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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

PREFACE: “R” Value Fairy Tale – The Myth of Insulation Values (also see # 7, 9, 10 and 11)

  1. Cool Roofs - Explained
  2. Explain the difference between Reflectivity and Emissivity?
  3. Why are Ceramic Coatings so special?
  4. Tell me about your roof and wall coatings?
  5. What are the thermal properties of the various ThermCote™, Dura Finish™ and Final Finish™ coatings?
  6. Which of the products can be used for all types of applications?
  7. What is the R-value of CRICSsm, and how do these values compare with mass (bulk) insulation such as fiberglass and foam?
  8. Explain the difference between Reflectivity and Emissivity.
  9. How do ThermCote/A-PW5™, ThermCote/A-5™ and A-10™ outperform 4 inches of foam insulation?
  10. What is the difference between a radiant heat barrier (ProTek) and a conductive heat barrier?
  11. Compared to traditional insulation, how do CRICSsm Ceramic Coatings eliminate or at least alleviate condensation on ceilings and walls and save money in maintenance and energy consumption?
  12. Define dry film thickness, theoretical coverage, and solids by volume, solids by weight, in relationship to ProTek Products.
  13. Will ProTek’s CRICSsm Ceramic Coatings provide additional insulation value if the dry film thickness is increased?
  14. What is the impact of color (tinting) relative to reflectivity on ProTek's CRICSsm Ceramic Coatings?
  15. What surfaces need special preparation?
  16. What happens when the roof gets dirty? What about algae and mildew built-up?
  17. What are the non-energy benefits of coating walls or a roof?
  18. In most areas, asphalt roofs can only be re-surfaced once or maybe twice because of the weight factor. How many maintenance coats can be applied before they become too heavy?
  19. What are the Reflectance and Emittance values of ProTek’s CRICSsm?
  20. What is the average shelf life for ProTek’s Products?
  21. If ProTek’s CRICSsm Ceramic Coatings keeps the heat out during the summer, will it keep the heat in during the winter?
  22. How can you prove that ProTek’s CRICSsm Ceramic Coatings are effective and that it is as good or better than traditional insulation?
  23. What is the effect of applying a clear coating on top of ProTek’s Products?
  24. Why is it that ProTek CRICSsm Products have such high solar reflectivity values?
  25. What is the temperature range of service for the ProTek CRICSsm Products?
  26. Will ProTek’s CRICSsm Ceramic Coatings be effective on steam pipes?
  27. What is the most effective way to correct a bubbling or blistering problem on a roof?
  28. What makes ProTek’s CRICSsm Ceramic Coatings different from similar products on the market?
  29. How cost-effective is the application of CRICSsm Ceramic Coatings on a roof, for example?
  30. How long do these coatings last?
  31. Will my new EPDM, torch down or mobbed roof last longer with a coat of ceramic reflective coating and is it cost-effective
  32. Care & Maintenance of your Protective Roof Coating

Why are Ceramic Coatings so special?

Because they solve problems most other coatings and many conventional, bulk RESISTANCE type insulators cannot solve. Because our coatings are

  • Environmentally friendly (very Low VOC)
  • Extend the life of roofs and walls - tanks and silos
  • Help save precious energy
  • Help reduce "Heat Island" Temperatures - Metropolitan Areas such as L.A., Houston, Phoenix
  • Help reduce pollution in heat lands - for every 1º F temperature increase above 70º F, smog in Los Angeles increases by 3%.
  • Help reduce the tonnage of old asphalt roofing materials going into land fills (roofs do not really need to be torn off)

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Tell me about your roof and wall coatings?

Our coatings insulate, waterproof and beautify walls and roofs. Our coatings are water-based, environmentally friendly, 100% Acrylic Elastomerics with Urethane. They contain absolutely no inexpensive fillers, also called plasticizers. Our coatings contain top quality Titanium Dioxides, resins, urethanes and acrylics.

