Exploring the Pros and Cons of Acrylic Roof Coatings
Acrylic roof coatings, often hailed as the original elastomeric coatings, hold a significant place in the realm of roofing solutions. Particularly favored for sloped metal roofs, they also serve as a dependable option for various flat roof substrates such as modified bitumen, single-ply, EPDM, built-up roofs, and spray polyurethane foam.
These coatings offer a robust means to revitalize and safeguard commercial roofs. However, selecting the right chemistry is crucial. Let's delve into the notable advantages and disadvantages of acrylic roof coatings.
Advantages:
Cost-Effectiveness: Acrylic roof coatings present a cost-effective option without compromising on durability. This translates to enduring performance, reduced energy consumption, and lowered maintenance expenses for building owners.
UV Protection: Highly reflective and UV resistant, acrylic roof coatings play a pivotal role in slashing cooling costs, especially during scorching summers. By mitigating the sun's impact on the roof surface, they not only sustain lower energy expenses over time but also help cool internal building temperatures, thereby extending the roof's service life.
Easy Installation: Being water-based, acrylics facilitate easy handling and installation. This means swift installation of an acrylic roof coating system without compromising on quality or causing significant disruption to daily business activities. Additionally, application teams seldom encounter issues with equipment, ensuring enhanced productivity and efficiency.
Disadvantages:
Ponding Water: Acrylic roof coatings are adversely affected by ponding water. Ideally suited for sloped metal roofs or roofs with adequate drainage, they pose challenges when applied to flat roofs with poor drainage. Prior to installation, it's imperative for building owners and managers to consult specialists to assess potential ponding water issues.
Cold Temperature Applications: As a water-based product, acrylic coatings are susceptible to freezing in colder temperatures. For proper adhesion to the roofing substrate, the outside temperature must be at least 50°F and rising at the time of application. Moreover, the drying time of acrylic coatings significantly slows down below 50°F.
Loss of Mil Thickness: With aging, acrylic roofing systems tend to lose mil thickness due to continuous weathering and exposure to harsh environmental conditions. Before opting for an acrylic product, ensure it has undergone thorough testing to suit specific roofing environments and applications.
While acrylic roofing systems offer an effective roofing solution, careful consideration of various factors is essential when selecting the best acrylic roof coating system for commercial roofing environments.