Choose tools designed for heavy, high solids materials. Apply a test area to determine best application method and to become familiar with the coating consistency and spread pattern. The roof coatings are formulated to gradually flow and seek their own level; using a cold product will dramatically affect the spread rate and ease of application, always apply the product at room temperature or above.
Roof brushes may be used on smaller projects of all types. Use a wide style 3-knot roofing brush for wide, flat applications, and a narrow more flexible style for highly irregular or difficult to reach surfaces.
Squeegees work best on primarily flat surfaces such as smooth modified membranes, rolled roofing, wood, foam and concrete. Squeegees can be used to smooth and flatten coating after an initial application with a brush or roller.
Low-nap or foam rollers work best on flat surfaces such as rolled roofing, built-up, wood, foam and concrete. Thick-nap rollers should not be used because they pick up too much material when rolling. When using a roller, use a gentle pushing motion away from the body and avoid overworking the material. On low-slope or flat roofs, product can be dumped out of the bucket onto the roof surface and spread with the roller. Use a squeegee to create a uniform finish. Small specialty rollers can be used for standing seam metal roofs to apply product to seam and rib areas.
Hand brushes should be used for patching seams and small or difficult to reach areas.
On large projects the most efficient method of application is spraying. Spraying offers lower labor costs, as well as better control of coverage and finish. See Spraying Specifications for spray equipment requirements and guidelines.
The most important aspect of estimating materials for a project is determining the total surface area to be coated. Basic factors that determine total surface area are length and width dimensions, condition of roof surface and for metal roofs, stretch factor. Also, be sure to account for vent pipes, copings, flashing, blower vents, HVAC equipment, drains, parapet walls or any other protrusions that require repair and/or coating.
Smoother surfaces will yield higher spread rates than coarser surfaces. Graveled roofs have a much greater surface area than smooth finish roofs due to their highly irregular nature, and will therefore require significantly more material to achieve complete coverage. Flat roofs with low spots may also use significantly more material.
Corrugated and standing seam roofs have an actual surface area 15 to 30% larger than their length and width dimensions. This additional surface area is referred to as "stretch factor," or the total surface area of the metal if it were stretched out flat from its post-formed profile. The average stretch factor for most metal roofing is 1.3; however, always determine the true variance of metal roof surfaces before final calculations.
TKO Waterproof Coatings' exterior products can be stored for lengthy periods of time (up to two years) without degradation and are impervious to freezing. Unopened material can simply be opened, mixed thoroughly and applied. Previously opened cans that have been closed tightly for storage may develop a thick skin on the material surface. Remove the skin, mix thoroughly and apply.
Oil-based products thicken as the temperature drops. Cold material will be difficult to apply, and significant reduction of spread rate will occur! To ensure workability and proper spread rate, take extra care to maintain material temperature at or above 72 degrees F for 24-48 hours prior to use. Material may be heated to 100 degrees F for maximum spreadability; use pail warmers or drum heaters in cold weather.
Temperature range for application: 40 to 100 degrees F for air, surface and material with a maximum humidity of 85%. Morning surface moisture such as frost or dew must be completely evaporated prior to application to ensure proper adhesion. The presence of surface moisture will prevent proper and complete adhesion of TKOWC products and shorten the life span of the coating. For best results, surface must be completely dry prior to application. Avoid applying material in direct afternoon sun during hot summer months. The combination of the hot roof surface and hot air temperature may cause the coating to skin over too quickly. This could create bubbling as solvent gases are trapped under the coating skin and can't escape. If this occurs, bubbles should be popped, primed with Binder-kote and recoated to ensure integrity of coating film. TKOWC products form an immediate watertight barrier; however, avoid application 48 hours prior to any forecasted hard driving rain or hail as damage to freshly applied material may result.
Each can of material has a small amount of oil on the surface that prevents skinning over before use and should simply be mixed in during the stirring process. Thorough mixing generates heat, assures product uniformity and provides for better coverage during application. For best results, thoroughly mix all products immediately prior to application as follows:
Note: All product warranties are null and void if product is thinned in anyway. Thinning TKOWC products may affect product flow characteristics, alter dry time and diminish product performance.
1-Gallon Cans Hand-stir thoroughly
5-Gallon Cans Mix thoroughly with an electric mixer
55-Gallon Drums Mix thoroughly with an electric mixer or drum agitator
TKOWC products will dry more slowly than either water-based or asphalt-based coatings. This is due to the natural agricultural oils in the formulas and should be considered a normal characteristic of the products. Because the products form an immediate watertight seal on the surface, the drying time should only be a concern relative to resumption of maintenance foot traffic (if applicable).
Final dry time will be dependent on several factors: prevailing weather conditions, thickness of the application, application method, location of the patched or coated area and air circulation. High humidity and lack of air movement will slow down the cure time considerably.
Clean tools with mineral spirits. Dispose of containers properly.
For further technical support, contact our Technical Services Department via phone (815.338.2006), fax (815.338.9105) or email (tech@tkocoatings.com).
General Information & Application Guidelines | Five Basic Steps to Roof Repair | How to Avoid Common Roofing Problems