subject: Elastomeric Flat Roof Coating [print this page] Elastomeric Flat roof coatings can be a good investment for many facilities. A flat roof Elastomeric coating can extend the life of a roof because it lowers the roof temperature. It can also lead to additional energy savings as the temperature is reduced.
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Elastomeric white roof coatings contain transparent polymeric materials, such as acrylic, and a white pigment, such as titanium dioxide , to make them opaque and reflective. Other white pigments sometimes used are the other form of titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide. These elastomeric coatings typically reflect 70 to 80 % of the suns energy. Despite the white appearance, these pigments strongly absorb the 5 % or so of the suns energy which falls in the ultraviolet. Thus, the pigments help protect the polymer material and the substrate underneath from uv damage.
These elastomeric coatings are applied in thicknesses considerably greater than typical white paints, ranging up to about 1 mm. The substrate must be clean and compatible with the coating system. The achievement of the very highest reflectance values requires sufficient pigment and a smooth substrate. If the substrate is already light in color, it can be made highly reflective with less pigment (fewer coats).
To help maintain the high reflectance of a freshly applied white elastomeric coating, several issues are important. A completely horizontal roof, with pounding water after rain, is likely to become quickly soiled, with a corresponding loss in reflectance.
