Roof Coating Care and Maintenance

Inspect your Lexis roof coating system regularly. Keeping the roof clean and free of debris will give you maximum performance and longer service life. Touch up any damaged areas immediately to prevent substrate deterioration.

Preventative Maintenance

1. Provide Proper Drainage: Keep the roof surface clean and free of leaves, twigs, paper or accumulated dirt and debris near the drain to avoid clogging. Ponding water on the surface of the system will increase the probability of moisture entering the structure in the event of a puncture or cut in the system.
2. Limit foot traffic: Unprotected areas of the roofing system are more susceptible to damage from frequent foot traffic. Protect roof with working on any rooftop equipment to prevent damage to the membrane.
3. Avoid degrading the roofing system by exposing the coating membrane to liquids containing petroleum products, solvents, grease used for lubricating roof top units, oils (new or old) used for air conditioning or compressor units, kitchen wastes or other animal fats, chemicals. Prolonged exposure to these materials will cause swelling and possible degradation of the system if spills are not removed. Catch pans and proper drainage of these pans or other means of protection may be used for system protection.
4. Avoid puncturing the system. Workers servicing rooftop equipment, e.g., HVAC units, antennas, etc. should protect the membrane from tools, impact and abrasion. Care should be taken when placing metal doors, lids, pans, or sharp objects on the system.
5. Avoid damaging the system if the removal of snow is necessary. Use plastic shovels and pay particular attention when working around curbs or other areas where wall flashing can be damaged. Snow blowers and shovels with sharp edges must not be used.
6. When moving units or equipment on roofs, avoid overloading and system damage by installing smooth plywood over the system prior to moving the equipment.
7. Remove all debris (such as, glass, bolts, nails, screws, metal shavings, etc.) and any other material that may promote punctures or cuts to the system.
8. Remove all spills of material, which may degrade the system (such as solvent based materials, oil based paint, etc.)

Periodic Inspections

1. Bi-Annual (twice a year) maintenance and inspection is required for any warranties issued by Lexis Coatings. Building owner should enlist the services of trained and qualified roofing or coating professional to perform bi-annual roof inspections. The inspection should include a general evaluation of the roofing system and then concentrate on “high risk” areas such as roof hatches, drains, and penetrations and around all rooftop equipment.
2. Inspections may also include the examination of the roof deck from the underside for evidence of leaks, deteriorated decking, structural cracks, or movement and other deficiencies. Parapets and edgings should also be examined for evidence of cracking, deterioration and moisture infiltration.

In addition to the scheduled semi-annual inspections, roof inspections should also be conducted whenever any of the following conditions occur:

1. Exposure of the roof to severe weather conditions, such as strong winds, hail or continuous heavy rainfall.
2. Examine the roof for severely ponded conditions, debris, and any other damage to the building components that may allow moisture to infiltrate. The system should also be examined in areas where damages have been identified for punctures, tears or loose coating.
3. After any repair or replacement of rooftop equipment, and at any other time when the roof may become exposed to activities of other trades where damages may occur.
   Examine the roof for spills, debris, sharp objects, punctures, or possible delamination on adhered roofing systems caused by constant foot traffic.

Cleaning

1. Coated surface must be inspected and cleaned bi-annually to maintain reflectivity, maximum longevity and minimize chances of any deterioration of the coating due to environmental factors (such as accumulation of dirt, growth of mold, mildew or algae).
2. Before and after cleaning of the surface it is important to inspect the coating to see if there are any tears or blisters that need repair.
3. If any tears or blisters are found then it is important to document where these are on the surface to see if they become recurring issues or not.
4. Document findings of the inspection for future reference.
5. Manual Cleaning: Depending on the type of debris on the coating you may be able to use a simple garden hose with spray nozzle and very soft bristle deck brush to remove the debris.
6. Pressure Washing: Use a white (40 degree) wide nozzle tip with a maximum 2000 psi pressure washer. Start with the tip at 18” off the deck and saturate the area with water. Generally, “softening” the debris will allow for less chance of damage to the coating. Come back to the area and gradually lower the tip to the deck until you see the debris coming off but do not allow the tip to get lower than 6” from the deck. Lexis warranty will not cover premature erosion due to abrasion caused by excessive pressure.
7. Stains: If coated surface has discolored, consider recoating the roof to refresh it.

