I get where you’re coming from—my place is a 60s split-level and I was super wary about adding any extra weight up there. I actually bailed on the green roof idea after talking to a contractor who said my rafters would need serious beefing up. Even with just regular coatings, I’ve had issues with peeling and leaks, especially after a rough winter. Sometimes it feels like these “solutions” just create new problems... Maybe it’s just older houses, but I’m not convinced the risk is worth it unless you’re ready for a big project.
Yeah, I hear you on the older homes. Mine’s a ‘57 ranch and I swear the roof’s just waiting for an excuse to leak. What’s worked for me—after a couple rounds of peeling mess—was really taking my time with prep. Scraped off every bit of old coating, cleaned it with TSP, then waited for a dry stretch (which is rare here in Ohio). Used a roller instead of a sprayer and put it on thin. Still not perfect, but it’s lasted two winters now. Not cheap, but cheaper than a new roof... for now anyway.
That’s impressive you got two winters out of it—Ohio weather really puts coatings to the test. Did you notice if certain spots peeled faster than others? I’ve had issues around flashing and seams, even after doing all the prep work. Sometimes I wonder if the old layers underneath are just too far gone, no matter how much scraping I do. Still, like you said, stretching out a few more years before a full replacement feels worth it.
- Yeah, the seams and around the flashing always seem to go first for me too. Doesn’t matter how careful I am with the prep—those spots just don’t want to hold up.
- I’ve tried a couple different brands, even splurged on one of those “guaranteed” elastomeric coatings. Still peeled up at the same spots, just a little slower.
- Honestly, I’m starting to think there’s only so much you can do when the old stuff is already baked and cracked underneath. At some point, it’s like putting fresh paint on a rusty car—you’re just delaying the inevitable.
- That said, dragging out another year or two before dropping thousands on a full tear-off? I’ll take it. Not thrilled about climbing up there every spring, but beats writing a big check right now.
- One thing I noticed: spots that get more sun seem to peel faster than shaded areas. Could just be my roof, but maybe worth watching if you’re tracking patterns.
- Anyway, if someone ever invents a coating that actually lasts in Midwest weather, I’ll be first in line... but until then, it’s patch and pray.
At some point, it’s like putting fresh paint on a rusty car—you’re just delaying the inevitable.
That sums it up. I’ve patched and recoated around my vent pipes and chimney more times than I care to admit. Midwest winters just destroy the stuff—freeze, thaw, repeat. I will say, using mesh tape over seams before coating seemed to help a bit, but nothing’s bulletproof. Honestly, as long as I can squeeze another year or two out of it without a leak, I call that a win these days.