Metal roofs are made from a variety of metals, such as copper and zinc. They have the longest lifespan of any roofing material because they are durable and maintenance-free.
Metal roof coatings are typically considered a supplemental defense against the natural elements and not a primary defense. With a metal roof coating, you are typically adding 5-15 years of protection to the metal roof's lifespan and effectively lengthen its lifespan.
Metal roof coatings will not work on every metal surface. They should be applied to a primed and bare metal surface that is free of any contaminants, including dirt and rust.
Here are four coatings that can lengthen your metal roof’s lifespan and performance.
Galvanization is a process that applies an electrochemical film of zinc to the steel. Galvanization helps prevent rusting, which will lengthen the lifespan of the roofing material. Manufacturers perform metal roofing galvanization by dipping the metal into a bath of molten zinc.
Galvanization can add anywhere from 20 to 50 years to the life of metal roofing, depending on the type of metal. If you consider that a steel roof can have a 45-50-year lifespan, your metal roof can live up to 100 years or beyond, making it perfect for long-lasting properties.
Acrylic is a type of plastic and it is used to coat metal roofing surfaces and others. It is a protective layer that prevents rust from forming on the metal roofing surface, and also helps prevent the metal from corroding.
Acrylic is usually made from a combination of organic and inorganic compounds, with a silicon-containing polymer as the main constituent. A process called polymerization mixes two types of acrylic monomers mix together in high temperature. This material coating can withstand strong storms, winds, and even footfalls.
Silicon coating is a liquid applied to the metal roof that can help extend its lifespan by protecting it from the elements. Using silicon coating can extend the roof's lifespan by up to 5-10 years, depending on how well the metal roof is maintained.
Silicon coating is made from Silicon Dioxide and Silicon Tetrachloride. Originally, there was no widely-used method for manufacturing silicon coating, as it was created through a process called vapor deposition. This process involves the use of a vacuum chamber and either a hot filament or an electron beam.
Silicon coating is resistant to water, moisture, and corrosion, making it an ideal coating for metal roofing materials.
Metal roofing is a popular choice for building owners due to its durability, low-maintenance, and affordability. However, without a coat of paint or protective coating, metal roofs will corrode and deteriorate over time.
When a metal roof is not coated, it will corrode because the metal is porous and does not seal well against water, oxygen, and chemicals. The underside of the roof—the side that is exposed to the weather—will suffer from corrosion and potentially structural damage. The presence of rust can also diminish the lifespan of your roof by accelerating deterioration in other parts.
If you want to have your roof professionally installed and coated, you can always count on us at Turbo Roofing for all your needs. Contact us today to learn more.