There are many roof coating products that provide specialized features, low temperature flexibility is one of those. In order for a roof coating to function and perform well in areas where temperatures drop below zero, the coating needs to remain flexible. This is especially necessary on the east coast and other regions that experience freezing temperatures during fall and winter seasons.
What is Low Temperature Flexibility?
By definition, low temperature flexibility is the ability the roof coating membrane possesses to resist cracking when flexed at a low temperature.
Why is it Important?
It is critical for the roof and any coating to be able to tolerate movement at below 0˚F because the building expands and contracts throughout the day depending on the surrounding air temperature. The roof membrane needs to be able to move along with the building during these fluctuations in order to provide the building the greatest amount of protection against future leaks.
How do I know if the Coating will Actually Perform in Freezing Regions?
Most roof coating manufacturers test their coatings in accordance with ASTM-D6083, the standard for a liquid applied acrylic coating used in roofing that provides the marketplace with objective performance criteria. This allows people to effectively compare roof coating product to roof coating product without a difference in testing standards - a true apple-to-apple comparison. ASTM-D6083 sets minimum performance levels in numerous areas such as: viscosity, weight and volume solids; mechanical properties; adhesion; low temperature flexibility; tear resistance; permeation and water swelling; and fungi resistance.
This information is often provided to the customer by the roof coating manufacturer on their product data sheets. If the roof coating in question has the ability to remain flexible even at freezing temperatures without fractures or breaks occur in the membrane, their product data sheet should indicate something similar to:
National Coatings offers several base and top coats that exceed all of the ASTM-D6083 requirements including low temperature flexibility. For more information, download our free full line brochure or contact one of our roof coating professionals.
