Inspection

• Before applying any coating, inspect the roof to look for signs of wear, cracks, uneven bumps and debris. If the roof is old or cracked, then you will have to address these issues before applying the coating. Older roofs in need of replacement should not be coated because the coating will cause difficulty when replacing the roof. Roof coatings will also not work as effectively on roofs with cracks or other damage.
  
  

Cleaning

• A roof coating is basically a type of paint, which means that the surface will need to be cleaned before the coating will be able to stick to the roof. A pressure washer is the best way to get rid of dirt and other contaminants on the roof. Pressure washers should not be used on gravel roofs because it will cause stones to come loose and ruin the surface of the roof. Gravel roofs should be cleaned with brushes and a cleaning detergent that will not damage the adhesive.
  
  

Preparation

• When the roof has dried from the cleaning it should be inspected once more. Any cracks or damages that are visible should be repaired before applying the roof coating. This is usually done with roofing putty or tar. The putty will provide a drier surface to paint over. If tar is used it will bubble during hot days which can damage the roof coating. Any loose shingles or paper can be nailed back into place. Fix any leaks in the roof before proceeding to the coating stage. Allow any repairs to dry for 24 hours in the warm sun before proceeding.
  
  

Painting

• The easiest way to apply roof coating to a flat roof is with a roller. The easiest way to apply roof coating to shingled or rocky roofs is with a paint sprayer. If you choose the roller method, use a wide roller for faster coverage. Roll the coating over the roof like you are painting a wall. Allow each coat to dry for four to six hours before applying a second coat. Generally, two to three coats will be enough to add effective coverage to the roof. If you use the sprayer method, only apply the paint on a low-wind day. Tape off areas of the roof that you do not want to paint. Keep the sprayer close to the roof. It is necessary to apply four to five coats with a sprayer.