simply because the underlayment (the least expensive component of the roof ) has become brittle and lost its waterproofing qualities. This leads many homeowners to search for a roof coating to solve their problems. Being properly informed is vital because countless roof coating suppliers, especially in the consumer market, do not properly explain everything that is required to save a cement tile roof for the long term.
Acrylux has manufactured roof coatings since the early 1970s and was a pioneer in waterproofing cement tile roofs. So, will waterproof coatings save your cement tile roof? The answer is maybe. Before deciding to waterproof an aged cement tile roof with active leaks an inspection by a qualified individual should be carried out to determine the integrity of the structural portion of the roof. The roof should not show signs of rotted wood sheathing, rusted metal flashing, or missing tiles, and all nail-on tiles should be secure. If the roof is determined to be in healthy shape, then a waterproofing system can be considered. It is also highly recommended to repair any active leaks before the waterproofing systems are applied.
Another large misconception about roof coatings is that once the product is applied, all previous and future issues are taken care of. Unfortunately, there are critical steps that must be taken prior to applying these coatings. Because all tile roofs are not seamless by nature; there are open seams above, below, and on each side of every tile which must be filled prior to the coating being applied. Roof coatings are not capable of bridging these gaps between all of the tiles unless multiple coats are applied--upwards of possibly four or five coats. Because this is not practical, the best approach is to grout the tiles with an appropriate workable cement slurry or caulk each tile as needed. Although labor intensive, this approach gives a much more permanent seam that will last indefinitely as long as the roof is maintained with good quality coatings.
Once a seamless surface has been created, then a roof coating can do its job by creating a breathable covering over the entire roof area. Essentially the roof coating becomes the primary waterproofing by keeping moisture from ever reaching the deteriorated tar paper below. If you had all leaks fixed prior to coating the roof, the paper below is still functional and becomes the secondary waterproofing. This type of system has been applied to thousands of cement tile roofs over the years with many of them being maintained to well over 50 years; that s twice the original lifespan of the roof. So if your roof is a good candidate for a waterproof coating, YES, your roof can be saved.