Extend Your Roof’s Life by 15+ Years — Without the Cost of Full Replacement
Your roof is not failing. It just needs protection.
After 15 or 20 years exposed to Cork’s weather, most roofs start showing their age. Tiles become porous. Colours fade. Moss takes hold. Water that once ran straight off now soaks into the surface. Left untreated, these problems accelerate — but they do not mean you need a new roof.
Professional roof coating creates a seamless protective barrier over your existing tiles. It seals porous surfaces, prevents water absorption, resists moss and algae growth, and restores your roof’s appearance. One properly applied coating system gives you 10 to 15 more years of reliable service — at roughly 20 percent of what full replacement would cost.
We have coated hundreds of roofs across Cork and Tipperary over the past two decades. Concrete tiles, natural slate, clay tiles, metal roofing, and flat roof membranes — each requires different preparation and different coating products. We assess every roof individually, recommend the right solution, and back our work with a 20-year workmanship guarantee.
What sets our roof coating service apart:
Our 20-year workmanship guarantee covers any coating failure resulting from application issues. If the coating peels, flakes, or fails to perform as promised within that period, we return and fix it at no additional cost.
Every job includes full preparation. We pressure wash the entire roof surface, apply professional biocide treatment to kill organic growth at the root, complete any necessary repairs, allow proper drying time, apply appropriate primer, and finish with two full coats of your chosen coating. No shortcuts.
We use premium coating products proven in Irish weather conditions. These are professional-grade materials with UV stabilisers, flexible formulations that move with your tiles, and genuine waterproofing properties — not repackaged exterior paint.
Our free roof inspection tells you honestly whether coating is the right solution. If your roof needs repairs first, we will tell you. If your roof is beyond coating and needs replacement, we will tell you that too. We would rather turn down work than take money for a job that will not last.
Call 087 706 9266 to book your free roof inspection. We will assess your roof and give you honest advice — no obligation, no pressure.
Is Roof Coating Right for Your Property?
Roof coating is an excellent solution for the right roof. It is not a magic fix for every problem. Understanding when coating works — and when it does not — helps you make the right decision.
Roof coating is the right choice when:
Your roof is structurally sound but showing surface deterioration. The tiles themselves are intact, the underlayment is functioning, and there are no active leaks — but the surface has become weathered, porous, or discoloured. This is the ideal candidate for coating.
Your concrete or clay tiles have become porous and are absorbing water. You may notice tiles staying dark and wet long after rain stops, or see damp patches appearing on ceilings during prolonged wet weather even though you cannot find an obvious leak. Coating seals these porous surfaces and restores their water-shedding ability.
You have recurring moss, algae, or lichen problems. Even after cleaning, organic growth returns within a year or two. Coating creates a sealed surface that is far less hospitable to organic growth, significantly extending the time between treatments.
Your roof is between 10 and 25 years old and in generally good condition. This is the sweet spot for coating — old enough to benefit from protection, young enough to have plenty of life left in the underlying materials.
You want to extend your roof’s functional life without the cost and disruption of full replacement. Coating at 1,500 to 3,000 euros buys you another 10 to 15 years, compared to 10,000 to 20,000 euros or more for complete re-roofing.
You want to improve your property’s appearance. A freshly coated roof transforms how your home looks from the street. You can restore the original colour or change it entirely.
Roof coating is not the right choice when:
Your roof has structural damage. If roof timbers are rotting, if the roof deck is sagging, or if there is significant structural movement, coating cannot fix these problems. The underlying structure needs repair or replacement first.
You have multiple active leaks that cannot be traced to specific points. Random leaks appearing in different locations usually indicate failed underlayment — the waterproof membrane beneath your tiles has broken down. Coating the surface will not stop water that is already getting through at the underlayment level.
Your underlayment has failed. If water is penetrating even though tiles appear intact, the secondary waterproof layer has likely deteriorated. This is common in roofs over 30 years old. Full re-roofing with new underlayment is the only lasting solution.
More than 15 percent of your tiles are cracked, broken, slipped, or missing. At this level of damage, you are approaching the point where replacing the entire roof covering makes more financial sense than extensive repairs followed by coating.
Your roof is approaching or past 40 years old with widespread deterioration. Even with coating, you are likely buying only a few years before replacement becomes necessary anyway. The investment may not be worthwhile.
