Elastomeric coatings are a cost-effective solution for repairing and preserving TPO rooftops

NEW YORK (ICIS)--US major Dow Chemical sees huge market potential for its acrylic-based elastomeric coatings for thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) rooftops in the US, company executives said on Tuesday.
“Over the next few years, we see a $100m -plus plus market opportunity for this product in the US,” said Javier Banos, strategic marketing manager of Dow Construction Chemicals, at a media event in New York.
“We estimate there is 5bn-10bn square feet [465m-930m square metres] of installed TPO rooftops in the US just waiting to be coated,” he added.
Dow is aiming to commercialise its 100% acrylic RHOPLEX EC-3100 technology for TPO rooftop coatings by early 2011, it said. The product is currently being tested by customers, who are primarily coatings formulators, said Banos.
Adding a layer of specialised white coating on flat or low-slope rooftops provides two main benefits. It extends the life of the roof and increases heat reflectivity, resulting in significant energy savings from the cooler roof, said Joseph Rokowski, group leader of research and development (R&D) with Dow Construction Chemicals.
“We estimate that in the summer months, a cool roof can cut the electricity load for air conditioning by 20-25%,” said Rokowski.
The reflective property of the coating comes from titanium dioxide (TiO2), which is already in the product, he noted.
The problem with previous TPO roof coatings is that they did not adhere well to TPO rooftops, he said.
“Roof coatings did not properly adhere to TPO membranes, so formulators have been unable to participate in the TPO-recoat market. This is a brand new market for our product,” said Rokowski.
TPO rooftops have rapidly gained market share in the US in the past decade because of their easy installation, durability and reflective properties, he said. They now have market share of between 20-25% for flat to low-slope rooftops in the US, according to Dow.
However, as they become weathered, the rooftops can crack, leak and pick up dirt, diminishing their usefulness and energy-saving properties.
“Elastomeric coatings are a cost-effective solution for repairing and preserving TPO rooftops,” said Rokowski.
An acrylic TPO rooftop coating can typically be applied around four years after the initial TPO rooftop installation, when the rooftop becomes sufficiently weathered. And the coating can last about five years before it needs to be re-applied, he said.
The cost of the product would be comparable to high-end specialty acrylic coatings, Rokowski said.
The market for elastomeric rooftop coatings has grown at over 5%/year over the past decade, and Banos said he expects similar growth rates in the future.

Helicopters to be used for roof repair

Helicopters to be used for roof repair projectLow-flying helicopters will be used in a roofing project at a business in Beloit starting Saturday.Corporate Contractors Inc. (CCI) will begin a major roofing project at American Construction Metals (ACM), 1600 Park Ave. Low-flying helicopters will be used to lift materials. The helicopters are expected to be used Saturday and Sunday and on Oct. 6 and 7.Residents who observe a low-flying helicopters in the vicinity of the ACM building need not be alarmed. Officials from CCI have assured the city that construction noise will cease by 7 p.m. and the crews will abide by city noise ordinances, which prohibit noise between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Why Attic Ventilation Is So Important ?

Attic ventilation is one of the single most important aspects of your home when it comes maintaining high energy efficiency, besides its numerous other benefits. If you suspect you don't have sufficient ventilation in your attic, or just want to upgrade the ventilation system you do have, talk to a roofing contractor or ventilation specialist about the best available options for your home.

Why Attic Ventilation Is So Important during Summer Months

First and foremost, proper ventilation in your attic means big energy savings. During the summer months an improperly ventilated attic can reach temperatures of over 160 degrees, and all that heat radiates right down into your home. If you've got an air conditioner, it's working overtime to compensate and costing you money. And if you don't have an air conditioner, all that extra heat can make hot summer days almost unbearable. By installing proper ventilation you can drastically cut down the time you'll need to run your AC, save money, and make your home more comfortable, all in one fell swoop.

Why Proper Ventilation Is So Important: the Winter Version

In the winter, your attic ventilation serves an entirely different purpose. Poor ventilation can lead to moisture build-up in your attic, and in the winter months that can mean big trouble. As the temperature in your attic fluctuates with the weather outside, that moisture can actually condensate, freeze, and then "rain" down on your attic when it melts. The result is water damage, and even worse, mold and mildew buildup. Furthermore, a well ventilated attic helps prevent ice and snow buildup on the outside of your roof as well, both of which can lead to host of other problems. Basically it doesn't matter what the season is, a well-ventilated attic is a home improvement must.

Tools of the Trade

A contractor who specializes in attic ventilation will be able to inform you which ventilation systems are best for your home, since your home design may limit, to some extent, the options you have to choose from. Nonetheless, here is a quick list of the most popular ventilation systems being installed today.