Liquid Roofing is one of the most popular roofing systems available – and for good reason. Liquid roofing provides both a reliable finish and a lovely, smooth appearance. It’s the ideal solution for many businesses and homeowners in need of a secure roofing system.
While it’s incredibly durable and long-lasting, nothing is perfect, and in this blog, we will look at the most common problems with liquid roofing systems.
What Are Liquid Roofing Systems?
If you’ve never heard of it before, liquid roofing might sound odd. It is, in fact, a modern roofing solution, offering a more durable and sleek alternative to EPDM or felt roofing. These are both traditional roofing options, and each has its own benefits, but liquid roofing provides some unique advantages.
This system is applied to the surface of the roof in a cold liquid form. It is left to cure into a long-lasting and resilient membrane that is fully waterproof.Not only is liquid roofing quicker to apply – as it can be spread across any prepared roofing structure efficiently – it also gives you unbeatable waterproofing.
That being said, there are problems with liquid roofing systems, just as there are problems with any roofing option. Sometimes, the worst happens against all the odds. Tears can occur, your system may not be properly applied, or it might not be right for you.
There’s a lot to consider, so let’s start with the advantages of liquid roofing.
What Are The Advantages Of Liquid Roofing Systems?
As we mentioned, there are problems with liquid roofing solutions. But there are a lot of advantages to choosing liquid roofing too.
A liquid roofing system makes for an excellent choice for almost any roof type, particularly flat roofs and pitched roofs. It can be applied to a wide range of materials, making it an easy choice for anyone with felt, metal, concrete or asbestos roofs.
Both residential and commercial buildings can use a liquid roofing system, as the finished product is both safe and extremely long-lasting. Here’s what you can look forward to with a liquid roofing system:
Lasts 30 years
Because of its unique composition and application process, this type of roofing system has exceptional longevity, boasting a 30-year-plus lifespan. This reduces the need for future replacements or repairs.
Durable
Not only will your liquid roofing system last a long time, but it will also keep performing well throughout the years. The natural durability of the waterproofed membrane makes it resilient to even the harshest weather conditions. It can even withstand physical impact.
Seamless appearance
Your roof structure is safe, but how does it look? Liquid roofing provides an aesthetically pleasing finish with a seamless, smooth appearance. It can offer a flawless final look that matches perfectly with your property.
Watertight
A liquid roofing system gives you superior waterproofing, keeping your roof and your building safe and secure in all weather conditions. The properties of the liquid roofing membrane make it reliably watertight, so you can relax even on rainy days.
Energy efficiency/insulation capabilities
This system stands apart from others because of its impressive energy efficiency and insulation properties. It can enhance your building’s energy performance by reducing heat loss and improving warmth retention in cooler months.
The Common Problems with Liquid Roofing Systems
Like any roofing system, there are some common problems with liquid roofing systems. Fortunately, there aren’t that many. It is an overall reliable system that has proven itself over decades of applications, but knowing what could go wrong is still important.
Use A Pro
Firstly, it takes a professional to apply your liquid roofing system properly. A lot could fail during application if you don’t know exactly what you’re doing. It may sound simple enough to spread the liquid and wait for it to dry, but you could make mistakes at each step, resulting in poor performance or a lack-lustre finish.
Tears And Rips
One of the things that can happen if your liquid roofing isn’t correctly applied or maintained is tearing. This isn’t a likely or frequent occurrence, but there is always a chance the membrane may rip in certain circumstances.
A large tree branch may fall on your roof and tear the membrane, or if you climb onto your roof and accidentally cause severe damage, you could jeopardise the integrity of the material. Again, unlikely but not impossible.
Slippery
It’s important to remember that by its nature, your liquid roofing system is a smooth, waterproof membrane. It has a similar surface appearance to slick plastic. That means when it rains, your roof becomes noticeably slippery. It’s unwise to attempt to walk on or work on the surface of your roof when wet because you are likely to slip.
Cost
Compared to traditional roofing systems that were once the default or only options, one of the biggest problems with liquid roofing systems is the price.
It can cost more than other options, but its benefits tip the scale in its favour – especially since its longevity will mean fewer repairs or replacements in the future, making it more cost-effective.
Forgetting To Check On It!
Since liquid roofing systems are so effective, neglecting essential maintenance is easy. Your liquid roofing can last for 30 years, but only if you continue to ensure its maintenance.
We recommend regularly inspecting our liquid roofing to ensure everything is in order. This can be a simple visit from a qualified roofing professional who can let you know whether you might not have noticed anything that has happened to your roof – such as damage or tearing.
Even easier than that, you can check for tears, rips or bubbles. If your roofing was properly applied, you’re unlikely to find these. It’s worth being cautious and putting your mind at ease by doing a quick visual inspection when possible.
Should You Choose A Liquid Roofing System?
If you’re looking for a roofing system that is long-lasting, reliable, watertight and visually impressive, look no further than liquid roofing.
There are very few problems with liquid roofing, especially compared to some other, more traditional options.
Get in touch to find out if your roof is suitable for a liquid roofing system here.