Not sure which category your roof falls into?
That is exactly what our free inspection determines. We examine your roof’s condition, check tile integrity, assess the underlayment where possible, and give you an honest assessment. If coating makes sense, we will explain why and provide a detailed quote. If it does not, we will tell you what does make sense — even if that means recommending another contractor for work we do not do.
Why Cork Roofs Need Protection
Cork’s climate places particular demands on roofing materials. Understanding these pressures explains why protective coating delivers such significant benefits for properties in this region.
High Annual Rainfall
Cork receives over 1,100 millimetres of rain annually — approximately 40 percent more than the national average and among the highest rainfall levels in Ireland. This constant moisture exposure has cumulative effects on roofing materials.
Concrete roof tiles are not waterproof in the same way that slate or metal is waterproof. They are designed to shed water quickly, with the tile’s shape and the overlap between tiles preventing rain from penetrating. However, concrete is inherently porous. Over years of exposure, this porosity increases. Tiles begin absorbing water rather than shedding it.
Water-saturated tiles cause several problems. They become significantly heavier, adding load to your roof structure. In freezing weather, absorbed water expands as it freezes, causing micro-fractures that accelerate deterioration. Damp tiles transfer moisture to the underlayment and roof timbers beneath, potentially causing rot. And saturated tiles take much longer to dry, creating persistently damp conditions that encourage organic growth.
Professional roof coating seals these porous surfaces. Water hitting a coated tile runs off immediately rather than soaking in. The tile stays lighter, dries faster, and the freeze-thaw damage cycle is interrupted.
Moss, Algae, and Lichen Growth
Cork’s combination of high rainfall, mild temperatures, and limited frost creates ideal conditions for organic growth on roof surfaces. Moss is the most visible problem, but algae and lichen cause damage too.
Moss holds moisture against the tile surface like a sponge. Even after rain stops, moss-covered tiles remain wet for days. This accelerates the porosity and freeze-thaw problems described above. Moss also sends root-like structures into tile surfaces, physically breaking down the material. As moss grows thicker, it lifts tile edges, creating gaps where wind-driven rain can penetrate.
Algae creates unsightly black or green staining and contributes to moisture retention. Lichen produces acids that chemically attack tile surfaces, etching and weakening them over time.
Our roof coating process includes professional biocide treatment that kills organic growth at the root — not just the visible surface growth that pressure washing removes. The sealed coating surface is then far less hospitable to regrowth. Most coated roofs stay moss-free for years rather than months.
Ultraviolet Radiation
Even in Ireland’s often-overcast climate, ultraviolet radiation from sunlight degrades roofing materials over time. The effects are cumulative across years of exposure.
Concrete tiles lose their surface hardness and begin to chalk — you may notice grey residue washing down your walls during rain. Colours fade unevenly, leaving roofs looking patchy and aged. The protective surface layer of the tile breaks down, exposing the more porous material beneath.
Clay tiles are more resistant but not immune. Surface glazes can break down, and even unglazed clay becomes more porous with UV exposure.
Quality roof coatings include UV stabilisers that protect both the coating itself and the underlying tile surface. The coating acts as a sunscreen for your roof, blocking the UV radiation that causes degradation.
Coastal Salt Exposure
Properties within several kilometres of Cork’s coastline face additional challenges from salt-laden air. Salt accelerates corrosion of metal components — fixings, flashings, valleys, and guttering — and can affect some tile materials.
Roof coating provides a barrier against salt contact with tile surfaces. Combined with appropriate stainless steel or marine-grade fixings, this significantly extends roof life in coastal environments. We adjust our specifications for properties in Cobh, Crosshaven, Kinsale, and other coastal areas.
Types of Roof Coating We Apply
Different roof types require different coating products. Using the wrong coating leads to poor adhesion, premature failure, or trapped moisture problems. We assess your specific roof and recommend the appropriate product.
Acrylic Roof Coatings
Acrylic coatings are the most widely used option for pitched tile roofs in Ireland and represent the majority of our residential work.
Suitable for: Concrete tiles, clay tiles, fibre cement slates, and some synthetic materials.