What makes our coatings unique and totally different from ordinary coatings, let alone paint, is their ability to reflect 81% to 84.2%, depending on the product, of the solar energy, e.g. Visible light, UV Rays and Infrared Rays (81 to 84.2% Reflectance Rating) and emit or re-radiate more than 93% of absorbed heat (93% Plus Emissivity Rating). Emissivity is the ability of our coating to re-radiate absorbed solar heat (Far Infrared Rays) back into the atmosphere and not allow the heat to conduct through the roof or wall. Asphalt by comparison has a emissivity rating of about only 5%. Asphalt with metallic silver coating is only about 25 to 40%. Walls painted with a medium dark color are about the same.

On a 90 Degrees F (32 Degree Celsius) day, the temperature of an asphalt or galvanized metal (zinc) roof will be at about 180 Degrees F (82 Degrees Celsius). If the roof is coated with any of the ThermCote/A coatings, the roof surface will be only about 92 to 95 Degrees F (33 to 35 Degrees Celsius). That is almost 90 Degrees F (32 Degrees Celsius) cooler.

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What are the thermal properties of the various ThermCote™, Dura Finish™ and Final Finish™ coatings?

All these coatings are CRICSsm Ceramic Reflective Insulating Coatings and contain a mixture of ceramics. Instead of cost-lowering, inexpensive fillers (a.k.a. plasticizers such as clay, sand, etc.), our products contain high-quality ceramics and ceramic borosilicates to provide insulating and soundproofing values. Final Finish™, ThermCote/A-10™ and ThermCote/A-PW5™ contain the same types of ceramics as ThermCote/A-5™ but in a higher concentration to withstand higher temperatures, so thermal properties will be better. ThermCote/IC™ contains very different types of ceramics as it is formulated for highly demanding commercial and industrial applications.

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Which of the products can be used for all types of applications?

Although ThermCote/IC™ has the best performance and could be used for almost every application except for flat roofing with ponding water problems and for motor home applications, in many cases the use of ThermCote/IC™ would be overkill in terms of cost. On a sloped roof, for instance, ThermCote/A-10™ will provide exceptional cooling performance at a lower cost. Because there are so many variables to consider for application to numerous different types of substrates and structures, ProTek has a line of products (not just one or two products) engineered for application to those different types of substrates and structures: products that will control water penetration, solar radiation, heat build-up and corrosion.

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What is the R-value of CRICSsm and how do these values compare with mass (bulk) insulation such as fiberglass and foam?

There is no R-Value for liquid applied coatings as they perform on the principal of reflection and re-radiation (Emissivity). Conversely, there is no Reflection (Reflectivity) or Emissivity rating for Fiberglass, foam, etc.) CRICS SM reflect the vast majority of heat AND also radiate away almost all of what little heat is absorbed. Conduction of heat simply does not take place when CRICS SM are applied. With CRICS SM coatings, surface temperatures of coated walls, roofs, silos and tanks are barely above ambient temperatures. #’s 8, 9 and 10 (the next three <3>Questions and Answers) provide in-depth explanation of how CRICS coatings keep exteriors and interiors cool. Because CRICS SM  keep surfaces such as roofs, walls, tanks or silos cool, they also virtually eliminate or greatly reduce expansion and contraction of the surfaces, effectively reducing maintenance and extending the life of the surface (roofs, walls, etc.)

The R-Value or R-Factor of bulk insulation ( aka Conductive Resistor Heat Barriers) such as fiberglass, foam, etc. is a measurement  of the resistance to heat traveling or conducting through the insulation. The thicker the insulation, the longer it takes for heat to conduct through the insulator the higher the R-Factor. The point here is that the heat will eventually get through and once in the interior, the bulk insulator will also keep it there.  NOTE: Bulk insulation is usually applied on the inside and if applied on the outside (foam, for instance) it must be top-coated for UV protection with acrylic coatings such as CRICS.

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Explain the difference between Reflectivity and Emissivity.

