"Snow coating" for roof - what is it?
Anyone heard of "snow coat" for a T&G roof? What is it? Does it work/last/etc. to get rid of leaks? Is it yet another roofing system?
The white coating product is generally used for metal roofs; it is also applied for modified bitumen (or M.B.) foam and tar roofs with a cap sheet.. It is applied to protect the roof membrane below it (such as tar and gravel, M.B. or steel) from sun and general weathering. It is not a roof membrane. It does not act to re-seal the roof. It is white and therefore reflects U.V. and heat from the roof effectively. It also helps to protect from direct contact to the roof membrane (leaves, small branches foot travel etc.), and if applied every five years or so, will extend the life of any of the roofs mentioned above. If there is gravel applied to the 4-5 ply tar membrane, it is not a good idea to remove the gravel and apply the snow coating, because of the expense of removing and disposing of the gravel, plus the application of the snow coat,and it probably will not result in any benefits in terms of cost.
Renman gave you good information
Snow Coat is/was a Dunn Edwards Paint product. It is a medium/good quality acrylic coating. It was used to coat foam roofs and other roofs. We recommended it to 'do-it-yourselfers' for more than a decade. Though did not use is ourselves. I haven't seen it around or recommended it for more than ten years.
I think someone is referring to painting a roof surface white.
1. A poor quality white coating on any roof is a waste of money
2. A good quality white coating on a fairly new roof will make it last longer...but, who is going to spend money on a fairly new roof?
3. Any coating on an old or brittle roof is probably not going to make it more waterproof...just whiter.
Snow Roof and Elastoseal are great products for recoating metal, foam, tar and gravel, and built up roofs. Available at most home centers. Easy to apply
Thanks to all for the specific information. Our roof is in the batch that was done during the oil embargo days when the manufacturers apparently skimped on the quality of asphalt product, resulting in early failure due to drying and cracking. I'm now hoping for minor rains until next winter... or more wastebaskets. Leak repair is a losing proposition at this point.
"early failure due to drying and cracking"
this is usually caused by inadaquate coverage of gravel on the tar. The UV rays crack it if left exposed. below is a link for cracked tar application.
Hey, thanks to all for the great info - especially the link to "Snow Roof" application. Sounds like too much work for only 2 more years protection. The search goes on. I'd like to hear from anyone who's had a foam roof or a Cal Pac roof for at least 15 years. What's your experience re: upkeep, repair, cost?