How they work: Acrylic coatings are water-based emulsions that dry to form a flexible, breathable film. They bond to the tile surface, filling micro-pores and creating a sealed but vapour-permeable barrier. This is important — the coating keeps liquid water out while allowing water vapour from inside the roof space to escape, preventing condensation problems.
Performance characteristics: Modern acrylic roof coatings offer excellent UV resistance and will not yellow, chalk, or become brittle with sun exposure. They remain flexible across a wide temperature range, expanding and contracting with the tiles beneath rather than cracking. They are available in a comprehensive range of colours with consistent batch-to-batch matching.
Expected lifespan: 10 to 15 years with proper application, though this varies with roof exposure and local conditions. South-facing roofs in exposed positions may see slightly shorter life than sheltered north-facing surfaces.
Finish options: Matt, satin, or semi-gloss finishes depending on product choice. Matt finishes tend to look more natural on traditional properties.
Application: Applied by airless spray equipment for even coverage, typically in two coats with appropriate drying time between coats. Primer application first is essential for proper adhesion.
Silicone Roof Coatings
Silicone coatings offer superior performance in specific applications, particularly flat roofs and areas where water pooling occurs.
Suitable for: Flat felt roofs, flat membrane roofs, metal roofing, and pitched roofs in high-moisture environments.
How they work: Silicone coatings cure to form a seamless rubber-like membrane. Unlike acrylic coatings, silicone does not absorb water at all — it remains completely hydrophobic even with prolonged water contact. This makes it ideal for flat roofs where water may pond in low spots rather than draining immediately.
Performance characteristics: Silicone coatings remain permanently flexible and never become brittle with age. They offer excellent UV resistance without additional stabilisers because silicone is inherently UV-stable. They can be applied over many existing coatings and roof surfaces with appropriate preparation.
Expected lifespan: 15 to 20 years is typical, with some products warranting even longer. Silicone’s stability means it often outlasts other coating types.
Colour options: More limited than acrylic coatings. White, grey, and black are standard. White silicone coatings are highly reflective and can significantly reduce heat absorption — beneficial for flat roofs over occupied spaces.
Application: Requires different preparation and technique than acrylic coatings. Surface must be completely clean and dry. Applied by spray or roller depending on roof configuration.
Elastomeric Coatings
Elastomeric coatings are specified where exceptional flexibility is required, particularly for metal roofing or roofs subject to thermal movement.
Suitable for: Metal roofing, corrugated iron, tin roofs, roofs with existing minor cracks, and applications requiring crack-bridging capability.
How they work: Elastomeric coatings can stretch up to 300 percent of their original length and return to shape without damage. This extreme flexibility allows them to accommodate significant movement in the underlying substrate — essential for metal roofs that expand and contract substantially with temperature changes.
Performance characteristics: Elastomeric coatings can bridge existing hairline cracks up to 1 to 2 millimetres wide, making them valuable for restoring roofs with minor cracking. They offer good UV resistance and weathering performance. Their flexibility makes them highly resistant to impact damage.
Expected lifespan: 12 to 18 years depending on product and application conditions.
Colour options: Available in various colours including highly reflective white versions that reduce heat absorption on metal roofs — often reducing internal temperatures noticeably in summer.
Application: Metal roofs typically require rust treatment and specialist primer before elastomeric coating application. Surface preparation is critical for adhesion.
Polyurethane Coatings
Polyurethane coatings offer maximum durability and are specified where the coated surface will experience foot traffic or physical wear.
Suitable for: Walkable flat roofs, roof terraces, roofs with regular maintenance access, and industrial applications requiring impact resistance.
How they work: Polyurethane cures to form an extremely tough, impact-resistant surface. It bonds tenaciously to properly prepared substrates and resists abrasion, chemicals, and physical damage better than other coating types.
Performance characteristics: Polyurethane offers the highest mechanical strength of any roof coating. It can withstand regular foot traffic without wear. It resists puncture damage and tolerates dropped tools or equipment. Chemical resistance is excellent.
Expected lifespan: 15 to 20 years even with regular traffic. The coating will likely last longer than the roof needs access.
Cost: Polyurethane is more expensive than other coating options — typically 30 to 50 percent more than standard acrylic. The additional cost is justified only where the extra durability is actually needed.