According to Dr. Lisa Gartland, in a January 1999 article of "facilitiesnet"  (www.facilitiesnet.com - search for "Cool Roofs") entitled "Cool Coatings Heat Up Savings":

To keep a roof or wall cool, materials must have two properties: Reflectivity, sometimes called ALBEDO, which indicates how much heat and light (visible sun rays, UV rays, and infrared rays) bounce off the walls and roofs. The coolest materials have reflectivities of 50 percent or higher. This means that they absorb 50% of the sun's energy. ProTek coatings have reflectivity ratings from independent laboratories of at least 81% and as much as 84.2%, depending on the product. "White" shingles (they are actually gray) reflect only about 25% and "Premium" white shingles provide only about 35% solar reflectance. Typical dark asphalt materials have reflectivities of 5% to 25%. Therefore, their absorption rate is 75% to 95% of the sun's energy. Compare these figures to the 19% or less absorption rate of ProTek coatings.

The second property is Emissivity, the ability to radiate away absorbed heat, heat from the far infrared rays of the sun. ProTek coatings' emissivities have been rated by independent laboratories at 93% or more, depending on the product. That is why they keep surfaces so cool. High "Far Infrared" emittance helps the surface shed heat by re-radiation. METALIC roof coatings, including aluminum coatings, have low emissivity ratings of only 20% to 65% (when newly applied), depending on surface finish and condition. They do have a high reflectivity but don't keep a roof or wall cool, because their low EMISSIVITIES don't allow them to radiate away the heat absorbed. And anyone who has ever walked on a roof with aluminum coating on a hot day can attest that the roof is very hot.

By the way, Dr. Lisa M. Garland has a doctorate in mechanical engineering from the University of Washington and is the principal of PositivEnergy, a consulting firm specializing in community energy conservation research and application projects.

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How do ThermCote/A-PW5™, ThermCote/A-5™ and A-10™ outperform 4 inches of foam insulation?

The foam insulation is placed on the UNDER-SIDE of the roof, while ThermCote/A-5™, ThermCote/A-10™ and ThermCote/A-PW5™ are applied to the TOP-SIDE of the roof. ProTek Ceramic Coatings reflect most of the solar heat, allowing little heat to conduct through the roof substrate. Surface temperature differences between a roof coated with our CRICSsm Ceramic Coating and an unpainted roof are 90 to 100 Degrees Fahrenheit or more on a day of just 85 to 90 Degrees F. The heat conducting through the surface of an uncoated roof is only slowed down by the RESISTER type bulk insulation and will eventually enter the interior. When the cool-down cycle starts (evenings and nights), that RESISTER type insulation will also keep the heat from exiting from inside the building, unless mechanically removed (cost of energy). ThermCotes outperform the insulation because of the Ceramic Content and its High Reflectivity and Emissivity Performance that allows the absorbed heat to be radiated away before it has a chance to conduct to the interior.

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What is the difference between a radiant heat barrier (ProTek) and a conductive heat barrier?

Most heat is radiant heat. Solar heat is one and heat radiated from a hot surface or body (heat escaping from a car engine, for example) is another. Conducted heat is heat absorbed by a substrate or surface and allowed to travel through the substrate or surface. The heat felt when touching a cup of hot coffee is an example. ProTek’s CRICSsm Ceramic Coatings are radiant heat barriers and will reduce radiant heat (including solar heat) by reflecting as well as absorbing and then re-radiating (emitting) it. Conductive heat barriers (fiberglass and foam) allow heat to be absorbed by a substrate and then allow the heat to travel (conduct) through that substrate, such as exposed metal on a metal roof. The R-Factor in such CONDUCTIVE (Resister ) HEAT BARRIERS is indicative of the resistance of the application to heat traveling through the insulation. The thicker the insulation, the higher the R-Factor. Conductive barrier insulation does not exhibit any reflective heat performance.

Unlike CRICSsm, Conductive Barrier insulation does nothing to protect and prolong the life of a substrate such as a roof or wall. They also do not seal a roof or a wall and do not protect against UV degradation or seal a wall or roof from water penetration. CRICSsm keeps roofs and walls cool, reducing expansion and contraction cycles and reflecting up to 92% plus of the harmful UV rays of the sun.

