Roof coatings control the heat

Roof coatings are a commonly used material to reduce heat exposure and hardening of the vital asphalt waterproofing component of built-up roofing systems.

The ideal time to use coatings is during original installation, as it will immediately retard the aging process and significantly extend roof life. But coatings can also be used for preventive maintenance purposes. Applied to a previously installed roof, coatings will extend performance life.

Roofs 15+ years old that have not been maintained properly with coatings are generally not good candidates for preventive maintenance-type coatings. At some point, a roof system is so weathered that a core analysis of the roof membrane is required to determine the suitability of the roof’s condition to accept coatings.

Base flashings are an ideal place to use coatings, where about 90% of all roof leaks occur since they tend to degrade faster then the roof field. This degradation occurs because the vertical surface of the flashing receives intensive ultraviolet exposure, and the flashing membrane tends to be made of fewer materials than the roof field due to weight considerations related to the walls.

Acrylic elastomeric coatings can be tinted to produce various colors, but the most commonly used color is white because of its superior cooling effect on the roof. They maintain their reflectivity and emissivity as long as they are on the roof, but do degrade over time and lose thickness so re-coating is recommended every 7-10 years.

Please watch this short video to learn more about Conklin elastomeric roof coating systems:

 



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Elastomeric roof coatings - A roof for life?

Elastomeric roof coatings last longer than most flat roof materials. They have rubber-like properties that return to their original dimensions after they are stretched or deformed during normal shifting of the structure, as the coating expands and contracts with the surface to which it is applied.

Over time a roof will degrade from heat, sunlight, cracking, and expansion and contraction. Historically, roofing contractors would tear-off the aging roof and replace it every 15 to 20 years. Alternatively, with regular maintenance such as the occasional cleaning and re-coating every 10-15 years, elastomeric coatings can last the lifetime of the building.

Gaining an additional 5 years of roof service life reduces the cost of roofing by 20% or more, and significantly reduces landfill waste from roofing, which represents approximately 4% of the total volume of solid wastes in the United States.

Nothing lasts forever, but proper maintenance can extend the life of just about everything - especially an elastomeric roof coating system.

Watch this short video to learn more about Conklin elastomeric roof systems:



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EPA Standards on Roof Coatings: VOCs

Besides the performance and sustainability benefits of roof coatings, they also offer economic benefits that should be considered. Energy savings, reduced life-cycle costs and in some cases, federal, state, and local incentives might be available as well:




As regulations related to the roofing industry and concern for the environment continue to evolve, companies searching for sustainable roofing options can consider reflective roof coatings. When specified, installed and maintained properly, roof coatings offer an economical option to consider as part of a sound, overall roof-management program.

One challenge facing the roof coatings industry is the increasing emphasis on reduction of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in construction materials including coatings, adhesives, primers, and sealants. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set standards limiting the amount of VOCs in products.

The intent of these regulations is to reduce the amounts of ozone-depleting compounds entering the earth's atmosphere. Although many roof coatings feature low- or no-VOC formulations, some coatings cannot be used in all areas of the country.

Some state and local governing bodies have VOC standards that surpass EPA requirements. For example, some California air-quality districts limit VOCs. The Ozone Transport Commission (OTC), which is made up of 13 northeast and mid-Atlantic states, also has developed standards for VOC limitations, and it is expected more states will adopt these or similar models in the future.

It is important to research these requirements and ensure that all primers, sealants, base coats, and topcoats specified in the roof coating system being recommended by your roofing contractor indeed meet applicable VOC requirements.


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Untested coatings and inexperienced roofing contractors: Questions to ask

As manufacturers of roof coatings continue to expand product lines and respond to the increased emphasis on white roofs and sustainability, consider that new, untested coatings with limited track records will enter the market. New installers with limited experience also might begin installing roof coatings.

Using untested or unproven products and inexperienced installers can increase the risk of installing a roof coating system that fails to meet customer expectations.

Some coating suppliers and applicators also tend to offer long-term warranties in an effort to build customer confidence and differentiate themselves from competitors. While warranties have their place, pre-qualifying manufacturers, specific products, and applicators is a more reliable means to control — and ensure the success of — the selection process.

You should also consider the following questions in making decisions:

• How long has the formulation been in use?
• Does the supplier make the coating, or do they have their products private-labeled?
• What is the oldest application of the formulation?
• Will the manufacturer provide mock-ups and adhesion testing to assist with system selection?
• Do nearby facilities have the proposed products in place?
• Can the manufacturer provide references who are available for interviews

If you are interested in roof coatings, it is best to use proven materials and experienced roof coating installers.


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When not to have roof coatings installed

Reflective roof coatings are an economical, long-lasting alternative to re-roofing in many circumstances:



A roof coating is not the right solution in all cases, particularly with failed or failing roof systems. A roof coating is not a substitute for roof replacement when conditions such as widespread wet insulation or loss of roof-system adhesion exist. Coatings might restore the watertight nature for a short time, but factors such as the freezing and thawing of wet insulation, membrane splitting under the coating, wind-uplift damage at unadhered areas, and hail damage of weakened areas still can occur. In these cases, it would be wiser to invest in a completed roof system replacement.

You can use coatings to sustain roofs that have ponding issues or contaminant exposure, but coatings are not viable options for roofs with problems related to surface preparation. If workers cannot prepare surfaces so coatings will adhere properly, they should not apply a coating.

Reputable coating manufacturers can assist you with construction of mock-ups and adhesion testing procedures during project planning to determine appropriate surface-preparation procedures, priming needs, and product selection. These procedures are always prudent if any questions exist about the ability of a coating system to bond to a given roof surface.

Also, based on an anticipated life of 20-25 years for solar panels, coating a roof before installing solar panels actually might increase the risk of requiring the roof to be recoated before the end of the solar panels' useful service life.


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ROOFING CONTRACTORS NEEDED IN MULTIPLE STATES!
Patton Services | (309) 303-3128 | rpatton55@comcast.net | http://www.whiteroofingsystems.com/