Application: Usually applied as part of a system with a polyurethane base coat and compatible topcoat. Professional application is essential as the products are more demanding to work with than water-based alternatives.
Asbestos Encapsulation Coatings
For properties with asbestos cement roofing, specialist encapsulation coatings offer a safe and cost-effective alternative to removal.
Suitable for: Asbestos cement roof sheets, typically found on garages, farm buildings, and older commercial properties.
How they work: Encapsulation coatings are formulated to bond permanently to asbestos cement surfaces, sealing any loose fibres and preventing their release. They penetrate the surface layer rather than just sitting on top, creating a locked-in seal.
Why consider encapsulation: Removing asbestos roofing is expensive, heavily regulated, and creates disposal challenges. If the asbestos cement is in reasonable condition — not badly cracked, not friable, not damaged — encapsulation often makes more sense. The roof remains in place, sealed safely, and protected from further weathering.
Important considerations: Asbestos work requires proper assessment and may require licensed contractors for certain activities. We can advise on whether encapsulation is appropriate for your specific situation or whether removal is the safer option.
Expected lifespan: 15 to 20 years protection once properly encapsulated.
Roof Types We Can Coat
Professional roof coating is suitable for most common roofing materials, but not all. Here is a detailed breakdown:
Concrete Roof Tiles — Excellent Candidate
Concrete tiles are the most common roofing material in Cork and respond extremely well to coating. The porous nature of concrete means it benefits significantly from sealing. Acrylic coatings bond well to concrete surfaces with proper primer application. Almost all concrete tile profiles can be coated successfully — flat interlocking tiles, double roman profiles, slate-effect tiles, and traditional pantiles.
Clay Roof Tiles — Good Candidate with Proper Preparation
Clay tiles can be coated successfully but require specific preparation. Clay is denser and less porous than concrete, so different primers are needed to ensure adhesion. Some glazed clay tiles may not accept coating at all. Clear sealers are often preferred for quality clay tiles to preserve their natural appearance while adding protection.
Natural Slate — Sealant Rather Than Coating
Natural slate is typically treated with clear penetrating sealers rather than opaque coatings. Slate’s natural beauty is part of its value, and most owners want to preserve rather than cover it. Clear sealants add water repellency and can slow surface deterioration without changing appearance. Heavily degraded slate with surface flaking may benefit from pigmented coating, but this is assessed case by case.
Fibre Cement Tiles and Slates — Excellent Candidate
Fibre cement roofing materials coat well with standard acrylic products. These materials are inherently porous and benefit significantly from sealing. Preparation is similar to concrete tiles.
Metal and Tin Roofing — Good Candidate with Specialist Products
Metal roofs require elastomeric coatings that can accommodate thermal expansion and contraction. Existing rust must be treated before coating. Properly applied, elastomeric coatings extend metal roof life substantially and can change appearance completely — reflective white coatings reduce heat absorption significantly.
Flat Felt Roofs — Good Candidate
Existing felt roofs in reasonable condition can be coated with silicone or elastomeric products to extend their service life. This is often a cost-effective alternative to full membrane replacement. The felt must be well-adhered with no bubbling, splitting, or extensive cracking. Minor cracks can often be bridged by the coating.
GRP Fibreglass Flat Roofs — Limited Candidate
GRP surfaces are non-porous and difficult to coat successfully. Specialist primers may achieve adhesion, but results are less predictable than with other materials. Generally, GRP roofs do not need coating for waterproofing — if they are failing, replacement rather than coating is usually appropriate.
Asbestos Cement — Specialist Encapsulation Only
As discussed above, asbestos cement requires specific encapsulation products and proper safety procedures. Standard roof coatings should never be used on asbestos materials.
Roofs That Should Not Be Coated:
Thatched roofs are not suitable for any coating treatment.
Roofs with failed underlayment need re-roofing, not coating.
Roofs with significant structural damage need repair before any coating would be appropriate.
Roofs with more than 15 percent damaged or missing tiles need repair or replacement rather than coating.
Roofs that have been previously coated with unknown products need assessment to determine compatibility before recoating.
Roof Coating Costs in Cork
Roof coating costs depend on several factors including roof size, current condition, access requirements, and coating type. The following prices are indicative for the Cork area and include our full preparation and application process.
