Jaymar Construction outlines key checks before recoating a roof

Jaymar Construction LLC in Slidell, Louisiana, is warning building owners that recoating an existing roof takes more than adding another layer. The company highlights inspection, moisture testing, compatibility, drainage and surface prep as the key factors that can determine whether the project succeeds.

Why it matters: - Recoating can extend the life of commercial and industrial roofs when existing conditions are suitable. - A coating applied over hidden damage, moisture, or incompatible materials can fail to solve the underlying problem. - Building owners who evaluate the roof first can reduce the risk of wasted work, leaks, and premature deterioration.

What happened: - Jaymar Construction LLC in Slidell, Louisiana, outlined what building owners should review before recoating an existing roof. - The guidance focused on commercial and industrial roof systems that use fluid-applied coatings to create a continuous protective membrane. - The company identified acrylic, silicone, polyurethane, and similar coating materials as common options, depending on roof type and conditions.

The details: - The existing roof should be evaluated before any recoating project begins. - That review should include the roof surface, previous coating, drainage conditions, moisture, seams, penetrations, and damaged areas. - Roof coatings are generally intended for systems that still have enough structural and functional integrity for the coating to perform as intended. - Severe deterioration, saturated insulation, widespread membrane failure, or structural damage may require repairs or another roofing approach before coating can be considered. - Moisture trapped inside a roof assembly can be difficult to detect from the surface. - Coating over hidden moisture can trap the problem inside the system instead of correcting the source. - Evaluation methods may include visual inspections, moisture testing, core samples, infrared scanning, or other roof-specific testing. - Surface preparation is a major part of recoating work. - Roof surfaces can collect dirt, biological growth, oils, loose coating material, and debris that interfere with adhesion. - Cleaning needs vary by roof type and coating manufacturer. - Loose or deteriorated material may need removal before recoating. - Damaged seams, flashing, fasteners, penetrations, and other components may need repair first. - Existing and proposed coating materials must be checked for compatibility. - Chemical compatibility, adhesion characteristics, surface condition, existing coatings, and manufacturer requirements can affect material selection. - Primers or other preparation products may be required in some cases. - Drainage should be reviewed before a new coating is installed. - Ponding water can point to drainage problems, roof deflection, clogged drains, or other conditions that need attention. - A coating does not change the slope or drainage design of a roof. - Areas where water regularly collects should be examined rather than assumed to improve with another coating layer. - Roof penetrations need close attention. - HVAC equipment, plumbing vents, electrical conduits, skylights, exhaust systems, pipes, and curbs create transitions that can deteriorate over time. - Recoating gives building owners a chance to inspect flashing and sealant around those transitions. - Weather can affect installation. - Coating products often have requirements for temperature, humidity, surface moisture, drying time, and rainfall risk. - Louisiana’s humidity, afternoon thunderstorms, morning dew, and fast-changing weather can affect application timing. - Coating thickness must match manufacturer coverage rates or dry-film thickness requirements. - Too little material may not form the intended membrane, while too much can create curing or performance issues. - Some systems require multiple coats. - Recoating intervals vary based on coating type, exposure, roof condition, installation quality, maintenance, weather, foot traffic, and other factors. - Regular inspections can help catch changes before deterioration becomes extensive. - Records on prior roof work can help owners evaluate future projects. - Useful records include the roofing membrane type, coating manufacturer, installation date, repairs, warranty requirements, and maintenance history. - Without those records, identifying existing materials can require more investigation. - Foot traffic can also affect coated roofs, especially near mechanical equipment. - Repeated access by HVAC technicians and other personnel can wear coated surfaces along travel paths. - Designated walkways or added protection may be appropriate in high-traffic areas.

Between the lines: - The guidance treats recoating as a maintenance decision, not a simple cosmetic fix. - The main risk is assuming a new surface layer can solve structural, moisture, or drainage problems underneath. - The checklist also reflects how much local weather and rooftop equipment can influence real-world performance.

What's next: - Building owners considering recoating are being urged to start with a full evaluation of the existing roof. - The next step after that review is deciding whether the roof needs repairs, preparation products, or a different roofing strategy before coating begins. - Regular inspections and maintenance records can make future recoating decisions faster and more reliable.

The bottom line: - A successful roof coating project depends on what is already on the roof, not just on the new material going on top.