Monday, May 21, 2012

What factors are influencing current demand for metal roof coatings?

Energy shortages are driving the need for energy savings, and the building industry is also experiencing a greater sensitivity to environmental concerns. These two issues are influencing demand for field-applied roof coatings that deliver cool roofs for energy savings as well as sustainability. Three industry programs are leading this trend – Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system, Energy Star, and California Title 24.


Most recently, the trend toward “cool roofing” has favored the selection of highly reflective (resistant to absorption of solar energy) and emissive (capable of releasing absorbed energy) coatings for use over metal. Architects, engineers, and owners have become aware of their value in reducing air conditioning requirements while providing a highly effective front line of defense against the elements.


Demand is up, because metal roofs typically last 10-15 years before issues develop. Metal roofing is typically factory coated, so most aftermarket metal roof coatings are applied for roof repair. Many of the metal roofs applied in the 1990s are now in need of repair. Older types of metal roofs typically have more need of repair and can benefit from metal roof coatings. Demand for metal coatings is also being driven by their cost fix the line effectiveness and greater interest in reflectivity.


There are a variety of coatings in the marketplace for metal roofs. Which one is best for any application depends on the desired performance, budget, and code requirements. Metal roof coatings include acrylic, aluminum coatings, rubberized aluminum, SBS or SEBS white coatings, polyurethane coatings, soy-based polymer roof coatings, and other polymer-based roof coatings.


Restoration coating systems greatly extend the life of an existing metal roof at a fraction of the cost of replacement. They form a strong, protective barrier to prevent rust from forming on steel surfaces. Even where rust has a strong foothold, special anti-corrosion contents act to inhibit further spread of the oxidation process, and heat stress is reduced with the high reflectivity of the coating material.


Because they reflect up to 80% of the sun's ultra-violet rays, metal roof restoration coatings help reduce roof expansion and contraction, and prevent premature deterioration by providing a sacrificial layer to the elements, which helps to increase the servicable life of the metal roof. During summer months the high reflectivity helps to lower cooling costs, and during winter months reduces the amount of heat emitted at night, ultimately reducing heating costs.


Since little or no roof membrane is removed during restoration, interruption of building activity is minimized and the reuse of the existing roof not only saves tear-off and disposal costs, but contributes to the reduction of roofing-related landfill waste, which is estimated to be 25% of all landfill content in the United States.


Metal roof restoration coating systems are highly desirable by building owners nationwide, so incorporating them into your service offerings would be a smart business decision.


Join the Conklin Team
For more information on how to start or enhance your existing business installing Conklin metal restoration coatings, single-ply, fabric-reinforced, restoration, recoating, or spray polyurethane roofing systems, please contact Conklin Master Contractor Stan Volkman of The Contractor's Alliance at (612) 750-6639 or via email at info@TheContractorsAlliance.com.



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