Terraced House
Typical roof size: 40 to 60 square metres. Price range: 800 to 1,500 euros. Notes: Smaller roof area, usually straightforward access from front and rear, standard preparation requirements in most cases.
Semi-Detached House
Typical roof size: 60 to 90 square metres. Price range: 1,200 to 2,200 euros. Notes: Most common property type we work on. Price varies with roof complexity and condition.
Detached House
Typical roof size: 90 to 140 square metres. Price range: 2,000 to 3,500 euros. Notes: Larger roof area. May have more complex roof shapes with valleys, dormers, or multiple pitches that add time.
Large Detached House
Typical roof size: 140 to 200 square metres. Price range: 3,000 to 5,000 euros. Notes: Substantial roof area. Often includes premium finishes and may involve scaffolding requirements.
Bungalow
Typical roof size: 70 to 110 square metres. Price range: 1,400 to 2,500 euros. Notes: Lower working height simplifies access. Roof area can be substantial on larger bungalows.
Flat Roof Extension
Typical roof size: 15 to 40 square metres. Price range: 400 to 1,000 euros. Notes: Smaller area but may require different coating type. Silicone coating for ponding areas adds cost.
Commercial and Industrial
Typical roof size: 200 square metres and above. Price range: 4,500 euros and above. Notes: Priced individually based on roof type, access requirements, and specification. Contact us for assessment.
What These Prices Include
All quoted prices include our complete service: initial inspection and assessment, full pressure washing of the roof surface, professional biocide treatment to kill moss and algae, minor repairs such as replacing individual cracked tiles and repointing small areas of ridge, proper drying time, appropriate primer application, two coats of your chosen coating colour, protection of surrounding areas during work, and full cleanup on completion.
Prices do not include scaffolding where required. Scaffolding costs vary significantly depending on property access, roof height, and duration needed. We quote scaffolding separately and can often recommend trusted scaffolding contractors if you prefer to arrange independently.
Factors That Affect Price
Roof condition makes the biggest difference. A roof in reasonable condition with light moss coverage requires standard preparation. A heavily mossed roof with degraded pointing, multiple cracked tiles, and poor previous maintenance requires more preparation time and repair work before coating can begin.
Access affects cost. Simple rectangular roofs at standard heights are straightforward. Complex roof shapes with multiple pitches, valleys, dormers, and chimney stacks take longer to coat properly. Very steep pitches require additional safety measures.
Coating type affects material cost. Standard acrylic coatings for pitched roofs are the baseline. Silicone coatings for flat roofs and elastomeric coatings for metal roofs typically add 20 to 40 percent to material costs.
Repairs beyond minor work are quoted separately. If your roof needs extensive repointing, multiple tile replacements, or flashing repairs, we provide separate line items for this work so you can see exactly what you are paying for.
Roof Coating Compared to Roof Replacement
One of the most common questions we answer is whether to coat an existing roof or replace it entirely. Both options have their place, and the right choice depends on your specific situation.
Cost Comparison
Roof coating for a typical semi-detached house costs 1,500 to 2,200 euros.
Roof replacement for the same property typically costs 8,000 to 15,000 euros depending on material choice.
Coating costs approximately 15 to 25 percent of replacement cost.
Time and Disruption
Roof coating takes 2 to 4 days depending on roof size and weather.
Roof replacement takes 4 to 8 days for a typical residential property.
Coating involves external work only with minimal disruption to daily life.
Replacement involves scaffolding, material deliveries, debris removal, and significant activity around your property.
Lifespan Added
Quality roof coating adds 10 to 15 years of service life, sometimes more.
Roof replacement with new tiles provides 40 to 60 years or more depending on material.
When Coating Makes More Sense
If your roof has 10 to 25 years of remaining structural life, coating delivers excellent value. You spend roughly 2,000 euros to gain another 12 to 15 years of service. When that coating eventually needs renewal, you can coat again or consider replacement at that point.
If you are not planning to stay in the property long term, coating may be the appropriate investment level.
If your roof is fundamentally sound but cosmetically poor, coating transforms appearance at a fraction of replacement cost.
When Replacement Makes More Sense
If your roof is approaching the end of its structural life — typically 35 to 50 years old depending on original materials and maintenance — replacement becomes the better investment. Spending 2,000 euros on coating that might only last 5 years before underlying failure is poor value.
