Flat asphalt and rolled roofs can be protected with aluminum roof coating.Most of the products are easy to apply.If you have to clean the roof, use a pressure washer to get rid of stubborn messes.After mixing the liquid coating thoroughly, pour a small amount over one section of roofing and use a roller to spread it into a thin, even coat.Allow the coating to dry for up to 24 hours before you go onto the roof.
Step 1: You can find your way onto the roof safely.
If you're working on a multi-story commercial building, the safest way to get onto the roof is to use a roof access stairwell or ladder located on the side or rear of the building.A portable ladder tall enough to clear the roof by a few feet is needed for workshops, warehouses, and similar structures.You should stay away from the edge of the building at all times once you're on top.Consider using a safety harness and have an assistant steady the ladder for you.Make sure you steer clear of skylights, air vents, and damaged patches.Hire a professional service to get on your roof if you don't like it.
Step 2: Large pieces of debris can be gathered by hand.
If you come across leaves, twigs, or rocks, place them in a garbage bag and dispose of them later.You can avoid littering the area.Anything small can be swept off the roof during the next phase of cleaning.
Step 3: Dust and dirt can accumulate on the roof.
Make a few passes with a stiff-bristled push broom, working your way from one edge of the roof to the other.You should try to remove as much debris as possible.After it dries, any leftover materials may be seen in the new finish.Smaller debris can be swept off the rear or side of the roof, rather than over the entrance or parking lot.Another option is to use a portable shop vacuum.
Step 4: Use a pressure washer.
If the surface of the roof is dirty, you may need to use a more intensive cleaning method.The pressure washer's nozzle should be swept over the areas with stuck-on mud.When you are done, switch to a lower setting and rinse off the mess.Most smooth roofing materials should not be affected by a high pressure setting.Specialty roof cleaning solutions can help.
Step 5: The roof should be dry.
You should give the remaining time to evaporate after a pressure washing.This can take 1-2 hours on a warm day.Depending on the weather, you should be able to wait up to 24 hours.If you get started late in the day, take care of all the necessary cleaning and come back the following morning to finish applying the aluminum coating.
Step 6: The roof should be inspected for damage.
There are holes, cracks, leaks, and heavily weathered spots along the surface of the roof.The new roof coating needs to be addressed before it can be applied.Minor defects can be repaired with quick-drying roofing cement.
Step 7: There are patches with roofing cement or a similar compound.
Use a hand towel or a putty knife to spread the compound until it is smooth.Leave the compound to hardened when you're done.You may be required to use special applicators.High- strength roofing mesh can be pressed into the fresh patching compound when repairing areas larger than 3–4 inches.
Step 8: Allow the compound to dry.
Most roofing cements are set up in 90 minutes and fully hardened in 3 days.Warm, dry weather will speed things along.If you want to make the most use of your time, let 1 spot dry before you patch the next.If you handle the cement while it's wet, it will affect the appearance of the finished roof.Refer to the label for more specific instructions.
Step 9: The section was sanded flat.
Use a smooth, circular motion to run a square of high-grit sandpaper over the dried compound.This will help wear down ridges and make a more uniform surface.Continue sanding until you get the look of the surrounding roof.When you have a lot of ground to cover, a power sander can help.
Step 10: The roof needs to be swept again.
There is a need for another quick once-over to remove the dust generated by sanding.The roof will be ready for the new finish once you're done.You can rinse off the entire roof with a hose.Make sure you give it enough time to dry.
Step 11: Wait for optimal conditions to apply the coating.
There is no rain expected for 24 to 36 hours.When the outdoor temperature is between 60 and 100 F (16–38C) with low humidity, fibered aluminum roof coating provides the best coverage and dries fastest.The coating can be exposed to excess water.It can be difficult for the coating to dry correctly.
Step 12: Protect yourself with protective clothing and accessories.
Before you open the liquid aluminum coating, make sure you put on close-toed shoes, a pair of thick work gloves, and some protective eyewear.Changing into a set of old clothes that you don't mind ruining is a good idea.If you have sensitive airways, you may want to consider wearing a breathing mask.
Step 13: The bucket is filled with aluminum roof coating.
Set the bucket aside after removing the lid.A thin, black liquid rests at the top of the bucket when you first look inside.When the heavier aluminum particles sink to the bottom of the watery asphalt binder, this is normal.
Step 14: The roof coating should be mixed thoroughly.
Attach a mixing paddle head to your electric drill and put it at the bottom of the bucket.To stir the liquid coating, run the drill on the lowest speed.It will take on a shiny metallic color when properly blended.Don't set the drill to too high a speed.It will cause aluminum splatters to fly all over you and your work area.If you don't have access to a drill, a paint stirrer, or similar device will do the job for you.
Step 15: Go to the far corner of the roof.
You can go across and down for total coverage from there.It's a good idea to work your way backwards toward your access point.The rest of the rooftop should be free of unneeded tools and materials.
Step 16: There is a small section of the roof.
The bucket should be tip over the strip of 5–6 feet in length.Don't use too much at once because the creamy liquid coating spreads evenly.It is best to smooth a little at a time.Don't make a mess with the coating.It can be difficult to get out of clothing.
Step 17: The coating should be rolled into a thin, even layer.
The 4 inch nap roller is the most effective way to do this.All of your strokes will be in the same direction if you glide the roller back and forth over the fresh coating.Before moving on to a neighboring section, cover the first section of the roof completely.Make sure there are no gaps or lines in the new finish.You can apply the coating over broader areas with a long-handled roller.
Step 18: Continue rolling until you have coated the entire roof.
To blend the edges of each section, go towards the roof's opposite corner.All that is left to do is wait for the coating to dry.Before you finish the final section, you need to remove unneeded tools and equipment from the roof.
Step 19: The finish should be left to dry.
The aluminum coating needs to be stable to walk on.If the weather outside is cool or damp, it may take a little longer to reach this state.Don't go onto the roof for any reason.Mistakes made while the finish is fresh will be harder to correct.
Step 20: You can go over out-of-the-way areas by hand.
It might be a good idea to swap out your roller for a handheld brush.Use the tip of the brush to fill in crevices and corners.It is possible to use a paintbrush to work around antenna, skylights, brackets, air conditioning units, and other rooftop fixture.Don't leave drips in the dried finish by brushing with long, linear strokes.
Step 21: Allow the new coating to cure.
It may take up to 24 hours for it to be hardened to the point where it can protect against heat and pressure.Once the coating has had time to dry, it will seal, protect, and extend the lifespan of your roof.