Got a roof that's starting to leak, rust or show its age? You don't always need a new one. Liquid roofing systems let you restore the roof you already have by coating it with a waterproof, rubber-like membrane. No tear-off, no heavy equipment and, in a lot of cases, no contractor.
Here's how liquid roofing systems work, what they're good for and how to pick the right Liquid Rubber products for your roof.
What Is a Liquid Roofing System?
A liquid roofing system is a coating that goes on as a liquid over your existing roof and dries into a flexible, waterproof membrane. Because it's applied as a liquid, it forms one continuous layer that follows the shape of your roof, including around vents, edges and other details.
It's called a system because the coating doesn't work alone. A complete job usually includes:
- A cleaner to prep the surface
- Caulk to fill small cracks and holes
- Seam Tape to bridge seams, joints and larger cracks
- A primer, if your roof surface or product calls for one
- The roof coating itself
Liquid Rubber roofing products are made to restore and protect existing roofs. They aren't a replacement for a new roof. If you're coating a roof over a living space, check your local building code first, since it'll usually require approved roofing, waterproofing and cladding materials.
Benefits of Liquid Roofing Systems
Stops Leaks Where They Start
Most roof leaks start at seams, joints, fasteners and penetrations. A liquid roofing system covers the whole surface, and Seam Tape reinforces those weak spots so the coating isn't the only thing keeping water out.
Built to Last
Liquid Rubber forms a membrane that resists cracking, chipping, impact and abrasion. It also handles extreme heat and cold, so it holds up through hot summers and freezing winters.
Easy to Apply Yourself
Liquid roofing systems go on with a brush, roller or sprayer. There's no heavy equipment involved. If you can roll on paint, you can coat a roof.
Costs Less Than Replacing Your Roof
Roof replacements are expensive and time-consuming. Restoring the roof you already have costs a lot less, and doing it yourself saves on labor too. Extending the life of your current roof also keeps old roofing material out of the landfill.
Liquid Rubber Roof Coatings
Liquid Rubber makes a few different roof coatings. The right one depends on your roof and what you need most.
- [product link: Color Roof Sealant]: An acrylic hybrid coating that comes in nine colors, including clear. It's made for flat, low-slope and metal roofs, and it can also go over concrete, wood and brick. It's not affected by sunlight.
- [product link: MetalSafe Sealant]: A bitumen-based coating with built-in rust inhibitors, made for metal roofs. It goes over light surface rust with no primer and dries black.
- [product link: Silicone Roof Coating]: A high-solids, true silicone coating that forms a thick, flexible waterproof membrane. It comes in white, rolls or sprays on, and works on most roof types, including metal, wood and modified bitumen. It doesn't need a primer, except on TPO roofs, and it can go over most existing silicone coatings.
- [product link: RV Roof Coating]: A white, UV-resistant coating made for RV roofs, including EPDM, TPO, aluminum and fiberglass. Use it for repairs, maintenance or a full roof restoration. The primer you'll need depends on your RV's roof type.
Pick one coating per roof. MetalSafe Sealant shouldn't be combined with Color Roof Sealant or Silicone Roof Coating.
What Roofs Can You Use a Liquid Roofing System On?
Liquid Rubber roof coatings work on a wide range of roof types, including:
- Metal
- Modified bitumen
- EPDM and TPO
- PVC
- Concrete
- Plywood and OSB
- Fiberglass
- Spray polyurethane foam (SPF)
Some surfaces need a primer first. The Kit Builder on each roof coating's product page recommends the right coating and supplies for your roof type. Not sure what your roof is made of? Our Product and Application Support Team can help.
How a Liquid Roofing System Goes On
Every product has its own application guide, but most roof jobs follow the same basic steps:
- Inspect the roof and repair any damage, like loose fasteners or damaged panels.
- Clean the surface with [product link: Multipurpose Cleaner] and let it dry completely.
- Fill small cracks and holes with [product link: Sealant & Adhesive Caulk], and prime if your surface or product calls for it.
- Bridge seams, joints and larger cracks with [product link: Seam Tape].
- Apply the coating with a brush, roller or sprayer. Use the full amount your project calls for, since coverage rates are the total needed, not per coat.
- Weather matters too. Apply in dry conditions with no rain in the forecast, out of hot, direct sun. Check the application guide for your product for exact temperatures and dry times.
- Working on a metal roof? Our guide on [blog link: How to Seal a Metal Roof] walks you through every step.
Taking Care of Your Coated Roof
A liquid roofing system doesn't need much upkeep. Inspect your roof once or twice a year, ideally after winter, for any blistering, peeling or cracks, especially around seams and penetrations. Fix small issues right away so they don't turn into bigger ones. Keep the roof clean with Multipurpose Cleaner, and keep foot traffic to a minimum, since coated roofs aren't meant to be walked on regularly.
How often you'll need to recoat depends on the product. Silicone Roof Coating averages 10 to 15 years before recoating. On metal roofs coated with MetalSafe Sealant or Color Roof Sealant, plan on a refresher coat in about 5 years.
Wrapping Up
Liquid roofing systems are a practical way to stop leaks and protect the roof you already have, without the cost of a full replacement. With the right coating and a little prep, it's a project you can handle yourself.
Ready to get started? Pick your coating and use the Kit Builder on its product page to get the right amount of everything for your roof. Have questions? Reach out to our Product and Application Support Team through our [product link: Contact Us page].
Liquid Roofing System FAQs
Is a liquid roofing system a replacement for a new roof?
No. Liquid Rubber roof coatings are restoration products. They're made to seal and protect the roof you already have. If the roof is over a living space, check your local building code first.
Can I use more than one Liquid Rubber coating on the same roof?
Stick with one. MetalSafe Sealant shouldn't be combined with Color Roof Sealant or Silicone Roof Coating.
Do I need a contractor to install a liquid roofing system?
No. Liquid Rubber roofing products are made for DIYers and go on with a brush, roller or sprayer. Our support team can walk you through the whole process if you need a hand.
How much coating do I need?
It depends on the product and the size of your roof. Coverage rates are the total amount needed for proper protection, not per coat. The Kit Builder on each roof coating's product page calculates how much you need for your project.
