Asphalt roof - how much cleaning do I need to do?

Posted by MiamiCuse on May 28, 2007, 10:49 pm

I am getting ready to apply a new elastomeric roof coating on top of the
existing asphalt membrane.

Instruction says to thoroughly clean and let dry before application. The
problem is the asphalt membrane has a lot of "loose" particles the size of
sand. I think it's part of the asphalt that is coming loose? I am unable
to clean them off totally. I can brush and brush and brush and more come
out and it seems to never end.

Any suggestions? May be I should just apply it as-is?

Thanks,

MC

Posted by Richard J Kinch on May 29, 2007, 12:34 am

MiamiCuse writes:

> Any suggestions?

New coating should be at least 3 times as thick as the largest loose
particle.

Posted by aemeijers on May 29, 2007, 3:38 am

>I am getting ready to apply a new elastomeric roof coating on top of the
>existing asphalt membrane.
> Instruction says to thoroughly clean and let dry before application. The
> problem is the asphalt membrane has a lot of "loose" particles the size of
> sand. I think it's part of the asphalt that is coming loose? I am unable
> to clean them off totally. I can brush and brush and brush and more come
> out and it seems to never end.
> Any suggestions? May be I should just apply it as-is?

Just take a leaf blower to it. Be careful not to lift up any loose edges
with the airstream.

aem sends....

Posted by MiamiCuse on May 30, 2007, 3:13 am

>>I am getting ready to apply a new elastomeric roof coating on top of the
>>existing asphalt membrane.
>> Instruction says to thoroughly clean and let dry before application. The
>> problem is the asphalt membrane has a lot of "loose" particles the size
>> of sand. I think it's part of the asphalt that is coming loose? I am
>> unable to clean them off totally. I can brush and brush and brush and
>> more come out and it seems to never end.
>> Any suggestions? May be I should just apply it as-is?

> Just take a leaf blower to it. Be careful not to lift up any loose edges
> with the airstream.
> aem sends....

Thanks aem, I was using a push broom, and the more I pushed the more loose
particles I got. So I didn't need to do all that? Oh well.

MC

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