If underlayment has failed, replacement is necessary regardless of tile condition. Coating the surface cannot fix a failed secondary waterproof layer.
If extensive structural repairs are needed, the additional cost to replace the covering during that work is relatively small.
If you want to upgrade to a different material — perhaps changing from concrete tiles to natural slate — replacement is obviously required.
Our Honest Assessment
We do not recommend coating work where it will not deliver value. If we inspect your roof and determine that replacement is the more sensible option, we will tell you. We would rather lose a coating job than take payment for work that will disappoint within a few years.
Our Roof Coating Process
Successful roof coating depends on thorough preparation. The coating product itself is only as good as the work done before it goes on. Our process has been refined over twenty years of Cork roofing experience.
Step 1: Free Inspection and Assessment
Every job begins with a detailed inspection of your roof. We examine the roof from ground level using binoculars, and where safe access allows, we conduct a closer hands-on inspection.
We assess overall tile condition including checking for cracks, damage, and porosity. We examine pointing and bedding at ridges, hips, and verges. We check flashings around chimneys, walls, and other penetrations. We look for signs of underlying problems such as sagging or signs of water damage in roof timbers.
We explain our findings clearly. If coating is appropriate, we specify which coating system suits your roof and why. If repairs are needed first, we identify them. If coating is not the right solution, we explain what is.
You receive a detailed written quotation covering all work required, with no hidden costs.
Step 2: Property Protection
Before any water touches your roof, we protect your property. We cover plants, garden furniture, and any items below the working area. We position debris guards at gutters. We ensure wash-off water is directed appropriately and will not damage paths, driveways, or neighbouring properties.
Step 3: High-Pressure Washing
We clean the entire roof surface using professional pressure washing equipment. This removes all moss, algae, lichen, dirt, and debris down to the original tile surface.
Pressure settings are adjusted for different materials. Concrete tiles tolerate higher pressures. Clay tiles and slate require more careful treatment. Metal roofing has different requirements again.
We work methodically to ensure complete coverage. Particular attention goes to areas where moss accumulates heavily — north-facing sections, areas under overhanging trees, and locations where shade reduces drying.
Gutters are cleared of wash-off debris before we leave.
Step 4: Biocide Treatment
Once the roof is visually clean, we apply professional-grade biocide. This penetrating treatment kills organic growth at the root level — not just the surface material that pressure washing removes.
This step is critical but often skipped by less thorough contractors. Without biocide treatment, moss spores and root fragments remaining in tile pores will regrow, often quite quickly. Coating over living organic material leads to premature coating failure as growth pushes up from beneath.
We use commercial-strength biocide products that continue working for weeks after application.
Step 5: Repairs and Preparation
With the roof clean, damage becomes clearly visible. We complete necessary repairs before coating.
Cracked or broken tiles are replaced. We carry stock of common tile profiles or source matching tiles for less common types.
Ridge and hip pointing is repaired where needed. Loose mortar is removed and replaced with flexible pointing that will not crack.
Flashings are checked and sealed. Small gaps or lifting are addressed.
Any other preparation work identified during inspection is completed.
Step 6: Drying Period
The roof must be completely dry before coating. We allow 24 to 48 hours drying time depending on weather conditions and roof orientation.
If rain is forecast, we wait. Applying coating to a damp surface causes adhesion failure. The coating may look fine initially but will blister, peel, or flake within months.
We monitor weather forecasts carefully and schedule coating application only when an appropriate dry weather window is available.
Step 7: Primer Application
Primer is the foundation of coating adhesion. Different substrates require different primers, and using the wrong primer — or skipping it entirely — leads to coating failure.
We apply appropriate primer for your specific roof material, ensuring complete coverage of all surfaces to be coated.
Primer is allowed to dry fully before topcoat application.
Step 8: First Coat Application
We apply the first coat of your chosen colour using professional airless spray equipment. This ensures even coverage and consistent film thickness.
Spray application reaches into tile profiles and overlaps that brush or roller application can miss. Every surface receives full coverage.
The first coat is allowed to dry according to manufacturer specifications before the second coat is applied.
Step 9: Second Coat Application
The second coat completes the system. It provides additional film thickness for longevity, evens out any variation in the first coat, and ensures complete colour consistency across the roof.
