Roof Coating During Tucson Winters

If you have a flat roof in Tucson Arizona, you likely cringe when you think about monsoon rains. Unfortunately, many homeowners forget that in Tucson, roofs receive a considerable amount of moisture during the winter months of December through March. Tucson receives just under 12 inches of rain per year on average and 15-20% of that comes during the months of December through March. So, if you have a Tucson roof, coating during the winter may be necessary!  Here are some common questions asked of roof companies in Tucson about flat roof painting during the winter months.

Should I Coat My Roof Coating During Winter?

 Another way to ask that question is, “Can you apply roof coating when it is cold?” The answer is yes.  Most all reflective coatings are water-based acrylics with elastomers in them. They are made to perform in most all temperatures but especially in warmer climates. The coatings must be applied to a dry surface. 

Best Temperatures For Roof Coatings?

 According to Tucson Rubberized Coatings, their 7000 coating should be applied on surface temperatures ranging from 40-115 degrees Fahrenheit. It rarely gets colder than 40 degrees in Tucson and even if the air temperatures are 40 degrees the roof tops can be much warmer due to the direct sunlight.  Roofing contractors in Tucson can apply roof coatings all through the Tucson winter months.

How Quickly Do Roof Coatings Dry?

 The time it takes for roof coatings to dry varies depending upon the temperatures. Since they are water-base coatings they dry through air and heat.  During the winter months in Tucson, the coatings can take longer because the roof is not as hot as it is during the summer months. In the summer, Tucson Rubberized coatings can take as little as one hour to dry, but during the winter months they may take as long as 4-6 hours or longer.  A good roofing company should be able to explain these drying times.

 Are There Specialized Winter Roof Coatings?

 Regular roof coating products can work during the winter months because they will work the same, just slower. However, some Tucson roof coating contractors prefer to use quick dry coatings to help the drying process. These quick dry products are created to speed up the drying process by 75% or better. This means the roofer can get back on the roof to apply the second coat of roof coating sooner than if using regular coatings. This also means the coating will dry quicker and protect the home quicker.  Desert Sky Roofing usually starts using quick dry products in December until around March. 

Oro Valley Roof Coating During Winter?

There are numerous towns surrounding Tucson where the weather is a bit different due to elevations and proximities to the mountains.  Oro Valley and Green Valley temperatures and moisture levels sometimes significantly vary. Catalina Foothills can be cooler than central Tucson.  There will be variances with how the roof coatings operate in these areas.  Oro Valley roof coating applications may need to start later in the day than roof coating in Marana.  Roof coating in Green Valley usually starts later and stops earlier in the day because of the lower temperatures.  A good Tucson roofer or Tucson roofing company will know when it is best to apply roof coatings in all the surrounding Tucson areas.

Does The Roof Need To Be Dry Before Applying Rubberized Coating?

 Empatically, YES! The roof must be dry before applying roof coating.  Luckily, even during the winter months roofs dry relatively quickly in Tucson because of the low humidity.  In the winter, roofers must watch out for dew on the roofs. Believe it or not, often times from December through March they will find a thin layer of ice on the roof in the mornings. This is because the dew points are higher, leaving moisture on the roof during near freezing temperatures. During the winter months you may see roofing contractors blowing off the roof with a blower or even starting after midday so the roofs are dry.

Winter Roof Coating Process:

 Coating a roof during the winter is the same as coating the roof any other time of the year. These steps should be followed by your Tucson roofing contractor:

Clean the Roof:

• Remove debris, leaves, and dirt from the roof surface.
• Use a pressure washer or a garden hose and a broom to thoroughly clean the roof. Most of the time it is best to apply a cleaner such as a TSP or TSP substitute.
• Make sure scuppers and ponding areas are well cleaned.

Inspect and Repair:

• Inspect the roof for any damage, such as cracks, holes, or loose items. Inspect the scuppers, penetrations, and edges for cracks. These are the areas that will probably need patching.
• Three-course patch and repair any issues using mastic and/or primer or roof coating.

Apply Primer (if necessary)

Some manufacturers recommend applying a primer before the elastomeric coating. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions if a primer is required. If a considerable amount of the roof paper is showing, we recommend applying primer to the roof.

 Apply The First Coat Of Elastomeric Roof Coating

• Plan your application to ensure you can coat the entire roof without stepping on freshly painted areas.
• Start at one end of the roof and work your way to the other end using a paint roller with a 1”-1 ¼” knap.
• Apply the coating evenly in thin, uniform layers using a crisscross pattern.
• Allow roof coating to dry.
  
  

  Apply The Second Coat Of Elastomeric Roof Coating

• Inspect for additional patches before applying the coating.
• Apply the coating in the same manner as in the first application.

Best Roof Coating Specialist in Tucson! 

Desert Sky Roofing coats roofs the correct way. We don’t cut corners and we stand by our work. All our roof professionals know when to coat a roof and when not to coat the roof. They are aware of how long it takes for roof coating to dry and when it is necessary to wait to coat a roof. Patience is needed but roofs can be coated during the winter months. Tucson roof coating during winters is not difficult but should only be accomplished by professionals who will roof it right the first time! Give us a call and we can come out to your home and provide a free roof inspection and explain our winter roof coating processes.  We operate all around Tucson including in: Avra Valley, Bear Canyon, Casas Adobes, Catalina, Catalina Foothills, Continental Ranch, Corona De Tucson, Cortaro, Dove Mountain, Drexel Heights, Flowing Wells, Green Valley, Marana, Oro Valley, Picture Rocks, Rancho Vistoso, Rita Ranch, Saddlebrook, Sahuarita, Tanque Verde, Tortolita, Tucson, Tucson Estates, and Vail.