Types of Roof Coatings and their Benefits
Roof coatings can offer a variety of benefits for both residential and commercial buildings. Some of the different types of roof coatings are:
Moisture Cured Urethane Coatings
Moisture Cured Urethane (MCU) coatings provide exceptional adhesion and flexibility, allowing them to accommodate structural movement and temperature fluctuations without cracking or peeling. These coatings have excellent moisture resistance, protecting the roof from water damage and leaks. MCU coatings are highly durable and resistant to UV radiation, chemicals, and weathering, which helps extend the lifespan of the roof. They can be applied seamlessly and provide a watertight barrier, reducing the risk of leaks and moisture intrusion.
Silane Terminated Polymers Coatings
Silane Terminated Polymers (STPs) are a type of coating material that combines the properties of silanes and polymers. STP coatings are typically used in construction, automotive, and industrial applications due to their excellent adhesion, durability, and versatility.
STP coatings are formed by functionalising polymer chains with silane groups. These silane groups act as both adhesion promoters and crosslinking agents. When the STP coating is applied to a substrate, the silane groups react with moisture in the air, forming strong chemical bonds with the substrate surface. This results in excellent adhesion to various substrates, including metals, concrete, plastics, and glass.
STP coatings exhibit excellent adhesion to various substrates, ensuring long-lasting and durable bonds. They also have good flexibility, allowing them to withstand substrate movement and temperature variations without cracking or peeling.
These coatings offer resistance to chemicals, solvents, and weathering, making them suitable for outdoor and industrial environments. Many STP coatings have good resistance to UV radiation, preventing degradation and colour fading over time. The coatings often have low volatile organic compound (VOC) content, making them environmentally friendly and compliant with regulations. The coatings can be used for various applications, such as sealants, adhesives, primers, and protective coatings.
It’s worth noting that proper surface preparation and application techniques are crucial for achieving optimal adhesion and performance with STP coatings. It’s recommended to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and consult with professionals experienced in working with these coatings.
Methyl Methacrylate Coatings
Methyl Methacrylate Coatings (MMA) coatings have rapid curing times, allowing for quick installation and minimizing disruption to industrial operations. These coatings exhibit exceptional durability and resistance to UV radiation, chemicals, and weathering, providing long-lasting protection. MMA coatings form a seamless, monolithic membrane that offers excellent waterproofing, reducing the risk of leaks and water damage. They have high tensile strength and flexibility, accommodating structural movement and preventing cracking or peeling.
Waterborne Coatings
Waterborne roof coatings are environmentally friendly, as they contain low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and are non-toxic. They provide good adhesion to various substrates and form a protective barrier against moisture, Ultraviolet radiation and weathering. Waterborne coatings are easy to apply, clean, and maintain, reducing the overall maintenance costs of the roof. They offer excellent reflectivity, reducing heat absorption and lowering energy costs by keeping the building cooler.
Overall, the benefits of roof coatings can vary depending on the type of coating used and the specific needs of your building. It is important to consult with a roofing professional to determine the best type of coating for your specific building and roofing materials.
Benefits of Roof Coatings
Some potential benefits include improved waterproofing, enhanced durability, better resistance to weathering and UV radiation, and reduced maintenance costs over time.
Enhanced durability
The roofs of industrial buildings are often exposed to harsh weather conditions, high foot traffic, and equipment maintenance. Roof coatings can provide an extra layer of protection that can withstand these conditions and extend the life of the roof.
Improved Waterproofing
Water damage can be a significant issue for industrial buildings, as leaks can cause damage to equipment and inventory. Moisture Cured Urethane (MCU) and Silane Terminated Polymers (STP) coatings offer Excellent waterproofing properties that can help prevent leaks and water damage.
Faster Application and curing times
Methyl Methacrylate coatings are known for their fast application and curing times. Methyl Methacrylate coatings are two-component systems consisting of a resin component and a hardener component. When the two components are mixed together, they react quickly and begin to cure.
Methyl Methacrylate coatings can be applied quickly using a roller, brush, or spray equipment, which makes them a popular choice for projects that require a quick turnaround time. The fast-curing time also means that Methyl Methacrylate coatings can be applied in multiple layers without having to wait for each layer to dry, which saves time and increases productivity.
Methyl Methacrylate coatings can cure in as little as one hour, depending on the ambient temperature and humidity. This allows for faster project completion times, which is especially important in commercial and industrial settings where downtime can be costly.
High Chemical Resistance
Many industrial buildings and factories have chemicals present that can corrode the roof over time. Methyl Methacrylate coatings offer excellent chemical resistance, making them a good choice for buildings with these types of hazards.
Lower Maintenance Costs
Waterborne coatings are environmentally friendly and offer excellent durability, which can reduce maintenance costs over time. They also have a low emission of volatile organic compounds, making them a safer option for workers and the environment.
Summary
In summary, Moisture Cured Urethane, Silane Terminated Polymers, Methyl Methacrylate, and Waterborne technologies all offer unique benefits for industrial buildings, factories, and warehouses. These synthetic roof coatings provide superior adhesion, durability, flexibility, and waterproofing properties, ultimately extending the lifespan of the roof and protecting the building from moisture, UV radiation, chemicals, and weathering. Additionally, their application characteristics, such as quick curing times and ease of installation, contribute to reduced downtime and maintenance costs.
Author: Simon Foley
Simon Foley is responsible for marketing at Protective Polymers a company who specialise in the manufacture of Aerogel liquid insulation and high temperature corrosion resistant coatings