Two coats are the minimum for any professional coating job. Single-coat application — sometimes offered by budget contractors — delivers inferior results and shorter lifespan.
Step 10: Final Inspection and Handover
Once the second coat has cured, we conduct a final inspection. We check for complete coverage, consistent finish, and any touch-up requirements.
We take before and after photographs for your records.
We provide maintenance guidance explaining how to keep your coated roof in optimal condition.
You receive your 20-year workmanship guarantee documentation confirming the coating system applied and the guarantee terms.
We remove all equipment, dispose of waste materials properly, and leave your property clean and tidy.
Recent Roof Coating Projects in Cork
The following examples illustrate the range of coating work we complete and the results achievable.
Douglas — 1980s Semi-Detached House
Roof type: Concrete interlocking tiles, Redland 49 profile, approximately 75 square metres.
Condition on arrival: Heavy moss coverage across the entire north-facing slope and significant growth on the south slope. Tiles had become noticeably porous with several showing surface cracks. Original dark grey colour had faded to patchy light grey. Ridge pointing was cracked and loose in several places.
Work completed: Full high-pressure wash. Biocide treatment. Ridge repointing in flexible mortar. Three cracked tiles replaced. Primer and two-coat acrylic coating application in Slate Grey.
Duration: Three days including drying time between wash and coating.
Result: The roof looks essentially new. The homeowner commented that it now matches the newer houses built on the same estate twenty years later. Moss resistance will be significantly improved by the sealed surface.
Cobh — Victorian Terrace with Coastal Exposure
Roof type: Natural Welsh slate, approximately 55 square metres.
Condition on arrival: Slate surfaces showing signs of delamination and surface flaking. Green algae staining was extensive. The owner was concerned about accelerating deterioration due to coastal salt exposure.
Work completed: Careful low-pressure wash to avoid damaging delaminating surfaces. Biocide treatment. Application of penetrating clear silicone-based sealer.
Duration: Two days.
Result: The natural slate appearance was preserved completely — the clear sealer is invisible once cured. The treatment will slow surface deterioration and provide significant protection against salt corrosion. The homeowner specifically wanted to maintain the period character of the property, which the clear sealer achieves.
Ballincollig — Commercial Unit with Metal Roof
Roof type: Corrugated galvanised steel sheeting, approximately 180 square metres.
Condition on arrival: Surface rust was visible in multiple locations. Previous paint coating had failed and was peeling. The building interior was uncomfortably hot in summer due to heat radiating from the dark metal roof.
Work completed: Wire brush and power tool removal of rust and failing paint. Rust converter treatment to all affected areas. Specialist metal primer. White reflective elastomeric coating in two coats.
Duration: Three days.
Result: Rust progression stopped. Complete watertight seal restored. Internal temperature reduced noticeably in sunny weather due to the reflective white finish. The owner reported air conditioning usage dropped significantly in the first summer after coating.
Carrigaline — Bungalow with Flat Roof Extension
Roof type: Main roof concrete tiles, rear extension flat felt roof.
Condition on arrival: Tiles were heavily mossed and porous. Flat roof felt was showing age with minor cracking but remained fundamentally sound.
Work completed: Full preparation and acrylic coating to pitched roof in Charcoal. Silicone coating to flat roof section.
Duration: Three days.
Result: Unified appearance across the property. The flat roof, which the owner had been quoted 3,500 euros to replace, was successfully extended for a fraction of that cost. Silicone coating handles the ponding that occurs in one corner of the flat roof.
Common Roof Coating Mistakes to Avoid
We frequently see the results of poor coating work — usually done by unqualified contractors or attempted as DIY projects. Understanding these common mistakes helps you recognise quality work and avoid expensive failures.
Coating Over Dirty or Mossy Surfaces
This is the most common cause of coating failure. The coating cannot bond properly to moss, dirt, or organic growth. It may look acceptable initially, but adhesion is poor. Within months, the coating begins peeling or flaking, often in large sections.
Proper pressure washing down to clean tile surface is essential. There is no shortcut.
Skipping Biocide Treatment
Pressure washing removes visible growth but leaves spores and root fragments in tile pores. Without biocide treatment, this growth regenerates quickly — often within the first year after coating.
