Kool Seal is an elastomeric roof coating that can extend the life of your roof by protecting it from UV rays, water, and other damage. When applying Kool Seal, temperature is an important factor to consider for proper application and maximum performance. The ideal temperature range for applying Kool Seal is between 50-90°F. Applying Kool Seal outside of this range can impact cure times and effectiveness.
What is Kool Seal?
Kool Seal is a water-based, acrylic elastomeric coating that forms a thick, rubberized layer over your roof. It is designed to expand and contract with your roof to prevent cracks and leaks. Key features and benefits of Kool Seal include:
- Forms a waterproof barrier – The elastomeric acrylic formula creates a seamless membrane to keep water out.
- UV protection – Reflective pigments guard against damaging ultraviolet rays.
- Durable and long-lasting – Can extend the life of aging or damaged roofs by up to 10 years.
- Energy efficiency – Reflective white coating helps reduce cooling costs.
- Easy to apply – Can be rolled or sprayed on.
- Versatile – Can be used on many roof types including asphalt, metal, single ply membranes, and more.
- Can fill cracks – Flexible material bridges small cracks and gaps.
Kool Seal is available in several varieties including white, aluminum, and clear. The white reflective coating is the most common.
Why Temperature Matters for Application
Temperature is important when applying elastomeric roof coatings like Kool Seal for several reasons:
Curing Process
Kool Seal cures through evaporation. This means the water in the coating needs to fully evaporate to allow the acrylic polymers to bind together and create a waterproof film.
Colder temperatures slow down the evaporation process. Applying Kool Seal when it’s too cold will delay curing and can affect performance. The coating may not form a uniform film, reducing its strength and durability.
Warmer temperatures speed up curing. But applying Kool Seal in excessively hot weather can cause the coating to skin over or dry too fast. This also diminishes the performance of the cured membrane.
Coating Expansion and Contraction
Kool Seal expands and contracts with temperature fluctuations. If applied at too cold of a temperature, the coating may pull inward as it cures and lose its elasticity and adhesion properties.
Applying during excess heat can have the opposite effect, causing the coating to over-stretch as it dries.
Both scenarios can lead to cracks or peeling, creating potential entry points for leaks.
Roof Condition
Temperature affects the roofing substrate as well as the coating. In cold weather, the roof surface may be wet or icy. Moisture on or in the roof can block adhesion and cause blisters or bubbles in the cured coating.
Excessive heat can soften and expand roofing materials. Applying Kool Seal over unstable substrates increases the likelihood of cracks or pinholes.
Manufacturer Recommendations
Kool Seal’s manufacturer provides temperature application guidelines based on extensive product testing and performance data.
For optimal results, the product should only be applied within the recommended range. This helps ensure proper curing and maximum expected performance and longevity.
What is the Ideal Temperature Range for Applying Kool Seal?
Kool Seal can be applied at any temperature within the range of 50-90°F (10-32°C). This temperature range allows the coating to fully cure and achieve optimal and consistent performance.
Some key factors within the ideal temperature range:
50°F (10°C)
The minimum temperature for application is 50°F. Below this threshold, evaporation of the water carrier in Kool Seal slows dramatically. Curing time lengthens considerably at lower temperatures, delaying the roof coating from achieving waterproofing capabilities.
90°F (32°C)
The maximum temperature for application is 90°F. Above this point, Kool Seal may skin over too rapidly, reducing overall strength and adhesion. Excessive heat can also cause the coating to thermally shock or crack as it cools and contracts.
60-85°F (16-29°C)
The ideal temperature range for application is 60-85°F. This allows the coating to dry at a proper rate to create a seamless, durable film. Roof temperature should be stable without large swings or fluctuations.
65-80°F (18-27°C)
The manufacturer recommends 65-80°F as the optimum range for application. Curing conditions, drying time, and performance are most consistent within this temperature span. Consider waiting if temps are outside this zone.
Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when applying elastomeric roof coatings like Kool Seal for best results. Let’s look closer at how to apply Kool Seal properly at various temperatures.
Applying Kool Seal in Cooler Temperatures
It’s possible to apply Kool Seal at temperatures as low as 50°F. Additional precautions should be taken to ensure proper curing:
- Only apply during dry conditions with low humidity. Avoid early morning dew or mist.
- Allow extra drying time between coats. Wait 48-72 hours in cool weather.
- Apply in direct sunlight when possible to aid drying.
- Use a thinner first coat to improve adhesion. Follow with thicker top coats.
- Space out roof sections instead of coating the entire surface at once.
Cool temperatures and high humidity will slow down curing significantly. Make sure each coat is fully dry before adding another. Expect the coating to take 2-3 times as long to cure versus warmer conditions.
Supplemental heat can be used when applying Kool Seal in marginal cool temperatures. This allows the coating to form a continuous film. Moderate heat also helps with adhesion. Take care not to overheat the roof or exceed 90°F.
Tips for Applying Kool Seal in Low Temperatures
- Apply on sunny days and take advantage of radiant heat.
- Tent and heat the roof if needed to maintain over 50°F.
- Use a thermal imaging camera to identify cold roof spots.
- Start application earlier in the day to maximize sunlight.
- Apply thin coats and allow extra time between coats.
Proper application in cool weather requires careful monitoring of conditions. Don’t rush the job or take shortcuts. If temperatures are right at the lower limit, it may be best to wait for warmer weather.
Applying Kool Seal in Hot Temperatures
Kool Seal can be applied properly at temperatures up to 90°F with some additional precautions:
- Apply early or late in the day when roof is coolest.
- Break roof into sections to prevent coating from drying too fast.
- Use a white roof coating instead of clear or aluminum.
- Mist roof with water to aid adhesion and slow curing.
- Allow coating to fully cure overnight before recoating.
The fast evaporation rate in hot weather can cause flash skinning where the top of the coating dries too quickly. Take steps to slow the drying process. Applying Kool Seal over a dampened roof helps control the curing.
Avoid application if roof temperature exceeds 130°F or on extremely hot days over 95°F. Roof must be less than 90°F during application. Wait for temperature drop or shift work to early morning. Consider night work once roof has cooled.
Tips for Applying Kool Seal in High Temperatures
- Schedule work for mornings before temperature spike.
- Cover small sections of roof instead of entire roof at once.
- Use a thermometer to check roof temp before starting.
- Mist roof with water to cool surface before applying.
- Work in shade or set up shade over the roof.
Avoid application over solar-heated roofing. Heat build up within dark roofing substrates can compromise adhesion. Carefully monitor weather forecasts for extreme heat waves. Overall, it’s best to schedule Kool Seal application during the medium temperature range.
Is Surface Temperature or Air Temperature More Important?
When considering the ideal temperature range for applying Kool Seal, surface temperature is more important than air temperature. While related, roof temperature and ambient air temperature can differ significantly.
Some key factors highlighting the importance of surface temperature:
- Dark roofs absorb heat and become much hotter than air temperature.
- Temperature swings throughout the day cause roof expansion and contraction.
- Wet, icy, or frost-covered roofs will be colder than the air.
- Direct sunlight rapidly heats roof surfaces through radiant energy.
- Roof composition affects heat gain/loss (metal vs. asphalt).
Kool Seal must properly adhere to the roof substrate. The roof surface impacts drying time and cure rate. Only measuring air temperature does not account for these factors.
For example, ambient temperature may be 70°F but a black asphalt shingle roof in direct sun could exceed 150°F at the surface. Similarly, a metal roof overnight could measure 40°F when air is 50°F.
Always use a contact thermometer or thermal imager to check roof surface temperature before applying Kool Seal. Ensure conditions align with the 50-90°F application range based on the roofing material.
