Question for Roofing Pros

[Bassman]

Hi All - Hoping some fellow Roksliders might be roofers that could offer some perspective. I have a flat roof that is in bad shape (ponding water and 1-2 cracking leaks). I believe it is an asphalt material (?) since there are granules. The primary roof was replaced ~18-20 years ago so I assume the flat is also that old.

I received a quote to have the flat roof repaired which was pretty hateful ($11k) but involves removing several rows of primary roof tiles to properly tie in. However, I’m planning on replacing the primary roof with standing seam metal in the next 5 years (I’m told I have 8-10 years of useful life remaining) so would rather not spend $ on removing/replacing tile that will be replaced in a few years.

I’m looking for a solution that can get me 5 years on my roof until the entire roof system is replaced. I’ve had three roofers come out but they are only interested in redoing the entire flat roof and not coating it. They say it's too far gone... seem legit?

As a result I’m considering a potential DIY solution. My thought was to use Henry 208 w/ mesh to patch the leaks, scrape off remaining granules and then coat with Henry 201 or 107. I’d then possibly topcoat with a white reflective material but TBD if necessary.

Any recommendations from the pros out there? Would these materials properly bond to the asphalt? Any insights are greatly appreciated.

 

[Megalodon]

Use a silicone coating. Just read the manufacturer’s compatibility and prep instructions. What you have is probably either a SBS or APP.

 

[Bassman]

Use a silicone coating. Just read the manufacturer’s compatibility and prep instructions. What you have is probably either a SBS or APP.

Thank you. Something like a Gaco silicon like the below?

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Gaco-5-Gallon-Silicone-Reflective-Roof-Coating-50-Year-Limited-Warranty/50431242?store=1720&cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-bdm-_-ggl-_-CRP_SHP_LIA_BDM_Online_High_Priority(A-D%2BPriority+Items+CL3)-_-50431242-_-local-_-0-_-0&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21225273812&gbraid=0AAAAAD2B2W-lm6lx6IiLBIRojNydqdhZu&gclid=CjwKCAjw7MLDBhAuEiwAIeXGIZIwQR15uQwSXfTzG9dtAdnXH2Le3YV5kYcBjy7bOQ0pW_sV1hz2vRoCboUQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[Nine Banger]

Use a silicone coating. Just read the manufacturer’s compatibility and prep instructions. What you have is probably either a SBS or APP.

Agree that its Mule Hide base/cap sheet.

If you replace it, taking up a few courses of those barrel tiles and putting them back is correct to get up under them and shouldn't be that big of a deal related to the total roof replacement project you want to do later, they would just get removed again.

If you dump the GACO all over what you already have you're going to need some kind of cloth membrane before the top coat. GACO is better than all the water based products that are marketed like Sealoflex, Aguaflex, Hydrostop, etc.

 

[Nine Banger]

 

[Megalodon]

It could be Mulehide I guess. There are 4-5 major manufacturers out there that have, and still make mod-bit sheets.

I'm not big into the coating world. I would go bug a distributor in your area though. Look for an ABC Supply, Spec Building Supply, Beacon Building Products (possibly QXO now). Their inside counter guy should be able to get you squared away. Just make sure to get a silicone product. You'll also need to know your coverage area.

 

[Megalodon]

When you go to replace it in the following years just go with a 60 mil adhered TPO.

 

[cuerro viejo]

^ any of the siliconized/elastometic roof coating will work for 5-8 years.

 

[Bassman]

Agree that its Mule Hide base/cap sheet.

If you replace it, taking up a few courses of those barrel tiles and putting them back is correct to get up under them and shouldn't be that big of a deal related to the total roof replacement project you want to do later, they would just get removed again.

If you dump the GACO all over what you already have you're going to need some kind of cloth membrane before the top coat. GACO is better than all the water based products that are marketed like Sealoflex, Aguaflex, Hydrostop, etc.

Thank you, why is a cloth membrane required? I saw a video on the Gaco website and it looked like they applied directly to an asphalt roof?

 

[Nine Banger]

Thank you, why is a cloth membrane required? I saw a video on the Gaco website and it looked like they applied directly to an asphalt roof?

We always put cloth on with liquid roof product.

Too many call backs trying to coat over known leaks to reduce costs for clients and they are hostile and won't pay more or acknowledge that cutting corners was their idea.

Flat roofs suck...

 

[Nine Banger]

Thank you, why is a cloth membrane required? I saw a video on the Gaco website and it looked like they applied directly to an asphalt roof?

We always put cloth on with liquid roof product.

Too many call backs trying to coat over known leaks to reduce costs for clients and they are hostile and won't pay more or acknowledge that cutting corners was their idea.

Flat roofs suck...

 

[Sniff]

Sheet over it with 1/2-5/8 osb then rubber roof it.

 

[loganwayne]

If it's was my house when you do standing seam I'd redo that roof the be a 1/12 or 2/12 roof and put standing seam on it. Code is .25/12 but I'd want more slope on it personally.

 

[Bassman]

We always put cloth on with liquid roof product.

Too many call backs trying to coat over known leaks to reduce costs for clients and they are hostile and won't pay more or acknowledge that cutting corners was their idea.

Flat roofs suck...

Thank you, that make sense. Appreciate your expertise. I'll need to see how I can tie in the cloth to the transition between the flat and primary roof. Can that be done without removing the primary roof tiles? If not, I may address the cracks with Henry 208 and then liquid silicone on top.