Roof Coatings
If you are looking to improve energy efficiency, restore your roof, or add rustproofing or waterproofing, you may want to consider a professional roof coating.
For energy efficiency, reflective roof coatings provide the best results. Reflective coatings reflect the sun’s UV rays and infrared radiation, which reduces absorbed heat and increases the life of the roof. Reflective roof coatings can significantly reduce summertime cooling costs and interior temperatures — especially for flat roofs or low-sloped buildings with certain types of air conditioning.
Here’s an overview of the different types of roof coatings Whitco offers:
Acrylic Elastomeric Coatings
White acrylic coatings (also available in tinted colors) offer even more reflectivity than aluminum. With a white roof coating, the roof surface can reflect up to 80 to 90 percent of UV rays. An acrylic elastomeric coating can be utilized on most roof surfaces, including concrete, built-up, modified bitumen, metal, foam, and single-ply roofs. Fabric scrim can also be added to coatings to provide additional protection and enhanced flexibility.
Urethane Coatings
Urethane roof coatings offer similar reflectivity to that of acrylic coatings. This type of coating is resistant to many rooftop chemicals and pollutants, as well as ponding water, so it makes sense for roofs that are exposed to harsh industrial conditions. Urethane roof coatings are typically used on built-up, concrete, metal, foam, and lightly weathered single-ply roofs.
Silicone Coatings
Unlike water-based acrylic coatings, Silicone roof coatings are moisture-cured and offer similar reflectivity characteristics, while also offering superior longevity over most acrylic coatings. Silicone coatings can also hold up well to ponding water. Comprised of solid resins, Silicone coatings also offer enhanced tensile strength compared to most acrylic coatings.
Aluminum Coatings
Aluminum coatings are often used to add reflectivity to built-up or modified bitumen roof surfaces and metal roofs. Aluminum roof coatings — in conjunction with proper preparation work and priming — are also ideal for treating rust and preventing additional rusting.
While the only color choice for this coating is aluminum, the aluminum appearance can give an unattractive, rusted roof a visual boost. In addition, aluminum naturally protects the asphalt in the coating from UV radiation and reflects up to 50 to 65 percent of UV rays.