Measuring Roof Temperature Accurately
Here are some tips for properly gauging roof temperature before applying Kool Seal:
- Use a contact thermometer at several areas on the roof.
- Scan entire roof with a thermal imaging camera if available.
- Take temperature at regular intervals to identify fluctuations.
- Test temperature at both high and low roof elevations.
- Compare roof temperature to ambient air temperature.
- Mark off cool or hot areas that require extra monitoring.
Monitoring temperature consistently across the whole roof provides a complete picture. This allows you to plan application around the ideal temperature range.
What Happens If You Apply Kool Seal at the Wrong Temperature?
Applying Kool Seal outside of the 50-90°F range can cause issues with curing and performance:
Too Cold – Below 50°F
- Extremely slow drying and curing times
- Coatings remain soft and never fully harden
- Reduced adhesion leading to peeling or flaking
- Irregular film formation with weak spots
- Roof remains vulnerable to leaks during extended cure
Kool Seal may still eventually cure when applied in colder temperatures. But the process can take weeks instead of days. The coating is also more likely to underperform or fail prematurely.
Too Hot – Above 90°F
- Fast evaporation prevents proper film formation
- Skinning, bubbling, wrinkling, or sagging
- Thermal shocking can cause cracks as coating cools
- Adhesion loss from rapid curing on hot substrates
- Accelerated aging and weathering damage
Excessive heat speeds drying but compromises quality. The cured coating is more prone to tearing, peeling, and cracking which allows leaks. Sun damage and oxidation also occurs faster with poor adhesion.
Ideal Temperature Range
Applying Kool Seal when roof temperature is 50-90°F allows the coating to:
- Fully cure within 24-48 hours
- Achieve maximum strength, durability, and longevity
- Resist cracking, peeling, and separating
- Provide consistent protection across the entire roof
Staying within the ideal temperature window helps the coating reach optimal performance. This maximizes the return on investment from the roof restoration project.
Tips for Applying Kool Seal in Any Temperature
Here are some general best practices for applying Kool Seal across a range of temperatures:
Test and Prep the Roof
- Inspect roof for damage, moisture, or deficiencies
- Clean roof surface thoroughly and allow to fully dry
- Conduct adhesion testing of a Kool Seal sample area
- Make necessary repairs before applying coating
Proper prep improves adhesion and minimizes flaws in the completed coating.
Monitor Temperature and Conditions
- Check roof temperature frequently with a thermometer
- Track ambient temperature and weather forecasts
- Adjust work schedule if extreme highs or lows are expected
- Stop work if thunderstorms or strong winds arise
Measuring roof temp allows you to gauge drying rate and make adjustments.
Follow Manufacturer Instructions
- Review all technical and safety documentation
- Use proper spray equipment calibrated for the coating
- Mix and thin the coating according to directions
- Allow sufficient drying time between coats as specified
Product-specific application instructions help ensure optimal performance.
Careful prep work, temperature monitoring, and adhering to recommendations allows Kool Seal to be applied effectively across a wide temperature range. But the 50-90°F window provides the ideal conditions for maximum results.
Conclusion
In summary, temperature is a critical factor when applying elastomeric roof coatings like Kool Seal. The ideal temperature range is 50-90°F. At lower temperatures, the curing process is dramatically slowed. Excess heat can speed drying too rapidly.
Surface temperature is the most important gauge vs. air temperature when planning application. Carefully monitor the roof temperature with a thermometer or thermal imager. Adjust work schedules or plans if the projected temperature will fall outside the target range.
Applying Kool Seal within the ideal 50-90°F window allows the coating to fully cure into a seamless, durable, waterproof membrane. This provides long-lasting protection and value from the roof restoration investment. Careful prep work, temperature monitoring, and following the manufacturer’s instructions enables quality application across a range of temperatures. But staying within the ideal temperature zone produces maximum performance and longevity from Kool Seal roof coatings.