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Compared to traditional insulation, how do CRICSsm Ceramic Coatings eliminate or at least alleviate condensation on ceilings and walls and save money in maintenance and energy consumption?

CRICSsm Ceramic Coatings applied to a metal roof, for example, reduce the surface temperature very substantially. As a result, little heat CONDUCTS to the much cooler interior so that very little or no condensation takes place. WITHOUT the CRICSsm Ceramic Coatings, the roof will be boiling hot and a great amount of heat will CONDUCT through the roof substrate and condense on the ceiling (underside of roof). This condensation will, first of all, lead to CORROSION, then to WATER LOGGING the fiberglass or foam and render their R-Value useless (Question: What is the R-Value of wet, waterlogged fiberglass or foam?)

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Define dry film thickness, theoretical coverage, and solids by volume, solids by weight, in relationship to ProTek Products?

FILM THICKNESS: Is measured in mils or microns. I mil =.00I Inches or 25.4 microns. ProTek uses mils as the mode of measuring film thickness, e.g. wet mils and/or dry mils. A coating material containing 50 % solids applied at 100 square feet per gallon at 10 wet mils will yield a coat of 5 dry mils. If a 100% solids material is applied at 100 square feet per gallon @ 16 mils wet film thickness, it would result in a 16 mils dry film thickness (since it is 100% solids: there is nothing to evaporate).

THEORETICAL COVERAGE or THEORETICAL SPREAD RATE: Does not allow for application loss (such as material lost while spraying) and surface irregularities when determining working requirements.

SOLIDS BY VOLUME: The volume of the nonvolatile (non-evaporating) portion of paint/coating divided by the total volume, expressed as a percent. A 1 gallon can of paint that has 50% solids by volume would yield a 1/2 gallon of total solids.

SOLIDS BY WEIGHT: The portion of a paint/coating that remains as part of the dry film thickness expressed as weight. A 1-gallon can of paint that weighs 12 pounds and had 50% solids by weight would yield 6 pounds of total solids.

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Will ProTek's CRICSsm provide additional insulation value if the dry film thickness is increased?

Yes, but ProTek’s CRICSsm Ceramic Coatings will be cost-effective with only 2 or 3 coats (7 dry mils each). The added insulation value will be cost-prohibitive after 25 to 30 mils of dry film thickness is reached. To be effective, the mil thickness recommended in our technical data will provide a sufficient blanket of ceramics suspended in the coating for top performance.

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What is the impact of color (tinting) relative to reflectivity on ProTek’s CRICSsm Ceramic Coatings?

ProTek’s Standard Bright White Color is the most effective. Once the coatings are tinted, even when tinted in light earth tones or pastels, reflective properties are decreased. Generally, the darker the tint the less the reflective performance.

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What surfaces need special preparation?

All surfaces must be clean and dry. Power washing is an excellent way to get surfaces clean. Walls must be caulked. On metal roofs, rust must be treated, bolts must be tightened, seals must be replaced and seams must be caulked. Leaks on asphalt roofs must be repaired before coating (see product tech information sheets for additional information).

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What happens when the roof gets dirty? What about algae and mildew built-up?

First of all, white roofs do show dirt more easily than asphalt roofs and that is an advantage. With a coated roof, it is easier to decide when the roofs need cleaning. Algae and mildew build-up are at a minimum, because ProTek's coatings contain mildewcides that substantially reduce the formation of algae and mildew. On asphalt roofs dirt, algae and mildew build-up are often hard to see and, therefore, roofs are less frequently cleaned contributing to more rapid deterioration.

As to performance, recent evidence indicates that the reflectivities of reflective coatings are reduced by less than 10 percent when the coating is dirty. Obviously, all roofs, coated or not, need periodic inspection and maintenance, including cleaning. Washing down a black asphalt roof will likely get rid of algae and mildew. Washing down a ProTek coated roof will increase reflectivities again, even if it is only to restore the original optimum reflectivity levels.

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What are the non-energy benefits of coating walls or a roof?

ProTek's cool coatings will reduce maintenance on both roofs and walls.

