Coating metal roof

Rosemary · Sat Feb 07, 2009 3:36 pm

I have a yr 2000 SW. I was just approached by a man to coat my roof with Henry Roof Coating. For one coat he is asking $325.00 I asked him about cleaning it first. That is extra. My roof is in good condition which he also commented on, no rust but I am sure I could clean some dirt off if I tried. Should it be cleaned prior to coating? If so, is it recommended to use a pressure washer for this or not? Also, is one coat enough for a roof in good condition? THanks, Rosemary

Yanita · Sat Feb 07, 2009 3:47 pm

Hi Rosemary,

First off anyone that approaches another like you mentioned I would be leery of. First off do they have a contractors license, insurance and comp insurance. If not you are putting yourself in jeopardy. If this man should fall off your roof, you are the one to foot the bill. Any damages he may do again will be your responsibility. WILL he do the job in it's entirety, before payment is rendered? If you question any of this then I would decline the offer.

Secondly, when someone gives you a quote it should be for the entire job, not part of it, and cleaning the roof for proper adhesion is part of this job.

If your roof is in good condition then leave it alone. The more a MH roof is walked on the weaker it can get, especially if the person up there does not know where to walk.

I commend you for coming here and asking before shelling out your hard earned money. JD is our on site roof specialist, I am sure he will post his thoughts to this as well.

JMO,

Yanita

Greg · Sat Feb 07, 2009 4:11 pm

Rosemary, I have always maintained that it is best to leave the roof alone untill it needs coating. If there is no rust or any leaks, as Yanita said stay off of it. Greg

Rosemary · Sat Feb 07, 2009 6:42 pm

Thanks Guys, And JD has responded to me before. I guess I was being swayed. JD has given me good advice. I think I will leave my roof alone for now. I recently placed gutters and was a bit squeamish as they walked along the roof. Am hoping that they did no damage. Will see. Thank You all, so wonderful that I can contact my MH family. Many Blessings to all. Rosemary

JD · Sat Feb 07, 2009 10:00 pm

Hi Rosemary,

Yanita and Greg gave excellent advice. As to the way to wash the roof, I feel a pressure washer is best because it can remove more oxidation of the old coating and metal and can give a deeper cleaning. A stiff brush and Simple Green (or similar cleaner) in a bucket will also work as an alternative, but is more work and may not wash as well. It also has a tendency to make streaks in the siding as soapy and rinse water runs over the side. When I pressure wash, I use only water.

One coat of Henry's or any elastomeric over the entire surface of the roof is not a good idea. There is just not enough product to give the coating body. It will have a tendency to wear out or peel too soon. I would think that 2 coats would be the minimum to have a decent effect. When I coat an entire roof, there is a minimum of 4 coats in the field and 5 coats at the seam tape. A premium job would be 6/7 coats. The more coats, the longer the roof will last when done properly. Two coats may suffice as a touch-up on a roof in good condition.

Before letting anyone coat your roof, be sure it is needed, as others have said. It is best to look at the roof yourself or have a competent friend or family member look at it. The guy selling the service may be pushing for the sale. If you can not look at the roof yourself, have someone (the friend or contractor) take pictures that you can look at and upload to this site. You will be looking for cracking, peeling or generally worn out coatings. Get good looks at vents, edges and the ridge cap. You really only need 3-4 pictures of the worst spots. This should be enough to determine whether it is time to service the roof or not.

JD