Abstract
Coatings have played an important role in the roofing industry for many decades. Dr. Oliensis received the first patent for cold-applied roof coatings in 1921. Clay type asphalt emulsions were introduced in the early 1930s. Solvent-based insulation adhesives, a modified form of roofing mastics, gained popularity in the mid 50s as a result of a substantial fire loss at General Motors plant in Livonia, Mich. Due to their filler content, these adhesives have greater resistance to flow at high temperatures than hot-mopped bitumen. The 70s saw the use of rubber in many roof coatings and mastics and much greater use of water-based materials. In more recent times, coatings have been employed as complements to some of the new membranes. They have given the manufacturers and users of these systems options to improve key properties such as weathering and fire resistance. For example, clay emulsions have been used as coatings in modified bitumen systems to attain Class A fire ratings by UL 790 and ASTM E108 procedures. A variety of both solvent- and water-based products have served as the critical top coat in spray-applied polyurethane foam systems. The manufacturers of elastomeric single-ply products have relied on coatings for property improvements, as well. Prior to the development of fire-retardant formulations, EPDM sheets, for example, were regularly surfaced with Hypalon coatings and embedded sand to achieve fire classification. In this paper, we will review some of the new products and systems that have become available. The coatings manufacturers have not been content to have their material serve merely in an ancillary role for those membrane systems not holding major market share. Many producers are aggressively marketing their coatings as the key components of built-up roofing membranes using both coated and uncoated reinforcements. Additionally, environmental, safety and health concerns have forced a rethinking of the types of coatings being produced, as well as the ingredients used in their manufacture.
Coatings have played an important role in the roofing industry for many decades. Dr. Oliensis received the first patent for cold-applied roof coatings in 1921. Clay type asphalt emulsions were introduced in the early 1930s. Solvent-based insulation adhesives, a modified form of roofing mastics, gained popularity in the mid 50s as a result of a substantial fire loss at General Motors plant in Livonia, Mich. Due to their filler content, these adhesives have greater resistance to flow at high temperatures than hot-mopped bitumen. The 70s saw the use of rubber in many roof coatings and mastics and much greater use of water-based materials. In more recent times, coatings have been employed as complements to some of the new membranes. They have given the manufacturers and users of these systems options to improve key properties such as weathering and fire resistance. For example, clay emulsions have been used as coatings in modified bitumen systems to attain Class A fire ratings by UL 790 and ASTM E108 procedures. A variety of both solvent- and water-based products have served as the critical top coat in spray-applied polyurethane foam systems. The manufacturers of elastomeric single-ply products have relied on coatings for property improvements, as well. Prior to the development of fire-retardant formulations, EPDM sheets, for example, were regularly surfaced with Hypalon coatings and embedded sand to achieve fire classification. In this paper, we will review some of the new products and systems that have become available. The coatings manufacturers have not been content to have their material serve merely in an ancillary role for those membrane systems not holding major market share. Many producers are aggressively marketing their coatings as the key components of built-up roofing membranes using both coated and uncoated reinforcements. Additionally, environmental, safety and health concerns have forced a rethinking of the types of coatings being produced, as well as the ingredients used in their manufacture.
Date
0/1989
0/1989
Author(s)
Kenneth Brzozowski
Kenneth Brzozowski
Page(s)
20-26
20-26
Keyword(s)
coatings; roof coating; rubberized coating; mastic; Livonia plant fire
coatings; roof coating; rubberized coating; mastic; Livonia plant fire