Wednesday 26 November 2014

FAQ’s of Cool Roof Coatings from Panache




F.A.Q’s 

Liquid-applied Cool Roof coatings reflect the sun's ultraviolet radiation from a roof's surface to varying degrees. Some products are more effective than others, some hold up better over time, and some have modern technology additives that might give a product enhanced performance. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.

What is a Cool Roof coating?


A Cool Roof coatings consists of a binder (usually an organic compound or silicone compound) blended with pigments and other additives to provide two main benefits: protection of roof membranes for longer roof life cycles; and reflectivity of solar radiation, for lower air conditioning costs.

What are the ingredients of a Cool Roof coating?


The main components of most Cool Roof coatings are the binder, pigment, water and reflective pigments. Water serves as a liquid carrier, which provides viscosity, allowing the pigment and binder to be spread on the roof as a thin coating. The majority of white coatings in use today are water-based coatings


How can white roof coating help me?


An energy efficient , white, reflective, elastomeric coating manufactured by Panache can reflect up to 92% of visible light, keeping the roof surface much cooler than with aluminum, black, or non-reflective roofing materials. Lower temperatures mean less energy usage, and translate to money saved. Elastomeric roof coatings protect the roof substrate adding years to your roof, plus saves against costly tear-offs and re-roofing.






What is reflectivity?

Solar reflectivity indicates how much heat and light (visible sun rays, UV rays, and infrared rays) are bounced back into the atmosphere. The coolest materials have a reflectivity of 50% or higher. This means that they absorb 50% of the sun’s energy. A new coat of Panache’s Cool Roof System has a reflectivity of 86- 89%, absorbing only a small amount and bouncing the rest back.





What is emissivity?

Emissivity is the ability to radiate away absorbed heat. Panache’s coatings have a high emissivity rating—up to 93%, depending on the product. That is why these coatings keep roof surfaces so cool. Darker roof coatings, including aluminum coatings, have low emissivity ratings; these coatings do not radiate away the heat, so it is absorbed. Touch a roof coated with an aluminum coating on a hot day, and then touch a roof coated with Panache’s white roof coating. You will feel the difference.



How does reflectivity vary?

Reflectivity varies with coating used and environmental exposure. White coatings become less reflective when dirty.



What factors can reduce the reflectivity and long-term durability of Cool Roof Coatings/ Cool Wrap?

  • Before Application: Poor Drainage, poor surface preparation, or improper mixing.
  • During Application: Under-applying, over-applying, or misapplying.
  • After Application: Excessive metal abrasion.



Can I get a roof coating in some other color than white?
Panache offers Colored coatings that can custom-tint roof coatings upon request. We recommend using a white coating whenever possible; but if it is not feasible, then a light or medium color is achievable. Remember, tinted coatings draw more heat and are not as energy efficient as white coatings.



On what types of membranes or roof material can Cool Roof coatings be used?

Cool Roof coatings can be applied to practically any roofing membrane. They are commonly applied to concrete, masonry, tiled and metal roofs. It is important to establish compatibility between the Cool Roof coatings and the underlying roof membrane or roof material.

Is Cool Roof coatings waterproof?


Cool Roof coatings are water proof .The property of liquid water, water vapor and other gases varies greatly, depending on the type of coating. Acrylic coatings are breathable, which means they have a high moisture-vapor transmission rate or permeability. Silicone coatings are also classified as breathable types. But still for guaranteed water proofing base layer of Seal Coat is a must.

Do Cool Roof coatings remain white?


Roofs that have Cool Roof coatings in arid, dusty regions, or in places where farm plowing or construction exposes the earth to wind, are likely to accumulate dirt more than in areas with greenery or where occasional rainfall washes away the dirt. The frequency and intensity of precipitation and the slope of the roof also affect the cleanliness of the coatings over time. As with white paints on other surfaces, white coatings discolor and darken slightly after several years of service but can be cleaned off easily. But as per the property the Cool Roof it remains white & no yellowing takes place due to its UV resistance & dirt repellent nature

Are Cool Roof coatings still effective as they age?


