Before we coat or repair any roof, we start with a thorough inspection. We identify existing defects, evaluate needed repairs, and measure the exact square footage to determine proper material coverage. This ensures your roof receives the correct amount of coating for long-lasting protection.

During this visit, we take detailed “before” photos and prepare a written estimate for recoating your roof using top-of-the-line rubberized roof coating products.

Your estimate includes:

• Approximate square footage of the coverage area
• Estimated number of 5-gallon buckets required
• Clear, out-the-door pricing

We believe in full transparency. Our pricing is straightforward, and we do not rely on surprise add-ons after the project begins. On rare occasions, unforeseen issues may require additional work, but that is never our standard practice. Our goal is to be the most open and informative roof coating contractor in Tucson.

Flat and Santa Fe style roofs often collect leaves, dirt, and debris because their design allows material to settle and accumulate over time. Built-up areas around parapet walls and corners can trap debris, especially after wind events.

Before any pressure washing begins, we thoroughly remove all loose debris from the roof surface. Proper cleaning is critical to ensuring strong adhesion and long-term performance of your roof coating system.

Proper surface preparation is critical to a successful roof coating application. Most roofs only require professional pressure washing to prepare for a fresh coat. However, heavily soiled roofs may require additional cleaning to ensure maximum adhesion. When needed, we use tri-sodium phosphate (TSP), which is highly effective at breaking down dirt, oils, and buildup on acrylic elastomeric roof coatings. Our team evaluates each roof carefully to determine whether this step is necessary. If required, we apply TSP with a garden sprayer, allow it to properly dwell, and then pressure wash the surface thoroughly. This process ensures the roof coating bonds correctly and performs as designed. We do not cut corners during preparation. A properly cleaned surface is one of the most important factors in achieving long-lasting roof coating results in Tucson’s extreme climate.

Pressure washing is one of the most important steps in preparing your roof for a new coating application. Using high-pressure water effectively removes dirt, chalking, loose coating, and surface contaminants that could interfere with proper adhesion.

When necessary, pressure washing is performed in conjunction with tri-sodium phosphate (TSP) to break down stubborn buildup and ensure the surface is fully prepared. This combination represents best practice for preparing elastomeric-coated roofs.

A properly cleaned surface allows the new coating to bond correctly, perform as designed, and deliver long-term protection against Tucson’s harsh sun and monsoon rains.

Before applying any roof coating, the surface must be completely dry. Moisture trapped beneath a coating can compromise adhesion and reduce the lifespan of the system.

In Southern Arizona, roofs often dry quickly due to heat and low humidity. In many cases, drying may only take a few hours. However, depending on the roof’s condition before washing and current weather conditions, it can sometimes take a full day.

Our team carefully evaluates moisture levels and surface conditions before applying the first coat. We do not rush this step. Proper drying is essential to ensuring the coating bonds correctly and performs as intended.

White and tan elastomeric-coated roofs commonly develop cracks over time due to expansion and contraction from Tucson’s extreme temperature swings. When cracks penetrate the roof paper, or appear around corners, crickets, scuppers, or parapet walls, they must be properly reinforced before coating.

Polyester (Tietex) fabric reinforcement is the most reliable solution for these problem areas. We apply the patch by embedding polyester fabric between two layers of elastomeric crack and joint filler or high-quality elastomeric roof coating. Once cured, the patch becomes part of the roofing system and adds long-term flexibility and durability.

The number of patches varies depending on the condition of the roof. It is not uncommon for a roof to require 15 to 20 reinforced patches to properly address vulnerable areas before the final coating is applied.

Scuppers are one of the most common leak points on flat and coated roofs. Over time, expansion and contraction can cause cracks to form where the scupper meets the roof surface or parapet wall.

If left unaddressed, these cracks can allow water intrusion during heavy monsoon rains. That is why we carefully inspect and reinforce all scuppers before applying the final roof coating.

Using polyester fabric reinforcement embedded in elastomeric crack and joint filler, we strengthen these vulnerable areas to ensure proper drainage and long-term leak protection.

Cracks around vents can cause leaks[/caption]Roof penetrations include vents, pipes, and other elements that extend through the roof decking. These areas are especially vulnerable because expansion and contraction from heat cycles cause movement at the base of the penetration.