On walls, ProTek coatings will effectively water seal all types of walls in housing, commercial and industrial buildings from the elements and other factors, while allowing the walls to breath. ProTek coatings will keep the walls cool, thereby substantially reducing curling of wood siding, deterioration of T1-11 or cracking of stucco.

On metal roofs, maintenance of bolts, seals and joints to avoid leaks is reduced as the expansion and contraction cycle is very much reduced. Rust, as a result of condensation on the decking or underside of a roof, is also eliminated or alleviated.

There is absolutely no question that reflective coatings slow down the aging process of conventional asphalt roofing. A 10 year uncoated asphalt roof needs a new layer while a coated roof needs only a maintenance coat, usually at about 1/3 the cost. According to Dr. Gartland's studies, a coated roof saves more than $ 4 per square foot, mostly on re-roofing fees.

This low-maintenance benefit will also greatly reduce the current 11 (eleven) million tons of asphalt roofing waste going into landfills every year.

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In most areas, asphalt roofs can only be re-surfaced once or maybe twice because of the weight factor. How many maintenance coats can be applied before they become too heavy?

ProTek roof coatings are much lighter than a new layer of asphalt. They can be applied indefinitely for decades before the old roof must be torn off and replaced. ProTek coatings can be applied over any roof surface that does not leak providing a SEAMLESS tough membrane.

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What are the Reflectance and Emittance values of ProTek’s CRICSsm?

Independent laboratory reports (Atlas Weathering Services Group, DSET Laboratories, Phoenix, AZ.), as recently as 1998, rated our coatings according to ASTM E408-71(approved 1990). The range measured was .06 to .07 for Reflectance, Near-Normal Emittance measurements were .93 to .94 and Hemispherical Emittance between .88 and .89 . Reflectance tests as per ASTM – E903-88 (approved 1992) showed a range of 81.3% to 84.2%.

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What is the average shelf life for ProTek's Products?

The minimum shelf life is one year. We have found many of our products to be stable, if not opened, for up to 3 years. ProTek uses one of the highest quality IN-CAN PRESERVATIVES available on the market.

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If ProTek’s CRICSsm Ceramic Coatings keeps the heat out during the summer, will it keep the heat in during the winter?

ProTek’s CRICSsm Ceramic Coatings are more effective in keeping the heat out in the summer, but will keep the heat in during the winter, if applied to the interior walls and ceilings.

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How can you prove that ProTek’s CRICSsm Ceramic Coatings are effective and that it is as good or better than traditional insulation?

First, ProTek is an EPA ENERGY STAR® Roof Products Partner and our CRICSsm  line of ThermCote™ Roof Coatings are compliant with and meet or exceed the ENERGY STAR® guidelines for energy efficiency. You can check our website at www.protek-usa.com for more EPA details and/or the EPA itself.

Secondly, we cannot make a claim that our product is better than traditional insulation in all applications, as it cannot be claimed that traditional insulation (fiberglass and foam) is able to reflect heat and thereby extend the life of the roofing or wall substrate. It all depends upon the specific application. With our CRICSsm Ceramic Coatings we can substantially add to, complement, and improve the insulating value of traditional insulation on any project. The fact that the coatings are so easy to apply and can be used most anywhere, particularly in places where traditional insulation can not be used, makes it an acceptable and highly desirable solution.

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What is the effect of applying a clear coating on top of ProTek’s Products?

A clear product such as our ClearPro™ can be used over our pigmented products for aesthetic value (gloss) and extra protection. It will not affect the insulating performance of Ceramic Reflective Coating. ClearPro™ is compatible with all of our products, allowing about 7 days for full curing before applying ClearPro™. Additionally, ClearPro™ can only be applied over FULLY CURED (minimum 30 days full cure time) ordinary latex products. A test application is recommended to determine compatibility.

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Why is it that ProTek CRICSsm Products have such high solar reflectivity values?

ProTek’s CRICSsm Exterior Coatings are formulated with both Titanium Dioxide of the highest quality and with a mixture of "Trade Secret" pigments, which actually enhance the reflective values.