As moss regrows beneath the coating, it pushes the coating away from the tile surface. Patches lift and fail. The coating that should have lasted 15 years fails in two or three.
Applying Coating to Damp Surfaces
Coating products require dry surfaces for proper adhesion and curing. Applying to damp tiles traps moisture beneath the coating film. This moisture prevents proper bonding and causes blistering as it tries to escape.
Rushing to coat before the roof has dried properly — often to meet a deadline or beat incoming weather — leads to premature failure. Proper drying time is not optional.
Single Coat Application
Applying only one coat reduces material costs and speeds up the job. It also delivers an inferior result. Single-coat coverage is often patchy with thin spots and inconsistent colour. The reduced film thickness means shorter lifespan.
Any contractor quoting significantly below market rates may be planning single-coat application. Two coats minimum is the professional standard.
Using Exterior Paint Instead of Roof Coating
Standard exterior wall paint and proper roof coating are very different products. Exterior paint lacks the flexibility to accommodate tile expansion and contraction. It lacks UV stabilisers adequate for horizontal roof exposure. It lacks the waterproofing properties required.
Paint applied to a roof typically begins failing within two to three years. Flaking, cracking, and colour fade are common. Attempting to coat over failed paint is complicated because the paint must be removed first.
Wrong Coating Type for the Substrate
Concrete tiles, metal roofing, felt flat roofs, and other substrates have different requirements. Using the wrong coating leads to adhesion failure, trapped moisture, or inadequate protection.
An acrylic coating applied to a metal roof will crack as the metal expands and contracts. A standard coating applied to a flat roof with ponding water will break down in the standing water. Matching the right product to the substrate matters.
Coating When Replacement Is Needed
Coating cannot fix structural problems, failed underlayment, or end-of-life roofing materials. Taking money to coat a roof that needs replacement is dishonest — the coating will fail within a few years regardless of how well it is applied.
A reputable contractor assesses honestly and recommends appropriately. If your roof genuinely needs replacement, coating is not the answer.
Inadequate Surface Repairs Before Coating
Coating over cracked tiles, loose pointing, or failed flashings does not fix these problems. Water still enters through the defects, causing ongoing damage beneath an apparently sound coated surface.
All repairs should be completed before coating begins. The coating protects sound roofing materials — it does not repair damaged ones.
Roof Coating Colours
We offer a comprehensive range of coating colours to restore your roof’s original appearance or transform it completely.
Standard Colour Range
Slate Grey is our most requested colour. It matches the appearance of natural slate and suits the majority of Cork properties. It complements most wall colours and blends well with neighbouring properties.
Charcoal provides a darker alternative to slate grey. It hides dirt and debris well and provides a more dramatic appearance.
Anthracite is the darkest standard option approaching black. It makes a bold statement and works well on contemporary properties.
Terracotta matches traditional clay tile colours. Ideal for properties originally roofed with clay tiles or where a warmer roof colour is preferred.
Brown in various shades suits rural properties and those with earth-toned walls or natural surroundings.
Rustic Red provides a more vibrant option than terracotta for properties where a distinctive roof colour is desired.
Black creates maximum contrast and contemporary appearance. Worth noting that black roofs absorb more heat than lighter colours.
Green in heritage shades suits certain architectural styles and rural locations.
Clear Sealants
For natural slate, quality clay tiles, or other materials where the natural appearance should be preserved, we apply clear penetrating sealers. These are invisible once cured but provide water repellency and surface protection.
Reflective White and Light Colours
White and very light coloured coatings reflect significant solar radiation rather than absorbing it. This reduces heat transfer into the building — valuable for flat roofs over occupied spaces, commercial buildings, and metal roofs where heat gain is problematic.
Custom Colours
For larger commercial projects or where specific colour matching is required, custom colours can be mixed. Additional cost and lead time applies.
Colour Selection Advice
We bring physical colour samples to your property. Seeing colours against your actual walls and in local lighting conditions is far more reliable than choosing from a brochure or screen image.
Consider neighbouring properties. A roof colour that clashes significantly with adjacent houses rarely looks good.
Consider practical factors. Lighter colours show dirt more readily. Darker colours show moss growth more obviously if it occurs.
Conservation areas may have restrictions on roof colours. We can advise on requirements in protected areas.
