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Frequently Asked Questions


National Roof Restoration & Repair crews travel from West Virginia. How can you be competitive in pricing?

It is true that NRRR pays travel expenses.  However, NRRR specializes in metal roof systems almost exclusively.  Therefore, our crews are more knowledgeable, more experienced and more technically competent in performing repairs or restoration with respect to companies that do not focus on metal. 

NRRR has the tools, fabrication shop and seasoned supervisor leadership to launch projects without delay and prosecute the process steps with precision and quality.  Our methodology translates into efficiency which turn greatly minimizes the impact of travel.

What if I have a roof leak during the warranty period? How does National Roof care for an out of state callback in a reasonable time frame?

Several ways.  First, NRRR employees full time leak technicians that service roof leaks if they occur.  We normally have two technicians that are on call.  We also have small repair crews in your area who are able to respond if a leak condition requires prompt attention and a leak technician is not immediately available.  Additionally, we have several more fallback positions.  You can call me.  I keep repair materials in stock at all times just in case a condition arises that needs a quick respond.  We also have construction staff members in the office that can respond to a customer need if it occurs.  National Roof has serviced thousands of customers in the Midwest, Atlantic Seaboard, and Southern region of the US for more than (50) years and we have always managed to fulfill the warranty component of our projects.

How do you decide what type of coating to recommend for a roof system restoration?

Our regional sales staff is well versed with (2) exceptionally well recognized coating manufacturers that have each been producing premium, high quality restoration materials for more than (80) eighty years.  We also listen to our customers and any preferences that they may have associated with: 1) energy conservation, 2) appearance and aesthetics, or longevity.  Not all industrial roof coatings are suitable for certain conditions and variables.  Our sales team works closely with our manufacturer reps to review the coating application benefits associated with each project in an effort to maximize material performance at a reasonable price.

Is it better to apply a base metal primer to the whole roof surface prior to a protective industrial coating application?

If the entire roof or a great majority of the roof panel surface is rusting or heavily oxidized our manufacturers typically recommend fully priming the roof system.  In the event that the roof surface only exhibits spot rust, we only apply a red zinc primer to those areas as specified by the coating manufacturer.

Can a metal roof be recoated in say 10, 15 or even 20 years after the 1st coating has been applied?

Most industrial coatings, if properly applied to a clean, well prepared roof surface will outlive its material warranty and become a candidate for recoating 15 to 20 years down the road.  The importance of roof surface preparation and the application of a premium grade, high quality coating…..in favorable weather conditions cannot be understated.  These fundamentals are essential for a long lasting and effective coating application that can be considered for a recoating.  National Roof has, in the past, recoated both fibered aluminum asphalt coating and white acrylic roof coating applications that were greater than (15) years old without an issue.

What is the difference between aluminum asphalt based coatings and white acrylic based / white solvent based elastomeric coatings?

There are a multitude of manufacturers and coating products in today’s marketplace.  You can click on the attached “link” that directs you to a manufacturer website where you can peruse the various coating product sheets.  If you contact National Roof by email or phone we will arrange for a local regional sales representative to visit with you to discuss the differences between various roof coatings.

What about weather conditions when spraying a protective roof coating? How critical are weather conditions such as rain, dew, cold, hot and other inclement or harsh weather events during application?

National Roof follows manufacturer recommendations for coating and moisture conditions.  We also utilize the experience of our seasoned foremen to provide intangible input in the decision making process of applying industrial coatings.

What if (2) contractors want a bid from National Roof on the same project?

National Roof provides the same proposal to both contractors.

How heavy do you apply the coating? What is the dry mil thickness?

Our coating manufacturers specify wet thickness application for each particular type of material used.  During the application phase the wet “mil” thickness of the coating can be easily checked with a manual gage.  Dry “mil” thickness or finished thickness of the coating is a direct function of the wet mil thickness applied.  For more specific information on individual products please email or call National Roof.

If my roof is leaking, but is not rusting, I have contractors trying to sell me a coating application they say will stop the leaks? What is National Roof position?

Protective industrial roof coatings were never developed for the purpose of stopping roof leaks.  The coatings were specifically developed to protect the metal panel and trim substrate from the oxidation –reduction process that eventually rusts all metal due to a myriad of variables and conditions.  Suffice it to say that if your metal roof is not rusting (i.e. the zinc coated galvanized panel surface has not depleted sufficiently or the zinc – aluminum coated galvalume panel surface is still functioning) then a protective industrial roof coating is not required at this time.  However, there are exceptions to this rule: such as reducing thermal movement on larger roof systems, energy conservation, LEEDS certification, local codes, aesthetics, etc.  The bottom line is that most all leaks occur at roof component details and laps.  Coating material application is not the answer to resolving these deficiencies.  Proper design, detailing, sealing & fastening provide for weather-tightness.  Get started by asking National Roof to perform a roof audit and implement preventive maintenance planning for low cost, roof system longevity.