If you are in charge of an industrial building, you know that keeping the roof in great shape helps to preserve the rest of the structure. When the structure’s roofing is compromised, it can lead to damage within, so it is best to find and apply a coating that is preventative.
When you are dealing with industrial edifices, the need for more than just an average coating is necessary. One of the essential requirements (besides the need to keep out moisture) is to help protect the surface from ultra violet rays, which can damage a roof’s structure faster than almost anything. When UV rays hit the surface of a roof, it starts to break the layer down by altering its structural makeup. This is why it’s so critical to pick a coating that has UV ray resistance.
The Colors of UV Industrial Coatings
There are two colors of coatings that can help redirect Ultra Violet Rays:
- White – A coating this color is best used when you need to help reflect the sun’s intensity away from the roof. It should be noted though, that sometimes the white reflection can cause the building to warm up at higher temperatures than expected. This can occur if there are any reflective frontages, such as walls or glass that the light from the roof can bounce off of. If the light then bounces back onto the roof, it bounces back at a more intense rate. For the most part though, a white coating should be chosen in warm to hot climates. This is because it helps the building maintain a cooler internal temperature. This makes your building more energy efficient. White coatings soak up around fifteen percent of the sun’s rays overall. You may even get a tax deduction for its application, so check with your local government.
- Black – When this color is used, it helps to keep the heat within the structure. It is an excellent pick for areas that have cooler temperatures throughout the year, as it can help by lowering the heating cost. Black coating captures around eighty-three percent of the sun’s energy, and therefor make great insulation.
Type of Roofs Affected Most
Most roofs are affected by UV Rays, but roofs that are flat seem to be the worst.
Some of the substances that break down the most on flat roofs are:
- Asphalt
- Built-up Roofing (BUR)
- Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM)
- Modified Bitumen
- Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO)
Types of UV Resistant Coatings
A few of the types of UV Coatings including:
Acrylic Elastomeric Coating – This white coating works on build-ups, concrete, foam, metal, modified bitumen and single ply roofs, with a reflective percentage rate of ninety.
Aluminum Roof Coatings – Used on built-up, modified bitumen and aluminum roofs, with a reflectivity rate of fifty to sixty-five percent.
Polyurethane Roof Coating – Applied to built-up, concrete and masonry roofs, with a UV rating of eighty-five to ninety percent.
Silicone Roof Coating – Utilized on sheet metal roofs, with an eighty to ninety percent UV reflective rating.
Urethane Roof Coating – This is used on built-up, concrete, foam roofs, as well as single-ply that are weathered, with a UV resistant rating up to eighty-five percent.
Other Benefits of UV Resistant Coatings
There are other benefits to the above kinds of coatings:
- Prolongs the life of your roof
- Shields from water
- Protects against chemicals
- Lower cost than replacing your roof
- Cheaper energy costs
- Possible tax break
- Can help to reduce ozone emissions
As you can see, there many different types of ultra violet resistant coatings that can help to keep your industrial structure’s roof safe from harm.
The application of any of the above coatings should be completed by a qualified business or person, who has knowledge about the required thickness and cure times. There are many benefits to using coatings that resist the strong rays of the sun, which can add value to your structure. Why take a chance at applying coating that will break down quickly, when you can spend a bit more and worry less?
The lifespan of any of the above products outlast any non-ultraviolet coatings, which means more money in the bank for your business.
