White Coatings Council
Overview
Frequently Asked Questions
Members
Join
White Coatings Council Brochure (pdf)
Coatings Keep Things Cool - White Coatings Alleviate Summer Temperature Spikes (pdf)
Roofing Contractor Magazine
Coatings for today’s roof systems
Steve G. Heinje, co-chair of the RCMA White Coatings Council
June Calendar Item: Coatings
Kate Baumann, Jeff Crace, Tom Meyer, Chris Salazar
Overview
The RCMA White Coatings Council services the producers and suppliers of acrylic or elastomeric (non-bituminous) coatings. The Council has already implemented an industry promotional program, and is actively planning programs to respond to targeted governmental and regulatory issues, technical matters and activities, and membership services and programs.
"With the significant changes taking place in the variety of roof coatings products manufactured, distributed and available today RCMA members recognize the increasing interest in reflective roofing," according to RCMA past president R. Tripp Hyer, III. vice president of sales and marketing, Gardner-Gibson, Inc., Tampa, FL. "RCMA has stepped to the forefront to meet today's market trend by setting up this Council to exclusively focus on white coatings," Hyer commented "while at the same time, maintaining its full-service role of its historic membership base."
The new membership category is open to any firm, partnership or corporation engaged in the business of manufacturing or private labeling cold-applied white coatings. The Council incorporates a 3-tiered dues structure for non-bituminous coatings manufacturers based on year-end gallonages. Today's White Coatings Council includes 18 manufacturers.
"We felt it was necessary to take this step to ensure that this important segment of the roof coatings industry has a clear voice in the organization," noted RCMA Membership Chair John J. Sullivan, vice president sales, Interfibe Corporation. "Our aim is to expand that membership" Sullivan observed "taking our message on the road to non-members who produce either elastomeric or acrylic coatings to invite their active membership in developing the Council."
Among the highlights for Council member companies, in addition to voting rights, is attendance and full participation at all meetings and events. The RCMA Board of Directors recently enacted a Bylaw change that expands the size of the organization's board to eleven members, and guarantees specifically that two be elected from among the representatives of the White Coatings Council members.
"The technological advances and energy savings of today's reflective roof coatings," according to Anthony Ruffine, Director, Specialty Products, GAF Materials Corporation "present RCMA with an exceptional opportunity to increase the use of white coatings in the rapidly escalating market for energy-efficient roofing."
"The White Coatings Council focuses on describing and promoting the benefits of white roof coatings," Ruffine noted "in terms that directly impact and positively motivate targeted end-users through a promotion plan to increase awareness and product promotion."
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a white roof coating?
A white coating consists of a polymeric binder blended with pigments and other additives to provide two main benefits: 1) protection of roof membranes, for longer roof life cycles; and 2) reflectivity of solar radiation, for lower air conditioning costs.
Why choose a white roof coating?
White roof coatings are applied on a variety of roof substrates or membranes for a variety of reasons. For example, white roof coatings provide protection against water, chemicals, or physical damage. Additionally, white roof coatings protect a roof against excessive temperatures and UV radiation by reflecting visible light and stopping ultraviolet radiation.
What are the benefits of white roof coatings?
White roof coatings provide three key attributes as part of a roofing system:
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The ability to help shed water and keep interiors dry
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The ability to help reduce cooling costs for buildings with A/C units, and to help reduce interior temperatures on buildings with no cooling units.
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The ability to protect and prolong the roof system life cycle by reducing the “thermal shock” stress associated with large temperature changes.
What types of roofing membranes can be coated with white roof coatings?
White coatings can be applied to practically any roofing surfaces, membranes, or substrates. They are commonly applied to sprayed polyurethane roofs to provide waterproofing. They can also be applied to metal roofs, single-ply rubber roofs and modified bitumen roofs. They can even be applied to certain kinds of asphalt roofs. It is important to establish compatibility between the white coating and the underlying roof membrane.
When are primers or base coats necessary?
Correct surface preparation is vital on roofing substrates to readily accept and enhance the adhesion of white reflective roof coatings. It is best to consult the manufacturer for details on roof primers used in conjunction with applications to specific substrates. Primers are typically used to enhance adhesion, prevent bleed through of substrate contaminants and to inhibit or convert rusted surfaces.
What properties should be considered when selecting a white roof coating?
The key criteria for selecting a white roof coating for a specific installation are:
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Compatibility with the roof substrate
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Conformance with local regulations and building codes
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Qualification for available state, local, or federal rebate
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Requirement for professional application
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Reflectivity and emissivity values for the product
How are white roof coatings applied?
Application of white roof coatings is typically accomplished with the use of a roller, brush or with conventional airless spray equipment. The user should consult with either the coating manufacturer or airless spray manufacturer for guidance on proper equipment and tip sizes.
What skill level is necessary for installation?
There is a minimal skill level required to correctly apply white roof coatings. General roofing knowledge is integral for the use of this material. These materials are typically the consistency of a heavy paint type product. Experience in the use of the application of water borne coatings in exterior environments is helpful.
Should you consider a coating on a NEW roof?
All compatible new roofs have the option of applying a white roof coating in order to reduce heat loads to roof surfaces that are not reflective as well protecting the newly applied roof which will extend its service life. Some roof membrane manufacturers extend the roof membrane warranty when a reflective roof coating is applied over the newly installed product.
DISCLAIMER
White reflective roof coatings are used over a variety of roof surfaces, membranes and roof systems. The use and compatibility of white reflective roof coatings on specific jobs are to be addressed by the manufacturer of the buyer’s choice. The information contained herein is intended as a general guide for use and application. All specifications for application, product content, rates of application, etc. are to be addressed by the manufacturer. The Roof Coating Manufacturers Association (RCMA) provides this information as a guide to assist the user in making an informed decision on the correct use of white reflective roof coatings.
White Coatings Council Members
ALCM, Inc.
Cleveland, Ohio
ALCO-NVC, Inc.
Detroit, Michigan
The Brewer Company
Milford, Ohio
FBC Chemical Corporation
Mars, Pennsylvania
Firestone Building Products
Indianapolis, IN
GAF Materials Corporation
Wayne, New Jersey
Gardner-Gibson, Inc.
Tampa, Florida
The Garland Company
Cleveland, Ohio
Henry Company
Huntington Park, California
Johns Manville
Denver, Colorado
Karnak Corporation
Clark, New Jersey
KM Coatings Mfg., Inc.
Phoenix, Arizona
Mule-Hide Products, Inc.
Beloit, Wisconsin
Palmer Asphalt Company
Bayonne, New Jersey
Republic Powdered Metals, Inc.
Medina, OH
Seaboard Asphalt Products Company
Baltimore, Maryland
Tamko Roofing Products
Joplin, MO
Technical Roofing Solutions, Inc.
Brookfield, Wisconsin
Tremco Incorporated
Beachwood, Ohio
Tropical Asphalt Products Company
Hallandale, Florida
United Cool Roof Systems
Redondo Beach, California
W.P. Hickman Systems
Solon, OH