We pressure wash the roof to remove dirt, chalk, and debris that would keep the coating from sticking properly.
Any existing damage, seams, or standing-water spots get fixed before coating goes on. Coating protects a sound roof, it doesn't fix a broken one.
Areas with standing water and certain roof materials need a primer coat before the silicone goes on. Skipping this step is one of the most common reasons a coating fails early.
Silicone is applied in one or more coats, at the thickness the manufacturer requires, which is what actually determines how long the coating lasts.