Colorado Weather Coatings Re-Coats Fire-Damaged Roof

BOULDER, CO–July 19, 2012–The wildfires that scorched Colorado in recent weeks dominated national headlines, but it wasn't the first time the state has felt the heat. In early September of 2010, the Fourmile Canyon Fire burned more than 6,000 acres just outside the city of Boulder. While numerous houses succumbed to the flames, one home was spared because of a well-coated foam roof.

"There were burns in the roof were based on embers that started little tiny fires that didn't get too big," said homeowner Deward Walker.

Although the flames came no closer to the house than 50 yards, the high winds that fueled the fire's spread carried untold numbers of embers onto the roof's surface. There, the burning embers were contained enough by the roofing system to burn themselves out. In doing so, the embers burned through the layers of the roof's elastomeric coating, and even burned the foam in some areas.

It should be noted that foam roofs aren't the most common type of roofing systems for residences. However, opting for such a roof was a matter of personal preference for Walker.

"I just liked it," he said. "It keeps things warm in the winter and cool during the summer."

Comfort benefits aside, Walker was faced with repairing the damaged roof after the fire was contained in mid-September. Fortunately, he happened to run into Colorado Weather Coatings (CWC) on the campus of University of Colorado, Boulder. After learning of the situation, CWC went to the residence to check out the damage. Upon estimating the required repairs, the company was offered the job on the spot. CWC's first task involved prepping the roof for re-coating.

"We did all of the filling and caulking after removing the damaged spots," said CWC's Clay Rogers.

The company used Sonolastic NP 1 polyurethane sealant, from BASF, to fills the areas where the embers had burned into the foam. CWC then applied two coats of Bayblock acrylic coating, from Bayer MaterialScience, to finalize the re-coating project. Roofing Systems and Insulation, of Littleton, Colorado, distributed the material for the project.

It took three days for a crew of three to complete the roughly 1,000 square foot application. Upon completion, Walker was just as happy with CWC as he was with his roof in the first place.

"They did very good work. Very reasonable, no problems. It's held up fine," he summarized.

About Colorado Weather Coatings: CWC provides all types of roofing systems, be they re-roofing or new projects. Applications range from very large commercial roofs to residential roofs and metal roofs (EPDM, TPO or Modified). CWC service area includes Colorado and Wyoming. For more information, please use the contact details and links provided below.