Over time, this movement leads to cracking in the coating and surrounding materials, creating potential leak points. Before applying the final roof coating, we reinforce all penetrations with elastomeric crack and joint sealant to create a flexible, watertight barrier.

Proper penetration reinforcement is critical to preventing leaks and extending the life of your roof coating system.

Many coated roofs, especially on ranch-style homes, transition from a flat surface to a pitched roofline that ends at a metal drip edge. These edges frequently expand and contract due to heat, which often leads to small cracks forming along the top seam.

Even minor cracking at the drip edge can allow water to penetrate behind the fascia boards. Over time, this can cause premature wood rot and structural damage.

To prevent this, we seal edge cracks using elastomeric roof coating or crack and joint filler. In areas with significant movement, we may reinforce the edges with polyester fabric patching to provide additional strength and long-term flexibility.

Once all patching and reinforcement work is complete, we begin applying the first coat of elastomeric roof coating. We strictly follow the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure proper coverage, adhesion, and long-term performance.

Not all roof coatings are created equal, and application rates matter. The Tucson Rubberized Coatings 7000 product is typically applied at approximately 100 to 120 square feet per gallon. For example, a 1,200 square foot roof requires between 10 and 12 gallons per coat to achieve proper film thickness.

We also follow a crisscross application method. The coating is rolled in one direction and then leveled in the opposite direction to ensure even distribution and consistent coverage across the entire surface.

Proper material quantity and application technique are essential to achieving a durable, long-lasting roof coating system.

After the first coat is applied, it must be allowed to dry properly before proceeding. In many cases, the coating is dry enough to walk on within two hours or less. While this does not mean the coating is fully cured, it is often ready for a second coat if required.

A simple rule of thumb is this: if the coating does not stick to your shoes or lift when stepped on, it has dried sufficiently for reapplication. However, drying times depend on weather conditions, surface temperature, and humidity. Sometimes only a few hours are needed. Other times, we allow a full day before proceeding.

We do not rush this process. Proper dry time between coats is critical to achieving correct adhesion and long-term durability. For that reason, we never pressure wash and apply multiple coats in the same day. Allowing adequate drying time ensures the roof coating system performs as intended.

Before applying the second coat, we perform a final inspection of the roof to ensure all necessary patching has been completed properly.

In most cases, the majority of reinforcement work is already finished. However, occasionally we identify small areas that require additional patching or further attention before proceeding.

Addressing these details before the second coat is applied ensures a stronger, more uniform roof coating system and helps prevent future problem areas.

Just before we coat the roof the second time we will check to see if more patches are needed. Most all the patching will be complete, however, sometimes we will find some areas that need additional patching or that we believe should be further addressed before applying the second coat.

Step 13: Apply Anti-Ponding Material

If necessary and approved, we apply anti-ponding material after the first coat has fully sealed the roof surface. This approach provides an added layer of protection before addressing low areas where water tends to collect.

Some anti-ponding products can be porous, which is why we always ensure the roof is sealed first. This minimizes the risk of moisture intrusion during the leveling process.

Once the anti-ponding material has been properly installed, it will be fully sealed beneath the second coat of elastomeric coating, creating a durable and water-resistant system designed to improve drainage and extend the life of your roof.

If a second coat of elastomeric coating is part of the approved scope of work, it is applied only after the first coat has properly dried.

Just like the first application, we follow manufacturer specifications for coverage rates and use the crisscross roller pattern. The coating is rolled in one direction and then leveled in the opposite direction to ensure even thickness and uniform protection across the entire roof surface.

Applying the second coat correctly increases film build, improves durability, and enhances long-term resistance to Tucson’s extreme sun and monsoon conditions.

After the roof coating system has had adequate time to cure, we return to perform a final quality inspection. This allows us to verify that all materials have bonded properly and that the workmanship meets our standards.

During this inspection, we review all repaired areas, reinforced sections, drainage points, and coating coverage to ensure everything was completed correctly and consistently.

Our goal is not just to complete a project, but to build long-term relationships with our clients. That means standing behind our work and making sure your roof coating system performs exactly as it should.

At Desert Sky Roofing, we offer a free roof inspection shortly before your warranty period ends. If you contact us before your warranty expires, we will return to inspect the entire roof and complete any necessary touch ups covered under the warranty.