Options for coating asphalt roof systems

If you spend more money on cooling than on heating your commercial building, you can cut this coming summer's air conditioning bills significantly by investing in a reflective roof coating system.

The primary options for coating an asphalt roof are white polymers (like those manufactured by Conklin Roofing Systems and asphalt-like resins with reflective aluminum flakes. Both are reasonably priced, and offer a quick payback.

Why install a reflective roof coating?

Flat asphalt roofs can reach up to 200 degrees, absorbing up to 70% of the solar heat. By contrast, the best reflective roof coatings reflect up to 80% of solar heat, and can reduce roof surface temperatures by 80 degrees.

Reflecting a significant amount of solar heat can cut internal building temperatures by up to 10 degrees, increasing the effectiveness of the roof insulation and cutting cooling costs by 25-70%. It also makes the building more comfortable in areas that are not air conditioned, and the roof will last longer without the heat-related cracking and deterioration, which saves you money on labor and materials in the long run.

About white reflective roof coatings

High-quality white roof coatings like those from Conklin are made with acrylics or similar materials mixed with an opaque, white and reflective pigments. They are the most effective reflective coating for the majority of asphalt roof systems. There are also polymeric coatings that are tinted for aesthetic reasons, but they are less reflective and won't save as much on energy consumption.

Tests at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have consistently demonstrated that white elastomeric coatings offer about 60% solar reflectance, leaving the roof temperature only 36 degrees higher than the ambient air temperature - a much smaller difference than the surface temperatures on a black asphalt roof. All roof coatings must be chosen and applied carefully, particularly on rough asphalt roofs.

Calculate your potential savings from installing a white roof coating

The federal government does not offer energy saving rebates for reflective roof coatings (although some states do), but you can look for Energy Star-rated roof coatings, which guarantee a minimum level of reflectance.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory also have a roof savings calculator that uses weather data and your building information to estimate the cost of a new roofing system or coating and the potential energy savings. After you plug in data, the lab will email you results.

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ROOFING CONTRACTORS NEEDED IN MULTIPLE STATES!

Patton Services | (309) 303-3128 | rpatton55@comcast.net | http://www.whiteroofingsystems.com

An Overview of White Roof Coatings: Part 2

Compatibility with Membranes

White roof coatings like those from Conklin can be applied to practically any roofing membrane or system. They are commonly applied to sprayed polyurethane roofs, metal roofs, single-ply rubber roofs, and modified bitumen roofs. They can even be applied to certain kinds of asphalt built-up roofs.

It is important to establish compatibility between the white coating and the underlying roof surface. Manufacturers recommendations should be consulted for detailed information about specific coatings.

Primers & Surface Preparation
Primers are useful for improving adhesion between roof surfaces and coatings or for imparting additional properties to the roof coating systems.  For example, a rubber roof coating may provide better adhesion to a rubber roof membrane or better permeability (“perm”) rating on a sprayed polyurethane roof. Most white roof coatings impart greater reflectivity and UV protection to the system.

Manufacturer literature should be consulted and followed to properly prepare the surface for the coating. Professional roofing contractors should be employed for most coating installations. For certain systems, contractors may need to be specially trained by the manufacturer in the application of the coating. Proper application of the roof coating factors strongly in the subsequent life and performance of the coating.

Surfaces should be clean and dry, and they must have a positive slope to drains.  Application of white coatings over dirty, wet, or contaminated surfaces may produce unsatisfactory results. Acrylic latex coatings are sensitive to dew, rain, and other moisture during curing. It is important that the application be done with strict adherence to the manufacturers recommendations.

Application
Coatings are typically applied by airless spraying, rolling, or brushing. Due to the variety of coating types, climatic conditions, and surfaces to be coated, it is important to consult the manufacturer for proper application rates and related recommendations.

Find a Contractor here

ROOFING CONTRACTORS NEEDED IN MULTIPLE STATES!

Patton Services | (309) 303-3128 | rpatton55@comcast.net | http://www.whiteroofingsystems.com