Liquid-applied membranes gain industry attention

By Jesse Sanchez.

Liquid-applied membranes offer a seamless, durable and cost-effective alternative to traditional roofing methods.

Liquid-applied roofing membranes are steadily emerging as a game-changing solution in the roofing industry. As labor shortages continue to impact contractors, these advanced systems offer a reliable, cost-effective alternative to traditional single-ply roofing. In this CoatingsTalk, host Heidi J. Ellsworth sat down with industry expert Ed Klonowski, senior product manager at Gaco, to shed light on the growing adoption of liquid-applied roofing and its advantages.

One of the key benefits of liquid-applied membranes is their seamless, monolithic nature. Unlike traditional single-ply systems that require seams to be welded or adhered, liquid-applied membranes are installed as a continuous layer, reducing the potential for leaks. “With liquid-applied systems, you are creating a single monolithic sheet,” Ed explained. “Because you can manufacture it on the roof, you can pour the coating out, roll it right up to your penetration, right up to your scuppers. There’s no seams.”

The durability of these systems also sets them apart. Traditional roofing requires meticulous attention to ensure seams and flashings are properly installed, whereas liquid-applied systems eliminate many of these potential failure points. “These are tested to the same standards as single-ply systems. So, there’s really no differences there,” Ed noted. Additionally, their inherent adhesion properties make them more resistant to wind uplift, an essential factor for roofing systems in hurricane-prone and high-wind areas. “Every single liquid-applied membrane is fully adhered by nature. So, you’re automatically getting that superior wind uplift,” he added.

Beyond performance, liquid-applied roofing solutions align with the industry’s sustainability goals. These coatings allow contractors to restore existing roofs instead of resorting to costly and environmentally harmful tear-offs. “If you want to enhance and bring up to code an existing building while still utilizing the existing ISO, you can certainly apply additional spray foam and then coat over top of that,” Ed said, expressing the role of liquid-applied membranes in reducing landfill waste.

For contractors looking to diversify their offerings, investing in liquid-applied roofing systems presents an opportunity to meet growing market demand. With labor shortages persisting and building codes evolving, these systems provide a versatile and efficient roofing solution that is gaining traction industry-wide.

Read the transcript, Listen to the podcast or Watch the webinar to learn more about the advantages of liquid-applied membranes and how they can transform roofing projects!