How to Waterproof, Coat and Seal Plywood & Concrete Roofs
Roof decks, by definition, are decks that exist over living areas. Although the substructure material is different the application method for both a plywood and concrete deck are the same. It used to be that roof deck applications were quite expensive to build and had a multitude of waterproofing and application problems. All that has changed with Ames’ premium, water-based, environmentally friendly, elastomeric, waterproofing, acrylic and rubber coatings. There really is nothing else quite like it out there.
GENERAL APPLICATION TIPS
Application Suggestions
Ames Research Laboratories, Inc. recommends that these application suggestions be used as a guideline for applying Ames’ products. Please remember these are only suggestions. Product durability depends upon surface preparation and sufficient material usage for thickness. Read all instructions on the label before beginning. Always run a test patch first in an inconspicuous area to ensure that proper adhesion and drying occurs with your product and that the product works to your satisfaction before proceeding.
Do not proceed unless you are satisfied.
For product information or technical assistance, call 1-888-345-0809 or contact us via email.
Do not proceed unless you are satisfied.
For product information or technical assistance, call 1-888-345-0809 or contact us via email.
Weather & Drying Guidelines
For exterior application, our products are best applied between 50 to 90°F (10 to 32°C) on warm dry surfaces. Be sure humidity is less than 50% and dew point and temperature have a good spread. The coating will begin to dry in 30 minutes to 2 hours depending upon the thickness of application and weather. For best results, allow a minimum of 24 hours between coats. Products can take up to two weeks to fully cure. IMPORTANT: For exterior applications check your local weather forecast and follow our Ames’ weather rule: Apply when the streets are dry, the sun is in the sky, the roof is warm to touch, and no inclement weather is forecast for at least 24 hours. The best work window during winter months is usually between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. with a forecast of clear weather for the following day. Low temperatures, high humidity and evening and morning dew will require increased drying/curing time.
When top coating, keep in mind that white or light-colored coatings will reflect nearly all solar rays and dry at a much slower rate than dark colored coatings. If you live in the northern hemisphere the best time to apply white products is the summer months when there is plenty of sunlight. In contrast, darker coatings absorb more sunlight and dry more quickly.
When top coating, keep in mind that white or light-colored coatings will reflect nearly all solar rays and dry at a much slower rate than dark colored coatings. If you live in the northern hemisphere the best time to apply white products is the summer months when there is plenty of sunlight. In contrast, darker coatings absorb more sunlight and dry more quickly.
PLYWOOD & CONCRETE ROOF APPLICATION
1. Preparation for Roof Decks
Read all label instructions before beginning. Always run a test patch first in an inconspicuous area to ensure that proper adhesion and drying occurs and the product works to your satisfaction. It is suggested that if the plywood has not been installed, to coat the plywood on all sides with one coat of Elasto-Barrier. Elasto-Barrier is a pure liquid rubber coating designed to resist water. The product impregnates the wood with rubber that will stretch with the wood movement. Remove all loose paint, dirt, oil and grease leaving thesurface clean and dry. Do not use any soaps or detergents. All major cracks, joints and seams should be caulked and filled with an Ames’ Blue Max Trowel Grade coating and filler. Do not use any silicone caulk. Make sure the surface is as smooth as possible. Difficult surfaces such as concrete, vinyl or EPDM Rubber require one or two coats of Super Primer for adhesion to the surface. You may paint, roll, or spray onto the surface.
2. Seam Taping
All surfaces with joints, cracks, flashings or where two unlike surfaces come together should be seam taped. Seam taping is done to provide additional strength and reinforcement. Ames’ Peel & Stick Seam Tape is ideal for plywood roof decks and other smooth surfaces. For the tape to work properly, it must be on a smooth surface.
3. Roof Fabric Application
After seam taping, the next step is to embed roof fabric for long-term strengthening of the roof deck. Ensure that material is saturated in Blue Max Regular Grade, and dried before proceeding.(For more information on the application of Roof Fabric, please go to page.)
4. Topcoat the Roof Deck w/Maximum-Stretch
Topcoat the roof deck with Maximum Stretch or Liquid Granite. Topcoat with 2 coats of Maximum Stretch as needed to properly seal the entire surface to a watertight system. Seam taping over edges with seam tape and shaping corners and joints will finish your application.
5. Concrete Roof Deck
Prime with 1-2 coats of Ames’ Super Primer. Allow primer to dry completely clear. Apply 2-3 coats of Ames’ Super Elasto-Barrier dual rubber coating. Then apply 2-3 coats of Safe-TDeckor Liquid Granite over Super Elasto-Barrier. Allow proper drying time between coats.
6. Weather & Drying Guidelines
Products are best applied between 50° to 90° F (10° to 32° C) on warm dry surfaces. Apply when the streets are dry, the sun is in the sky and no inclement weather is forecast. Starts to dry in 2-8 hours, depending on thickness of application and weather; cures in 24 hours. Low temperatures, high humidity and evening and morning dew will require increased drying/curing time.
7. Clean-up, Storage, and Disposal
Clean tools and small spills with water. Store unused product in its original container, tightly sealed and protected from freezing. Dispose of this product in accordance with local, state, or federal requirements.
PRODUCTS IN THIS APPLICATION GUIDE