Two values of reflectivity are often quoted to represent the performance of new coatings and seven-year-old Cool Roof coatings, respectively. Generally, a small decrease in reflectivity occurs, depending on several factors. Wind-blown dirt and dust can decrease the reflectivity of Cool Roof coatings, depending on the age of the coating and regional characteristics

Does a dirty Cool Roof coating still protect a roof from UV radiation?


UV radiation tends to be blocked rather than reflected by a Cool Roof coating. A Cool Roof coatings still protects against UV radiation even when foreign particles reduce the reflectivity.

Are Cool Roof coatings cleanable?
Acrylic latex Cool Roof coatings tend to cure from the outside and chalk away, one thin layer after another, periodically exposing new white material to the sun's radiation. Roofs also may be periodically refreshed, by washing or applying a new topcoat, typically for less than the cost of the initial coating.


How Can I clean my reflective roof?
Cleaning will help restore lost reflectivity to the Cool Roof coating. To keep Panache’s cool Roofing system most reflective and easiest to clean; coating of TranSeal which has an ingredient to reduce dirt absorption and stay brighter is being used & applied. A strong water blast from a hose or pressure will remove coating surface dirt. Brushing the wet coating with a push broom will remove most dirt. 



How often do Cool Roof coatings need to be applied?

The maintenance schedule depends on the type of coating, type of roof, the purpose of the coating and regional differences. Typically, Cool Roof coatings should be refreshed every seven years.

When we should replace Cool Roof coating?


If the condition of the existing roof is such that its structural integrity is compromised or that patching and re-coating no longer will abate the problem, applying an acrylic roof coating most likely will not solve the problem. In that event, roof replacement might be necessary.

Can Cool Top / Cool Wrap be thinned and if so, with what type of thinner? 


Cool Top / Cool Wrap should not be thinned unless labels expressly direct so. Thinning a product designed as ready-to-use can impact performance.

Can I apply Cool Roof Coatings / Cool Wrap if it will rain soon? 


If it is going to rain immediately, one should not apply Cool Roof Coatings/ Cool Wrap. If there is a time gap of around half an hour the coating can be applied.

Can I use Cool Roof Coatings / Cool Wrap on rubber roofing? 


No, Cool Roof / Cool Wrap cannot be applied on rubber roofing.

How do I clean up a spilled Cool Roof Coatings / Cool Wrap?


By wiping it with cloth when it is wet or by sanding it. But, it is difficult to remove a dry layer of coating.

How soon can I coat a newly installed built-up roof with Cool Roof Coating / Cool Wrap?


After curing time of 12 - 18 hours.

What is the dry or cure time for Cool Roof Coatings / Cool Wrap
The dry or cure time for Panache’s products depends on the specific product used. Check label instructions for specific cure times. Dry time can be affected by air and surface temperature, wind, humidity, porosity of the substrate, and the type and amount of product used, among other factors.



My metal roof is rusty; is it too late for the treatment of Cool Roof?
If your metal roof still has life left in it, you can add more years with the proper prep and proper coating. If rust has eaten all the way through the metal, those panels must be replaced. For surface rust, clean area with wire brush, remove any dirt or dust, and apply Rustop Plus- rust-inhibiting primer over the affected areas. Apply 2 coats of roof coating to a previously uncoated metal roof.



What is the coverage of Cool Roof Products?

Panache Cool Roof is a system of coatings to be applied in a particular sequence. Coverage of every product is different according to the substrate of application. Pl refer the products list or product treatment chart that specifies the coverage of every product on the type of surface of application.



How & where do I store the products purchased?

Cool Roof products are acrylic & PU based and they need to be stored in Cool & Dry place; away from sunlight.



In which time of the day should I start application work of Panache’s Cool Roof coatings?

It is better to start the work of Cool Roof coating application work in the early morning, as it is cooler at that time, good coverage of the products can be achieved & it will be comfortable for the applicator to work. Application should not be done during the peak afternoon time, as due to much evaporation of water the coating becomes thick and thus crack develops due to thickness.  



What is the most important part during application?

  • Surface preparation & cleaning is the most important part of application.
  • Leaving the coating to dry in between two coats is also very important for good bonding.

2 comments:

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