How to prepare and seal your concrete roof before hurricane season
The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30. A well-maintained, sealed concrete roof helps prevent leaks when heavy rains arrive. This guide explains the general steps; the exact details depend on the product you use and the condition of your roof.
1. Pick the right time
Plan the work before the season and on dry days. Each sealant’s technical data sheet lists the minimum temperature, how long it needs without rain and the drying time between coats. Follow those instructions: applying on a damp surface or with rain coming is a common reason a coating fails.
2. Inspect the roof
- Cracks, especially at corners, edges and around equipment or pipes.
- Old coatings that are lifting, blistering or peeling.
- Puddles that remain after rain (ponding water).
- Clogged drains, gutters and downspouts.
- Rust stains, spalling concrete or exposed rebar.
3. Clean and prepare the surface
Remove leaves, dirt, moss and loose coatings. If the manufacturer allows it, pressure-wash and let the roof dry completely. Adhesion depends on a clean, dry, sound surface.
4. Repair cracks and weak spots
Fill cracks with a product compatible with the coating system you will use. Many systems recommend reinforcing cracks, corners and joints with reinforcing fabric or mesh embedded in the product. Follow the manufacturer’s sequence.
5. Primer and coats of sealant
Some systems require a primer before the coating. Apply the number of coats and the coverage per gallon stated on the data sheet, and let each coat dry. Applying less product than specified reduces protection.
How many gallons do I need?
A general way to estimate it: gallons = roof area (ft²) × number of coats ÷ coverage (ft² per gallon per coat). For example, a 30 × 40 ft roof is 1,200 ft². If the product covers 100 ft² per gallon per coat and needs 2 coats: 1,200 × 2 ÷ 100 = 24 gallons, before waste. Use your product’s real coverage; the one in the example is only illustrative.
The estimator does this calculation with editable coverage and coats, and shows prices checked at Puerto Rico hardware stores with their date.
6. Look after drainage
Keep drains and downspouts clear before and during the season. If puddles always form in the same spot, ask for an evaluation: slopes may need correcting or drains may need to be added.
7. Safety
Working on a roof is working at height. Don’t go up in rain or wind, wear proper footwear and fall protection, and consider hiring an experienced crew.
Summary
- Plan before June and on dry days.
- Inspect and document with photos.
- Clean, repair and reinforce.
- Apply the full system per the manufacturer.
- Keep drainage clear.
The online estimate is free and preliminary. The official quote, with a visit from a Cruz General Contractors professional to measure and inspect, costs $25. That $25 is credited to the job total when the work is done with Cruz General Contractors. Nothing is charged on this site.