The North American roofing industry is witnessing increasing
popularity of numerous technologies aligned with the sustainability
movement. Among these, roof coatings are receiving significant
publicity from different groups capable of influencing consumer
sentiment, including government policymakers, conservationists and
coatings manufacturers.
For example, sustainability advocates identify reflective roof
coatings' use as a cost-effective way to reduce building energy
consumption in hot climates and control the heat island effect.
Roofing professionals long have recognized the viability and
advantages of roof coatings for surfacing bituminous weatherproof
roof membranes used as part of low-slope roof systems and possess a
great deal of experience with coating applications over roof
membranes. This is not the case with field coating steep-slope roof
coverings. The fact is the most widely used steep-slope roof
covering—asphalt shingles—is not designed to accept or
require field-applied surfacings.
Coating products and paints advertised as suitable for
application to asphalt shingle roof systems currently are available
and marketed primarily to do-it-yourself homeowners. Promotional
materials for most of the products position field coating as a
cost-effective way to extend asphalt shingle roof system life.
Language suggesting leak repair and energy-cost savings resulting
from the use of reflective coatings...
Log in or register for FREE access to this article and other Professional Roofing online content.