Question:

I have a flat roof, with a modified mineral covering. I am receiving mixed messages as to whether this kind of roof needs to be coated either with an aluminum coating, or an elastomeric coating. We just purchased the house, and our insurance company is insisting on having it coated. The roof is in very good condition. One person has said it's not appropriate to coat a modified mineral roof, and another thinks an aluminum paint is the way to go. Notwithstanding, the roof already has an elastomeric coating on it. So my question has two parts: (1) Is a coating of some kind this necessary -- and if so what kind? and (2) will coating it damage it?

Thanks!

 

Mineral (granule) surfaced modifieds do not need to be coated unless they are losing all their granules.

There are "smooth" modifieds and there are "granuled" modifieds.
Smooth modifieds need to be coated to protect the asphalt from UV rays.
Granuled modifieds do not need to be coated because it's the granules that protect the asphalt from UV rays.

 

Delirious,

Ah, our roof has the granules, which are completely intact. Thank you very much.