When considering a roofing system for your commercial roof, longevity, waterproofing, sustainability and durability are all necessary and important factors to research. While aluminum roof paint can provide durability and waterproofing, it poses some issues with sustainability and longevity.
What is Aluminum Roof Paint
Aluminum roof coatings are solvent based formulated with asphalt, aluminum paste, moisture scavenger, fillers and hydrocarbon solvents. High quality aluminum roof paint options will contain high amounts of aluminum pigment to increase the reflectivity values. ASTM D2824 –Standard Specification for Aluminum Pigmented Asphalt Roof Coatings provides resources and assistance in selecting an aluminum roof coating that is suitable for roofing applications.
Downside to Aluminum Roof Paint
The greatest issue we have with aluminum roof coatings is its inability to adhere to other waterborne and acrylic roof coating systems in the future. This hinders its ability to be easily sustainable and renewable. The aluminum flakes in the coating interfere with adhesion, making delamination a potential issue, increasing roof failures from occurring. Solvent-based primers can be used to support adhesion to the aluminum flakes; however, the bond between the coating and primer can still cause issues and many roof coating manufacturers shy away from the idea. We recommend contacting the roof coating manufacturer before construction begins.
Unlike acrylic coatings, aluminum coatings do not provide any waterproofing properties. They do increase reflectivity and UV protection to the roof substrate but do not improve appreciable mil thickness to the roof. Acrylic roof coatings form a seamless, monolithic membrane when applied, creating a watertight, durable roofing substrate. Lastly, due to aluminum coatings being solvent based, they are typically higher in Volatile Organic Content VOC’s, causing unpleasant and potentially harmful odors during application. (Click here for more information on low VOC Roof Products).
Roof coatings or roof paints are continually increasing in popularity because of their ability to be restored and renewed the current roof. They provide lower life-cycle costs, fewer disruptions to your business, lower roof maintenance costs and less hassle compared to traditional roof replacement. The sustainability factor for these roof-coating systems offer great over-all value and provides you with excellent longevity to your roof substrate.
National Coatings offers sustainable roof restoration and roof maintenance systems that provide ultra-high reflectivity, durability, waterproofing, as well as, sustainability. All of our elastomeric roof coatings systems can be renewed, allowing you to extend your roof’s service life indefinitely.
To find out more about renewing your current roofing substrate and avoid a costly and timely roof tear-off, download our Full Line Brochure or check out our individual substrate brochures:
