RMI WATERPROOFING – IS IT A ROOF SYSTEM OR ROOF COATING?

Depending on specific project needs RMI materials are actually both.  Historically fluid/liquid applied materials have assumed the role of a "sacrificial coating".  General thought was a roof system was comprised of one or more roll sheet roofing materials and at some point a coating was applied simply to enhance its life cycle or improve energy performance.

The performance properties of RMI fluid/liquid applied systems’ bridge that gap between a standalone roof system and a restoration membrane integrated into an existing roof system yet meeting the performance and energy standards of a standalone roof system.  When applied as intended it would not be classified as a new, recover or prepared roof covering, yet the performance benefits of each.

Imagine installing a single ply roll sheet, on site in a liquid form.  RMI uses the existing roof in the same manner a single ply sheet uses a scrim to create a factory made sheet.  The difference with RMI is the entire waterproofing and wear surface is above the scrim.  A finished RMI system provides a performance criteria equal to or superseding typical roll sheets.  Where RMI differs from typical fluid applied materials is that its Garna-Flex is truly waterproof with 100% solids, 400+% elongation, 100% memory, <1 Permeance and rapid cure time allowing same day wear surface coatings applications.  RMI systems dramatically reduce contractor labor costs.  If you going to pay for a roof, it would only stand to reason that your investment should be tilted toward material content as opposed to labor.  RMI systems are compatible with metal, concrete, asphalt, single ply and spray foam which literally covers most conventional roof systems.

WATERPROOF MEMBRANE OR WATER RESISTANT COATING?

Do you need a waterproof membrane or just a weather resistant surface coating to extend the life cycle of an existing watertight roof?  There is an inherent difference.  A roof surface coating may have a Cool Roof Rating but regulatory test criteria does mean its waterproof (<1 Permeance) but rather water resistance based upon Permeability (Vapor Transmission).  If you need a waterproof membrane, ask the manufacturer to put in writing at what finished (dry) mil thickness their system is waterproof (<1Permeance).  You may be surprised that their actual finished thickness to achieve waterproofing may vary upward from their published rates of application.

RMI systems are field fabricated with fluid applied components which allows a specifier or contractor to determine desired service life by mil thickness without waste.  Unlike conventional roofing systems incorporating roll goods, RMI materials reduce the typical waste factor associated with roll sheet systems, thus lowering impact on landfills.

RMI believes its products while versatile for a variety of applications, do not constitute a separate or individual roof system by both definition and practical application.  Its intended application is a high quality roof restoration membrane (system) without removal an existing roof system when following local building code and RMI guidelines. RMI systems are not intended to be a panacea for all roof conditions or severely damaged roofs.  When a roof exceed a certain level it should come off and be replaced.  If your roof needs to come off, RMI will gladly recommend a number of quality manufacturers for metal, asphalt, single ply and spray foam applications.

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