subject: More Smart Reasons To Paint Your Roof [print this page] More and more people are finding out how roof coatings can increase their homes' energy-efficiency. In recent years, paint and other coating materials have evolved, offering a variety of options for application to all types and styles of roof surfaces.
Keep Your Money Under the Roof
Heat from the summer sun is naturally attracted to nearly all types of roofing materials - asphalt shingle, metal, cedar, etc. Heat saturates the material and conducts through into attic space and ultimately into the home, causing your air-conditioning to work overtime.
In cold weather, the opposite is true. Heat from the home rises like a magnet to the heat-attracting roof material and literally goes "through the roof", taking your heating bill with it. Homeowners continue to seek low-cost methods to reduce heating and cooling costs and roof coatings are quickly catching on as a new way to bring relief to an age-old problem.
Thermal coatings - often referred to as "cool roof" coatings - seal the roofing material, adding a protective layer to trap heat from either coming in or going out. In addition to roof coatings, interior painting of attic ceilings is a highly effective way to increase energy efficiency.
Weather Repellant
Elastomeric coatings provide weather protection, sealing roofs from water, wind and snow transfer. Flatter pitched roofs that don't drain well or multi-level roofs that tend to trap moisture are prime candidates for elastomeric coatings.
Curb Appeal
Cedar shingled roofs incur sun and weather damage and require fresh stain for both cosmetic and maintenance reasons. Remember to include roofs on decks, pool houses and other out-buildings.
Who to Call - Painter or Roofer?
Most likely, a roofer is going to try to talk you into replacing your roof - that's where the big money is. A good paint contractor, on the other hand, has the expertise to paint all surfaces and fully understands the wide range of benefits to be gained with professional painting.
If you know - or even suspect - that your home's energy costs are being affected by heating or cooling loss through your roof, contact a full-service paint contractor with roof coating experience. Likewise, if your roof is getting close to replacement age, consider the fractional expense and positive results of coating the surface.
TIP: Choose a contractor with experience and the right equipment to handle your type of roof. Ask for references and be sure they have necessary harnesses and lifts. Above all, be sure your contractor shows proof that they are fully licensed and insured.