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What is the temperature range of service for ProTek CRICSsm Products?

ProTek’s CRICSsm Ceramic Coatings ThermCote/IC™ is recommended for the high end of that range.

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Will ProTek’s CRICSsm Ceramic Coatings be effective on steam pipes?

ProTek’s CRICSsm Ceramic Coatings Final Finish™ and ThermCote/IC™.

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What is the most effective way to correct a bubbling or blistering problem on a roof?

Bubbling or blistering on a roof surface is caused by "Gas Checking", which are trapped gases that can be formed by moisture, asphaltic emulsion, chemicals, etc. Bubbles occur when the trapped gases, moisture, etc. are heated up and expand. We have found bubbles literally disappear after application of our cooling roof coatings. Obviously, a roof temperature of 180º F on an uncoated roof will result in greater expansion of the trapped gases and moisture than on a roof that has been COATED and is only at 90º F.

When a blister occurs, simply cut an "X" in the blister and let it dry out thoroughly. Once dry apply a liberal amount of ElastoPrime™ under the flaps of the "X" to glue it down. Once ElastoPrime™ is dry, you can coat over the area with any of our Roof Coating Products to seal and keep the blister cool. In extreme cases, one could also apply a liberal coat of  ElastoPrime™ over the blister area and the "X" cut and then embed polyester mesh into the primer. Once the primer is dry, the area needs to be top-coated with ProTek roof coating.

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What makes ProTek’s CRICSsm Ceramic Coatings different from similar products on the market?

First, we have not just one or two ceramic coatings, but an entire line of Ceramic Coatings specifically formulated for varied applications such as walls, tanks, silos, busses, trucks and containers, any type of roof (including asphalt and torch-down) and various industrial/commercial applications.

Second, we also have an entire line of complementary products such as primers, caulking and rust inhibiting coatings.

Third, (with the exception of Dura Finish™ - a 100% Acrylic Elastomeric Ceramic Coating) all CRICSsm Ceramic Coatings are top quality 100% Acrylic Elastomeric (WITH) Urethanes which increases tensile strength, durability and scrubability.

The BIGGEST difference: The finish of all of our CRICSsm Ceramic Coatings is totally smooth, unlike other ceramic coatings which either have a orange peel or sand-grit type finish that attracts dirt easily. Total smoothness contributes to maximum reflectivity, according to Paul Berdahl, Physicist with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory writing for HomeEnergy Magazine, "White Roofs for Cool Homes."

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How cost effective is the application of CRICSsm Ceramic Coatings on a roof, for example?

The application of ProTek’s CRICSsm Ceramic Coatings is very cost-effective. For a specific answer click onto the “ CRICSsm ” Logo or “Ceramic Reflective Insulating Coating Systems” on our website for “What are CRICSsm? …and how will they help me save money?” and see the cost comparison of various roofing applications on the bottom of this page. 

In Dr. Lisa Garland's January 1999 article, she estimates that the initial cost of Cool Coatings is approximately $ 0.50/sq. ft. versus $ 3.50/sq. ft. for conventional roofing.

Energy savings over a 10-year period are estimated at $ 0.20 to $ 0.70/sq. ft. (and these are 1999 energy costs!) versus none for conventional roofing.

In the same article, recoat/relayer cost after 10 years are estimated at $ 0.50 sq. ft. for the coating versus $ 1.50 for the conventional roofing.

The total (net) 10 year cost for Cool Coatings is $ 0.08 to 0.30/sq. ft versus $ 5.00/sq. ft. for conventional roofing.

Claims of up to 50% in energy savings from coating a roof with a reflective coating are made in some of the most recent research results published by the Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory (LBNL), an independent government laboratory. Savings do vary for each building and geographical location factors enter into the picture, also.

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How long do these coatings last?

This depends upon the type of application, the geographic location and which of our products has been used. Our ThermCote/IC™ has a 10-year warranty for virtually any type of wall or roof application. For other than industrial application the coating should easily last 15 years. In some cases only a maintenance coat may be necessary, such as on a roof coated with ThermCote/A-10™, for instance, after 10 years.

