FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
- How can white roof coating help me?
An energy efficient Energy Star® certified, white, reflective, elastomeric coating manufactured by Elastek can reflect up to 92% of visible light, keeping the roof surface much cooler than with aluminum, black, or non-reflective roofing materials. Lower temperatures mean less energy usage, and translates to money saved. Elastomeric roof coatings protect the roof substrate adding years to your roof, plus saves against costly tear-offs and re-roofing.
- How does reflectivity vary?
Reflectivity varies with coating used and environmental exposure. White coatings become less reflective when dirty. - Can I get a roof coating in some other color than white?
Elastek offers Desert Tan and Energy Tan™ coatings and can custom-tint roof coatings upon request. We recommend using a white coating whenever possible; but if it is not feasible, then a light or medium color is achievable. Remember, tinted coatings draw more heat and are not as energy efficient as white coatings. - Does my roof qualify for a roof coating?
Most low-slope roofs in good shape qualify for an elastomeric roof coating made by Elastek. To be sure, contact a local licensed contractor to evaluate your roof. Elastek manufactures coatings for a variety of roofing substrates, asphalt, Hypolon, BUR, foam, rolled roofing, EPDM, shingles (please read our coating shingles bulletin first), modified bitumen, concrete, etc. Please call us if you have any questions about your roof. - How do I choose the proper coating?
Elastek manufactures four different grades of elastomeric roof coatings. Two coatings are for roofs that are pitched and drain well (The SHIELD and Solar Magic). Two coatings may be used on roofs with slow drainage. (Solar Mastic and Solar Tek Extreme). Price should not be the only factor. Inexpensive coatings do not last as long and may not save money if they are not the correct coating for the job. - How do I apply roof coating?
There are several steps to coating a roof. Clean the roof very well with either a power washer or TSP, garden hose, and push broom. Let dry for 24 hours. Do any patch and repair needed and let stand for another 24 hours. Roll on first coat at a rate of 400-500 sq/ft per 5-gallon. Elastek recommends two coats. Always wait 24 hours in between coats. For more detailed information see our How to Apply Roof Coatings guide or training video. - What is TSP?
TSP is Tri Sodium Phosphate, a powdered, general-purpose cleaning agent. Mix with water, according to instructions on box. Rinse well. TSP Substitute is also available and even safer to use. - How much area does a 5-gallon of roof coating cover?
One 5-gallon pail coats 500 square feet. To calculate how much you need, find sq/ft of surface to cover: Length X Width = area. For example, to cover 2000 sq. ft., divide by 500 sq/ft to equal 1 coat application: 2000 / 500 = 4 (5-gallon pails). For two coats, double that figure. See our How To Measure Your Roof guide. - If I have standing water present the day after a rain what do I do?
Prep surface by cleaning before applying any coatings. Use Puddle Plaster to fill in low spots where water stands. Puddle Plaster requires 2 – 5 days to cure before coating over. - How long do I need to wait in between coats?
Waiting time between coatings should be 24 hours. - How do I clean up after coating?
All Elastek coatings are water clean-up. - My metal roof is rusty; is it too late?
If your metal roof still has life left in it, you can add more years with the proper prep and proper coating. If rust has eaten all the way through the metal, those panels must be replaced. For surface rust, clean area with wire brush, remove any dirt or dust, and apply a commercial rust-inhibiting primer over the affected areas. Apply 2 coats of roof coating to a previously uncoated metal roof. For more details please call. - I have a rubber roof; will these coatings work for me?
Elastek manufactures coatings for a variety of rubber roofing substrates such as Hypolon, PVC, EPDM, or modified bitumen. Please contact us if you have any questions about your roof. - What is reflectivity?
Solar reflectivity indicates how much heat and light (visible sun rays, UV rays, and infrared rays) are bounced back into the atmosphere. The coolest materials have a reflectivity of 50% or higher. This means that they absorb 50% of the sun’s energy. A new coat of Solar Tek Extreme has a reflectivity of 86%, absorbing only a small amount and bouncing the rest back. - What is emissivity?
Emissivity is the ability to radiate away absorbed heat. Elastek coatings have a high emissivity rating—up to 93%, depending on the product. That is why these coatings keep roof surfaces so cool. Darker roof coatings, including aluminum coatings, have low emissivity ratings; these coatings do not radiate away the heat, so it is absorbed. Touch a roof coated with an aluminum coating on a hot day, then touch a roof coated with an Elastek white roof coating. You will feel the difference. - Can I clean my reflective roof?
Yes, and it will help restore lost reflectivity to the coating. Our most reflective and easiest to clean coating is Solar Tek Extreme, which has an ingredient to reduce dirt absorption and stay brighter. A strong water blast from a hose or pressure will remove coating surface dirt. Brushing the wet coating with a push broom will remove most dirt. Using TSP cleaner or TSP Substitute along with a broom will afford maximum cleaning. Follow cleaner package instructions. Be aware of the hazard of falling when doing the cleaning yourself. - Where do I buy Elastek coatings?
In Tucson, Elastek coatings can be found at your local Ace Hardware store. Please see the WHERE TO BUY map to find a dealer near you, or call us at 1-877-352-7835. - I discovered cracks in my stucco walls. How can I fix that?
Elastek manufactures a flexible stucco patch, Duratex Stucco. This product is easily applied with a roller or trowel. Use Duratex Stucco to patch most cracks in stucco, then apply a high quality house paint or roof coating. - I found cracks on my roof around vent pipes and skylights. Can I fix that?
Elastek manufactures a flexible caulk-like patch called Crack & Joint Sealant. This product is easily applied with a paintbrush or putty knife. Use Crack & Joint Sealant to patch most cracks in the field of the roof especially around vents and skylights. For added strength, Elastek recommends embedding PolyTek fabric into the patching compound.
