A lasting solution lies in the details

By Dani Sheehan. 

A successful roof restoration project requires thoroughly evaluating the roof, addressing problem areas with durable materials and adapting to site-specific challenges. 

When it comes to roof restoration, the difference between a quick fix and a lasting solution lies in the details. In a recent episode of CoatingsTalk, Heidi J. Ellsworth got to see this firsthand as she joined industry experts John Athanasion and Mike Negrete from APOC on an active roof restoration project. They walked through a thorough roof evaluation before diving into repairs and provided tips and tricks in both English and Spanish. Whether you’re a seasoned contractor or brand new to coatings, their insights are invaluable for tackling complex roofing challenges. 

John showed the importance of examining every part of the roof to best understand the failure and find a solution to the problem rather than the symptoms. He shows a crack in the wall, saying, “We have cracking all along here. Naturally, you can come up here and put a little seal around this and call it a day.” Cracks in walls, deteriorated flashings and ponding water may seem like isolated issues, but they often point to deeper problems. He continues examining further along the wall: “All the flashings they use, they're all lead. Naturally, they have some sealant that's cracking down here. This is really not the problem. It's up here at the top. They need a collar, a clamp and then sealant at the top. They use tape here, which works fine. When you make a repair, if you see cracks in it should chip that out before you make that repair.” 

A common mistake in roof restoration is taking shortcuts that lead to early failures. John stressed the importance of fully addressing problem areas: 

• Flashing: As he showed on the rooftop, counter-flashings and collars need to be sealed correctly. He recommended using fabric reinforcements to help increase the longevity of the system. 
• Walk pads: Instead of merely running sealant alongside walk pads, John and Mike suggested encapsulating the perimeter with fabric to prevent water intrusion. 
• Ponding water: Mike showed a low part of the roof that had been repaired using lightweight concrete. As he explained, it’s easy to prepare and mix, quickly improving drainage and reducing wear on the roof system. 

Read the transcript, Listen to the podcast or Watch the webinar to learn more tips for evaluating site-specific challenges and delivering lasting results in your roof restoration projects.