Roof Leaks

Low Slope Roofs

1. Begin leak investigations by conducting a thorough, visual inspection of the general location on the roof where leaks have been detected inside the building. Inspect field splices, areas of ponded water (if the roof is dry at the time of investigation, areas of ponded water can be identified by accumulated residue on the system).
2. Examine lower areas of the roof for moisture beneath the system (soft insulation can be detected when walking on the system).
3. When a visible source of the leak has not been identified, wet the system at the anticipated leak area with water. Use a squeegee to remove the excess water. As the system dries, small cuts or tears will remain wet.
4. Metal Deck: Identify the direction of the deck flutes and deck slope. Moisture may infiltrate through the roofing system and migrate in the lower flutes of the deck and leak inside the building in low areas. Explore the condition of metal flashing (i.e., edging, coping, expansion joint covers, etc.) for improperly sealed joints.
5. Concrete Deck: Leaks may be the result of moisture entrapment at the time of the original installation.
6. Underinsulated Roofing Assemblies: Some leaks may be the result of condensation; therefore, it is important to determine the leak location and frequency. Check areas around mechanical rooftop equipment, drains, gravel stops, curbs, expansion joints, pipes, etc. to identify cuts, punctures or damaged field splices.
7. Ballasted Roofing Systems: If leaks are a result of punctures or small cuts in the system, it will be necessary to remove the ballast prior to further investigation.

Repairs

1. Only Authorized Applicators should perform repairs to the LEXIS System. A qualified roofer should perform substrate related repairs. The building owner may perform emergency repairs required to provide immediate protection from water infiltration; however, a LEXIS Authorized Applicator must complete permanent repairs when weather conditions permit.
2. ATTENTION: Silicone Coated Surfaces: Use only Lexis Silicone to retouch and repair damaged or leaking areas. If thicker product is desired, mix silicone coating with SeamStitch Fibers or Fillers until the desired consistency is achieved.
3. Temporary Wet Surface Emergency Repairs: Clean surface around the cut or tear with a MEK. Divert water from affected area and allow it to dry. If a dry surface is not possible, use SeamStitch Butyl Tape over the cut as a temporary repair to stop the leaks.
4. Dry Surface Emergency Repairs: Clean the surface around the cut or tear with a cleaner or degreaser. Rinse the area with clean water and allow it to dry before retouch with the same coating as the rest of the roof.
5. Abrasion Damage: Worn areas caused by rooftop equipment, debris or equipment installers may be touched up after cleaning the affected area thoroughly.
6. Concrete Deck: Cracks are a sign of stress, movement or poor concrete. Any crack that appears after the job is complete should be considered a maintenance area. Annual inspection and maintenance required. All crack repairs should be fully reinforced with SeamStitch Fabric. Avoid running fabric in a zigzag pattern as much as possible. If cracks radiate outward in multiple directions, it is better to use 40″ wide fabric instead.
7. Spray Foam: Minor cuts or mechanical damage to Sprayed Polyurethane Foam (SPF) may be repaired with approved urethane caulks, or in the case of silicone coating use only approved silicone caulks. Clean area to be repaired and remove exposed foam. Fill repair area with approved caulk and tool to convex surface extending a minimum of 1 inch beyond damaged area. Do not use clear or translucent caulks. A qualified spray foam contractor should make extensive repairs.
8. Warranted Repairs: The original installer must perform all warranted roof repairs. With a few exceptions, LEXIS may request a repair estimate from the other Authorized Applicators if the original installer is not available.

Tears

1. Remove any loose or poorly adhering coating. Bevel cut thick areas to make it easier to blend in the repair.
2. Use a clean soft cloth dampened with MEK and gently wipe area. This will clean and prepare the area to receive the new coating.
3. Allow the area to thoroughly dry and flash off (generally 30 mins).
4. Apply 20 mils of the specified Lexis roof coating product by roller or brush. Allow to dry until tack free.
5. Apply a second 20 mil coating. Allow to dry until tack free.

Blisters

1. Blisters are caused by presence of moisture in the substrate. Simply cut out the blister and let the surface to dry before retouch with the same coating as the rest of the roof.
2. Remove any loose or poorly adhering coating. Bevel cut thick areas to make it easier to blend in the repair.
3. Allow any moisture in the blister to dry thoroughly.
   Wipe down surface with MEK to speed up evaporation and to clean and prepare surface.
4. Allow the area to thoroughly dry and flash off (generally 30 mins).
   Apply 20 mils of the specified Lexis roof coating product by roller or brush. Allow to dry until tack free.
5. Apply a second 20 mil coating. Allow to dry until tack free.

Alterations

1. To assure the continuation of the Warranty, any modifications or alterations to the roofing system (addition of units, pipes, satellite dishes, etc.) must be communicated to LEXIS prior to proceeding.
2. The proposed modification or alteration details will be reviewed by LEXIS to determine compliance with LEXIS Roofing System specifications.
   Coordinate the installation with
3. LEXIS Authorized Roofing Applicator so the modification / alteration will be in accordance with LEXIS Roofing System specifications and details.
4. LEXIS Authorized Applicator must complete permanent repairs when weather conditions permit.