In Campbellsville, KY, commercial properties face everything from humid summers to cold winters and sudden storms. That’s why keeping a durable, leak-free roof isn’t just smart, t’s essential for business. One solution growing in popularity is liquid applied roofing, valued for its seamless installation, long-lasting protection, and cost-effective performance.
Before you commit to this system, it’s important to understand what goes on behind the scenes. From curing times and material thickness to surface preparation, there are crucial technical factors that determine whether a liquid-applied roof will last 5 years or 25.
If you’re a building owner or facilities manager looking for dependable roofing upgrades, reach out to Commercial Roofing Pros serving Campbellsville, KY. Call (857) 663-7767 for tailored insight.
Understanding Liquid Applied Roofing
Liquid applied roofing systems involve coating a commercial roof with a fluid membrane, typically acrylic, silicone, or polyurethane, which cures into a seamless, watertight barrier. Unlike traditional membranes or panels, there are no seams to fail or fasteners to loosen.
It’s often used for:
- Extending the life of aging roofs
- Improving energy efficiency with reflective coatings
- Sealing small cracks and preventing leaks without a full roof replacement
It sounds simple, but its success relies on three technical pillars: surface prep, application thickness, and curing conditions.
Surface Preparation
Before any liquid coating is applied, the existing roof must be thoroughly inspected and prepped. This is where many DIY or rushed jobs go wrong.
What prep includes:
- Cleaning: Dirt, oils, and biological growth (like algae or moss) must be completely removed.
- Repairing damage: Any soft spots, ponding areas, or saturated insulation should be fixed first.
- Priming: Some substrates, like metal or older membranes, require a primer to ensure proper adhesion.
- Drying time: The surface must be bone-dry. Even small amounts of moisture can prevent proper curing.
In commercial buildings with large roof footprints, skipping even one of these steps can lead to adhesion failures, bubbling, or coating delamination. Professional-grade surface preparation is non-negotiable.
The Role of Proper Coating Thickness
Liquid coatings are typically applied in multiple layers, and their final cured thickness is measured in mils (thousandths of an inch). This directly impacts the system’s durability, UV resistance, and ability to handle ponding water.
Key details:
- Acrylic systems: Usually applied at 20–30 mils total (in 2–3 coats)
- Silicone systems: Often need 25–35 mils due to their heavier molecular weight
- Polyurethane systems: Higher durability at 30+ mils, often used in high-traffic areas
Thicker isn’t always better, but consistent application to the manufacturer’s spec is essential. Applying too thinly may void warranties, while too thick can trap moisture or cause cracking.
This is why many pros use wet-mil gauges during application and perform spot-checks during curing.
Curing Times
Once applied, liquid coatings must cure fully before they can withstand water, UV exposure, or foot traffic. Curing is not the same as drying.
Influencing factors:
- Material type: Silicone often cures faster than acrylic.
- Temperature & humidity: Cooler, wetter conditions slow curing dramatically.
- Thickness: Thicker layers can take 24–72 hours to fully cure.
In Campbellsville’s mixed climate, spring and fall are often the ideal seasons for application. Summer humidity or sudden rain can extend cure times, or worse, compromise the coating altogether.
Pro Tip: A reputable installer will monitor weather forecasts carefully and may use infrared tools to assess dryness before application begins.
The Commercial Advantage of Liquid Roofing
Beyond the technical aspects, there are clear reasons why liquid applied roofing systems are ideal for commercial spaces:
- No business disruption: Many systems can be applied without removing existing roofing materials.
- Energy savings: High reflectivity coatings reduce heat gain, lowering cooling costs.
- Code compliance: Many liquid systems meet local energy codes and cool roof standards.
- Cost-effective: Avoids a full tear-off and extends existing roof life by 10–20 years.
In commercial environments, especially warehouses, schools, or office buildings, minimizing downtime and extending ROI are key advantages.
Expert Liquid Applied Roofing
If your commercial building is in need of a roofing upgrade, don’t be misled by promises of “quick fixes” or cheap coatings. Liquid applied roofing systems, when installed properly, offer exceptional long-term protection. But if curing, thickness, and prep are ignored, you’ll be back to square one before the next season rolls in.
Commercial Roofing Pros provides expert consultation and site-specific proposals for commercial properties in Campbellsville, KY. Call (857) 663-7767 today.
FAQ
How long does a liquid applied roof last?
With proper prep and application, systems can last 10–25 years, depending on the product and roof conditions.
Can I apply a coating to any type of roof?
Most commercial roof types (TPO, EPDM, metal, etc.) can accept coatings, but substrate condition and compatibility matter.
How soon can people walk on the roof after application?
Depending on the material, wait 24–72 hours. Foot traffic before full curing can ruin the membrane integrity.