Here you will find basic application methods and procedures for most USP™ Energy Coated Roof Systems. Application methods for *Select 15 and *Select 20 year systems will be reviewed, discussed, and specifications mailed prior to acceptance and/or subsequent qualification of the roof substrate.

USP™Energy Coatings (Basic Application) "Over Metal" - Competitive 10 Year System

Preface:

Rooftop preparation is undoubtedly one of the most important things to consider when applying a roof coating... Determining substrate "viability", looking for, marking and addressing "would-be" problem areas are probably equally as high on your list... Finally, and perhaps the most challenging part, is tying them all together! Once you've determined that the roof substrate is a good candidate for a coating, and have addressed all of the "would-be" problem suspect areas, then you can begin to think about preparation. I did mention that Rooftop preparation is important, right? The reason this I stressed is because all-too-often the lack of proper substrate preparation can be directly linked to premature system failure. In a nutshell, a little extra time on the preparation goes a long way toward your roof system's continued success!

1. Preparing the substrate to receive the coating is generally a well considered "first step". Since the primary reason for good preparation is to affect an overall "water-tight" condition prior to base or finish coat, it may seem a bit silly to mention what actually happens first: The Power-Wash (Pressure-Wash). Generally speakin, 3000 P.S.I. is sufficient to remove most unwanted elements of the substrate, primarily dirt buildup, asphaltic residue, various caulkings, etc... (U.S. Ply recommends the GRACO 833 as the baseline "airless" spray-rig model of choice). Any residue debris left after the power-wash are, in most cases, harmless - (with the exception of large repair areas unaffected by the 3000 P.S.I. wash) and can either be broomed, or in extreme cases, scraped off. It's important to relate to and understand the pwer-wash aspect of a coating system process. Coatings adhere well to clean dry surfaces. They DO NOT adhere well to dirty, or moisture laden surfaces. Enough said? Having said that, depending upon the size of the project, it may be necessary to power-wash multiple times due to inclement wether, wind, pollution, or any number of other "incidentals". The main point to get: Only coat over clean, dry surfaces - period.
   • (There may be occasions where a full power-wash cannot be implemented or executed, due to various reasons or concerns... In those incidents, it is equally important to find a successfull way to clean and dry the substrate prior to coating)
2. Once the power-wash has been completed, and the substrate has been allowed sufficient time to dry, it's now time to begin to inspect the substrate (metal) for voids, holes, rust-through or other areas requiring sheet metal (or like material) repair, and begin to tighten, add, or replace all loose fasteners... Metal to metal contact is the key here - so anywhere there is not metal to metal contact, it is critical that fasteners be added, and/or up to ¼" bead of mastic added to affect the needed contact. Fiberglass "in-set" skylights that are not cracked or broken can easily be given a new lease on life with a skylight coat...
3. Step 3 involves taping of the vertical and horizontal seams (all) using 2", 4", or 6", butyl seam tape.
   • GOOD TIP: Applying a light base coat over the tape seams will affect a tighter seal when "finish coating" later...
4. Step 4 involves treating all rested panel areas with USP™ EnergyPrime rust inhibitor (translucent red). Be sure to allow sufficient dry time.
   • (See specifications manual for application rates and dry times - system specific)
5. Tape and bed all penetrations and walls with either USP™ butyl tape and mastic, or USP™ PolyForcement Fabric and mastic (3 coursed and feathered).
6. Step 5 involves applying the USP™ EnergyBase light gray base coat over the entire substrate surface. Once again, see specifications manual for application rates, dry times, and appropriate wet/dry mil thickness.
7. Apply a uniform, consistent Finish Coat to the entire substrate surface, ensuring proper application rate and wet/dry mil thickness per the specified system being applied.
   • (See specification manual for application rates and dry times - system specific)
8. Allow sufficient dry time and inspect for proper dry mil thickness, over-spray, and/or any other incidentals previously missed. Apply additional Finish Coat as needed.
9. OPTIONAL: Offer the Building Owner the opportunity to walk and view the roof... Point out the things that you did to ensure your mutual success!
10. OPTIONAL: Take pictures and ask for referrals!!!