As all our products use only top-of-the-line resins, titanium dioxide, etc. and contain only a very small percentage of water, they have exceptional tensile strength and great elongation. ProTek coating products are absolute top performers. The addition of ceramic compounds helps to protect the coating from excessive heat build up, a wear factor, and as a result longevity of the coating increased, color retention is improved and chalking is virtually eliminated.

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Will my new EPDM, torch down or mobbed roof last longer with a coat of ceramic reflective coating and is it cost-effective?

YES, you should coat your roof with ceramic reflective coatings and, YES, it is cost-effective! There are countless numbers of buildings whose conventional roofing systems have needed to be replaced within 10 years. There are also proven, highly reflective roofing systems that may have required a 5 or 7 percent premium on day one, that have survived 30 years of exposure with just a maintenance coat every 10 to 15 years. ENERGY SAVINGS from lower air conditioning operational cost and lower maintenance costs of AC equipment is a bonus.

The worst enemy of asphalt-based roofing materials are #1 - UV rays (alligator skin and cracks on the roof) and #2 - extreme heat build up on even moderately warm days (@ 55º F black acrylic paint will be at 142º F, galvanized steel at 138º F). This heat build-up expands trapped moisture (bubbles) and the continuous expansion (heat) and contraction (cool down) results in cracks seams on membranes, splits and folds. That is why so many asphalt-based roofs fail so often after just a few years and need to be replaced or need major repair as early as 10 years later.

Stay away from ALUMINUM COATINGS often highly recommended by many roofers. These coatings have reflectivity ratings when newly applied of only about 65% (vs Protek coatings of 81% to 83%), have no Emissivity rating - to keep the surface cool (almost ZERO vs. 93% PLUS for ProTek coatings) and need to be recoated every 3 to 5 years. GRANULATED MEMBRANES are better than nothing to reflect UV rays, but have very low reflectivity and almost ZERO emissivity ratings.

On a brand new roof, allow 3-5 months before applying the primer and top coat to allow the oils to leach out. On a roof that is a few years old, but starting to show age, the coating can be applied immediately.

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Care & Maintenance of your Protective Coating

MILDEW
Mildew or molds grow from spores carried in the air and deposited on a surface. Mildew is most often black in color but may also be gray, brown or reddish. It can harshly affect the exterior coated surfaces making them look dirty and unsightly.

Mildew thrives in damp, shady areas that encourage its growth as it feeds on organic matter on the coating surface. Examples include the underside of eaves, porch ceilings and areas adjacent to shrubbery and trees. Also, surfaces facing north are more susceptible to mildew than other exposures, which receive more sunlight.

More than likely, the affected area will contain dirt as well as mildew. To verify the presence of mildew, place a drop of hypochlorite bleach (Clorox) on the affected surface. If the dark specks disappear within a couple of minutes, mildew is indicated. Dirt alone will wash off.

STEP #1; CLEAN:

a. Remove dirt by washing surface with a solution of three tablespoons of Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) in one gallon of water (TSP should be available at your local hardware store). Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
OR
b. Power wash with a maximum of 1,500 p.s.i. pressure cleaner. Be careful not to get too close with the pressure cleaner since the extreme concentrated pressure may tear and peel the coating.

STEP #2; MILDEW REMOVAL:

a. Remove mildew by scrubbing with a solution of three quarts of water and one quart of Chlorine or hypochlorite household bleach. Use a hard bristle brush and stronger concentration of Chlorine/Bleach for heavily mildewed areas. Rinse thoroughly with clean water
OR
b. Power wash using a 1,500 p.s.i. Maximum pressure cleaner with a siphon hose. Place the siphon hose into a container of chlorine bleach and low pressure spray mist the entire coated surface. (If the power washer does not have a siphon hose, use a pump-up sprayer or other apparatus using the chlorine bleach solution to spray mist the surfaces to be coated). Remove the siphon hose from the chlorine bleach and thoroughly power clean (1,500 p.s.i. – see 1b above) with pure water. Finally rinse generously.

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