Frequently Asked Questions

Roof Coatings

Why should I coat my roof?

THERMOTEK PRO liquid applied cool roof coating systems extend the life of a roof, reduce heat transfer into the building & decrease thermal shock, helping to mitigate leaks.

What is an Elastomeric Coating?

THERMOTEK PRO offers elastomeric roof coatings; they contain specialty polymers in their formulation. The coating film has elastic properties similar to that of a natural or synthetic rubber. The elastomer allows the roof coating the ability to be flexible to resist the damaging environmental conditions and thermal contractions a roof is subject to.

Why use a white roof coating?

THERMOTEK PRO roof coatings are white to maximize their ability to reduce heat transfer & energy costs. These advanced formulations are Energy Star Certified, providing enhanced light reflectivity and emissivity (ability to reflect sunlight & release the roof’s heat).

Will a reflective coating extend the life of my roof?

Yes. Properly applied, a THERMOTEK PRO system becomes a roof’s first line of defense against the damaging effects of water intrusion, UV rays, pollution and other airborne particulates. It also plays a key role in reducing a roof’s thermal expansion and contraction (thermal shock), limiting the occurrence and severity of cracks.

How long will a roof coating last?

Our THERMOTEK PRO roof coatings systems can last up to 20 years with proper installation and maintenance.

Certifications

What type of certifications do your products have?

Our products meet regulatory requirements and carry major certifications recognized in the US roofing market. Please refer to the THERMOTEK PRO Technical Data Guides (TDG) to determine which certification the product carries.

What is ENERGY STAR?

ENERGY STAR is a US Government sponsored program encouraging the use of energy efficient products. Roofing materials, including coatings, can qualify for ENERGY STAR if the coating meets specific solar reflectance minimum criteria.

Product Application – Before You Start

On which surfaces and substrates can THERMOTEK PRO coatings be applied?

Liquid applied roof coating are designed for low slope roofs. As for substrate, THERMOTEK PRO Acrylic Roof Coating Systems can be applied to metal, sprayed polyurethane foam (SPF), acrylic roof coatings, concrete, stucco, mortar, modified bitumen membranes, asphalt built-up surfaces & asphalt roof systems. Follow our roof repair and restoration procedures and ALWAYS perform an adhesion test (pull test) before coating the entire roof.

Why re-roof vs tear-off an existing roof?

Properly applied, liquid applied coating systems are fully adhered to the existing roof substrate. A liquid applied re-coat or restoration system offers long term sustainability for a fraction of the cost of full replacement, provided you work with an expert contractor that can locate and repair problem areas and replace wet insulation.

Under what type of weather conditions can I apply roof coatings?

For best performance, do not apply THERMOTEK PRO Acrylic Roof Coating Systems when the outside temperature and substrate temperature is below 50 ºF (10 ºC), or above 104 ºF (40 ºC),  or if cold weather, rain or fog is expected within 48 hours of application.

What application tools do I need for a THERMOTEK PRO Acrylic Roof Coating System?

The primer and roof coating can be applied by roller, brush or conventional/airless spray equipment. A brush, trowel and/or putty knife are recommended tools for application of the mastic. For a detailed list of application tools, please refer to the product’s Technical Data Guide (TDG).

Do I need a contractor, or can I do it myself?

With its Easy as 1-2-3 comprehensive installation process, THERMOTEK PRO Acrylic Roof Coating Systems can be applied by both do-it-yourselfers and experienced roofing professionals. It is strongly recommended to use a roofing contractor if there are existing issues such as leaks, wet insulation, improper drainage or damaged decking.

Product Application – PREP

How do I prepare the surface?

The roof surface must be clean, dry and free of any oil, grease, dirt and any other contaminants that may interfere with proper adhesion (pressure washing is recommended). Any loose coating must be removed. Ensure the substrate is structurally sound, fully cured and dry. Replace any wet insulation and repair any ponding areas in the roof to ensure correct drainage.

Can I coat a rusted metal area?

No. Rusted areas must be prepared and checked for compatibility.

Can roof coatings stand up in ponding water conditions?

Acrylic roof coatings are not recommended for ponding water conditions. The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) considers ponding water on any roof as undesirable and recommends that all roofs be designed and built to ensure positive drainage. If some roof areas hold ponding water, any wet insulation should be replaced, and the ponding areas addressed to ensure correct drainage.

What is a coating adhesion test (pull test)?

Pull tests are designed to validate proper adhesion between the coating and the substrate you are installing the product on. Learn how to perform a pull test by watching this video.

Do I need primer?

Yes. Although adhesion to some substrates may be obtained without the use of a primer, THERMOTEK PRO Acrylic Roof Coating Systems were formulated for high performance. Every component of the roof coating system plays a key role in creating a reliable protective barrier for your roof.

Product Application - PATCH

How can I fix a crack / seam in the roof?

For cracks less than 3/8”, clean the crack using a brush or vacuum, apply the THERMOTEK PRO ACRYLIC PRIMER and let it dry. Fill the crack completely with THERMOTEK PRO ACRYLIC MASTIC using a brush or putty knife. Once the mastic is dry, apply a layer of THERMOTEK PRO ACRYLIC ROOF COATING, embed an appropriately sized piece of THERMOTEK PRO ROOFING MESH and add a layer of roof coating to saturate the mesh, before letting the patch dry. Your patch is now complete and ready for the roof coating. Visit our Resource Center to access more detailed instructions and videos.

How can I treat a vent in the roof?

Remove the roof vent from the roof surface. Apply THERMOTEK PRO ACRYLIC MASTIC to the bottom of the vent using a brush or putty knife. Refasten/secure the vent back onto roof surface. Apply a layer of THERMOTEK PRO ACRYLIC MASTIC onto the top edges of the vent and let it dry. Next, apply a layer of THERMOTEK PRO ACRYLIC ROOF COATING, embed an appropriately sized piece of THERMOTEK PRO ROOFING MESH and add another layer of roof coating to fully saturate the mesh. Once dry, your properly prepared vent detail is now ready for the roof coating. Visit our Resource Center to access more detailed instructions and videos.

Product Application - COAT

How long does it take for THERMOTEK PRO Roof Coatings to dry?

THERMOTEK PRO Acrylic Roof Coatings cure through dehydration. Drying time will vary depending on weather conditions, such as temperature, humidity and air movement. It can take on average between 6-12 hours for rain resistance and 12 -24 hours to completely cure.

What are the coverage rates?

Roof coating coverage is highly dependent on the substrate and the texture of the surface (smooth – rough). Coverage rates for THERMOTEK PRO Acrylic Roof Coatings can vary as follows: 

  • Smooth Surfaces (i.e.: metal roofs) = 1.0 gallon / 100 sq. ft., two coats required.
  • Rough Surfaces (i.e.: granulated, concrete) = 1.0-1.5 gallon / 100 sq. ft., two coats required.

Does my coating require maintenance?

It is recommended that the roof coating is inspected on a semi-annual basis and after severe storms or high wind events. An additional layer of coating may be necessary to repair damage done by extreme weather conditions. For improved energy savings and extended protection, the roof should be cleaned yearly using detergent (such as TSP) and water only.  

Can I recoat the roof in the future?

Yes. As the coating wears away, additional coating can be applied. THERMOTEK PRO Acrylic Roof Coating Systems are renewable and sustainable. Refer to our Application Guide for details on re-coating applications.