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Dale Hurttgam, NCARB, AIA,LEED AP, CSI
Senior Member
Username: dwhurttgam

Post Number: 76
Registered: 10-2005
Posted on Thursday, February 10, 2011 - 01:36 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

It seems like every product rep that comes in to the office has a new spray-on roofing system no matter what type of product line they represent (I may be exaggerating a little). However - at our last CSI meeting we had a presentation from a concrete admixture manufacturer who had a new spray-on roofing system. A concrete stain rep that came in had a new spray-on roofing system. And some other various product reps including some of the major roofing companies had new spray-on systems. I have not been very "open-minded" regarding the info that has been shared with me. However - I am wondering if I should start to take this more seriously. Do any of you have experience with spray-on roofing systems? Are they viable systems?
Robert Dye, FCSI, RRC
Senior Member
Username: crazyguydye

Post Number: 7
Registered: 03-2007
Posted on Thursday, February 10, 2011 - 01:55 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

I can't speak to all the manufacturers, but I have had experience with spray-on roofing systems. The ones I have specified are indeed viable systems. As with all roofing systems, there are appropriate applications and there are those that are not. Contact me if I can be of help.
Tim Werbstein, AIA, CSI, CCS
Senior Member
Username: tim_werbstein

Post Number: 35
Registered: 09-2006
Posted on Friday, February 11, 2011 - 07:51 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Early in my career I worked on an infrastructure project that used neoprene-hypalon spray-on roofing on exterior concrete canopies. It turned out that surface preparation was the biggest concern (so what's new?); and I was tasked with verifying proper installations by spot checking unannounced. The inattentiveness of workers was rampant, as evidenced by actual objects beneath and embedded in the membrane, including money; e.g., a quarter and a dime on different occasions. Unfortunately, I found no dollars.
Jim Sliff
Senior Member
Username: jim_sliff

Post Number: 32
Registered: 08-2010


Posted on Monday, March 14, 2011 - 12:43 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Sorry for the late post.

Spray-applied roofing systems are both common and *some* are quite viable. People in the industry that I know use the terms "Fluid-applied roof coating" or "spray polyurethane foam", depending on exactly what kind of "system" you mean. But since foam is in its own category, I'll address just a few of the others:

The sprayed roofing systems are generally used as a membrane over aged bituminous (often capsheet) roofing with various types of reinforcement. Spray-applied roofing systems may or may not use reinforcement - and depending on the formulation, reinforced systems are not automatically superior.

Many systems are available - some can coat EPDM, TPO, PVC, Hypalon and other difficult surfaces without tear-off.

Finishes range from asphaltic emulsions (on the low end) to acrylics, urethanes, recycled-rubber infused coatings, silicones, and polyureas.

It's critical that both manufacturer and applicator have a good track record and preferably a previous relationship - many of the high-end systems (such as polyurea) require extensive applicator training and expensive application equipment (spray rigs can cost up to 6 figures).

I agree that it seems every rep has a fluid-applied system; I just screen them quickly by asking for a half-dozen project references of varying types and a list of approved applicators (many do not go the "approved applicator" route - they simply refuse to sell to anyone who either does not own the proper equipment or can supply proof of training.). If there's any hesitation or they can't toss out a few names to at least get started I get leery real quickly.

As noted, surface prep is critical. An inspector is almost mandatory - but as these systems can save huge amounts of money in tear-off costs AND provide extremely long service life (50 years isn't uncommon) they are well-worth considering.

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