Impy's Waterproofing School

Catching these early is far cheaper than repairing water damage later:

• Water stains on ceilings or walls — brown rings or patches that reappear after rain.
• Ponding water that sits on a flat roof more than 48 hours after rain stops.
• Hairline cracks or crazing across concrete — capillary paths for water.
• Musty smells or mould in top-floor rooms, a sign of ongoing moisture.
• Rising A/C bills — a dark, sun-soaked roof pushes heat straight into the building.

Spot one or more? A quick inspection tells you whether a coating will solve it — usually yes.

All three are "roof coatings," but they behave very differently in the Caribbean:

100% Silicone

Stays flexible, resists ponding water without breaking down, and holds up to intense UV without chalking away. Best for flat/low-slope roofs and standing-water areas. This is our core system.

Acrylic

Water-based and economical, with good reflectivity — but it can re-emulsify and wash away under ponding water, so it suits sloped roofs that drain quickly.

Elastomeric

Thick and stretchy for bridging movement, but many elastomerics also struggle with prolonged ponding and need recoating sooner.

Bottom line: for Jamaican flat concrete roofs that see heavy rain and sun, 100% silicone usually wins on durability and lifetime cost.

A reflective ("cool") roof bounces sunlight instead of absorbing it. A bright silicone finish can dramatically lower roof-surface temperature versus bare, dark concrete.

• Cooler interiors and less heat radiating down through the slab.
• Lower HVAC load, which can reduce cooling costs.
• Less thermal stress on the roof, extending its life.

It's protection and energy savings in one coat — especially valuable in Jamaica's climate.

Small repairs can be a confident DIY job; whole-roof systems are best left to a crew. Either way, prep is everything:

• Clean first — pressure or soft wash so the coating bonds to a sound surface.
• Repair & reinforce — fill cracks and embed Stitch Bond fabric at seams and details.
• Prime if needed — some substrates need a primer for adhesion.
• Coverage matters — apply the right thickness (usually two coats) for the warranty to hold.

Not sure where your job falls? Send Impy a photo and we'll tell you honestly whether it's DIY or a call-out.