Roofs & SurfacesThe Canadian magazine for roofs and exterior surfaces
THE PRACTICAL GUIDE

Understand your roof.
Protect what matters.

Clear explanations of roof coatings, water repellents and exterior maintenance. Benefits, limits and the questions to ask before deciding.

Start with metal roofs ↗
Simulation of a metal roof: weathered rusty paint on the left and a renewed charcoal finish on the right

Before / after — AI-generated simulation, not a real project or evidence of performance

CHOOSE WITH CONFIDENCE

Which protection suits your surface?

Explore the four applications or compare the protection systems.

Guides for informed decisions

12 GUIDES
Painting a metal roof: why and when?
Metal roofs

Painting a metal roof: why and when?

Protection starts with understanding the roof, its existing coating and its weak points.

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What is an elastomeric roof coating?
Metal roofs

What is an elastomeric roof coating?

Flexibility, thickness and adhesion: three concepts behind these coatings.

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Roof rust: understanding corrosion protection
Metal roofs

Roof rust: understanding corrosion protection

Metal preparation matters as much as paint selection.

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Nanotechnology and water repellents: understanding the terms
Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology and water repellents: understanding the terms

Water beading is visible; performance needs more evidence.

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Silane and siloxane: what is the difference?
Nanotechnology

Silane and siloxane: what is the difference?

Related terms that do not describe exactly the same chemical structure.

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Shingle treatments: questions to ask before deciding
Asphalt shingles

Shingle treatments: questions to ask before deciding

Compatibility, roof condition and warranties should guide the choice.

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Exterior wood water repellents: what to check
Exterior wood

Exterior wood water repellents: what to check

Address water exposure while accounting for the existing finish.

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Concrete and paver protection: penetrating or film-forming?
Concrete & pavers

Concrete and paver protection: penetrating or film-forming?

Choose by porosity, desired appearance and surface use.

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Why clean before painting or protecting?
Preparation & maintenance

Why clean before painting or protecting?

A good application starts before the container is opened.

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Weather and drying: choosing an application window
Preparation & maintenance

Weather and drying: choosing an application window

Air temperature is only one part of the decision.

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Comparing roof coating quotes
Preparation & maintenance

Comparing roof coating quotes

Compare included work, not only the price per square foot.

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Flat roof coatings: check the membrane and drainage
Metal roofs

Flat roof coatings: check the membrane and drainage

Compatibility depends on the existing system and roof conditions.

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YOUR PROJECT

Find a contractor for your project

Have your metal roof painted, or request a nanotechnology treatment for asphalt shingles, exterior wood or interlocking pavers. Describe your project so the team can check contractor availability in your region.

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Plan for your building

Questions and common assumptions

Practical resources