July 2007
Restorative Coatings that Make Sense
Re-roofing isn't the only option; extend roof life through a variety of restorative coatings
Other Considerations In addition to the items mentioned in the article, you should keep these other points in mind when it comes to a restorative roof coating. Compatibility issues. There are numerous coating options; however, not all are compatible with different roof compositions. It's best to have a roofing professional determine which restoration option works best with your current roof.
Quality products. Look for a quality manufacturer with both third-party testing of its systems' strength and reliability, and performance success stories.
Roof-coating technology has grown leaps and bounds in the past decade, making restorative roof-coating systems a true alternative to re-roofing low-slope roofs. Not only is the cost of most systems 25 to 30 percent the cost of a total tear-off and replacement, but manufacturers are now also offering warranties lasting anywhere from 5 to 12 years. Another benefit to restorative roof coatings is the limited disruption to your facility's everyday operations. And, finally, restorative coating systems just might pay you back by adding an ENERGY STAR®-rated reflective surface, reducing your cooling utility costs, and possibly meeting requirements for tax deductions or rebates from local utility companies.
Good Candidates
Age of roof. When your current roof system is between 10 and 15 years old, usually right before its existing warranty expires, it makes sense to have your roof inspected and assessed to see if it is a good candidate for a roof restoration. By restoring the roof, you are not only extending its life, but you're also adding warranty protection for up to another 12 years.
Positive drainage and limited ponding. A roof that has positive drainage or does not pond or hold standing water longer than 48 hours following precipitation is usually an excellent candidate for restorative coatings. This doesn't mean that a roof which ponds in limited areas won't be a candidate. Adding a drain, tapered insulation, etc. can eliminate the ponding area, making the roof a candidate for coating.
Minor leak history. Leaks usually mean wet insulation. If your roof has more than 15- to 25-percent wet insulation, it should be replaced - the cost benefits of restoration are not viable at this point.
Regularly maintained. It's been well documented that regularly maintained roofs provide a longer service life. So, if your roof systems are maintained and leaks are fixed immediately, it will most likely be a candidate for restoration.
Two roofs. According to most local building codes, buildings can only be overlaid with a second roof system, not a third, limiting your options. Restorative coating systems are not considered a third roof and, in fact, can be used again and again as long as the roof remains a good candidate.
Steep-slope or other odd-angled roofs. Since coatings today are designed to adhere with little or no sag, depending on the product, steep-slope or odd-angled roofs are excellent choices for restoration.
Poor Candidates
Extensive leak history or ponding. If your roof has an extensive leak history, you probably have significant wet insulation. To determine just how much, core samples or an infrared moisture scan can assess the percentage of wet insulation.
Roof contaminants. Grease, chemical contaminants, or other like substances tend to make poor restoration candidates because of possible adhesion problems. Restorative coating systems are truly an option for most roof systems. With the inherent cost savings in these types of systems, it's worth the investigation to see if your roofs are viable candidates. Penny Gift is technical product manager for Republic Powdered Metals (www.rpmrepublic.com), a Medina, OH-based restorative coating and single-ply manufacturer.
 Learn how to earn LEED® credits with Siemens Green Building Portal. This user-friendly online tool will help you understand key requirements for the USGBC’s New Construction and Existing Building (NC and EB) LEED rating systems. In addition, it demonstrates how our solutions can help meet and support your specific LEED certification objectives. Our suite of Green Online Tools also includes a Greenhouse Gas Calculator to help you measure your carbon footprint and a Green Touchscreen that demonstrates how you can educate the public about your sustainability efforts.
 Economical, Durable & Energy Efficient
New 90-mil EcoWhite™ Platinum™ EPDM from Firestone Building Products is a highly-reflective premium EPDM system that helps with energy efficiency by reflecting sunlight and keeping your roof cooler than other EPDM products. EcoWhite Platinum is more flexible than thermoplastic membranes, allowing for year-round application. It is UL and FM-rated, exceeds ASTM D-4637 standards and helps boost your building’s LEED® rating. Firestone provides numerous accessories that make installation a snap, including QuickSeam™ splice tape, pipe flashing, and joint covers. For added peace of mind, EcoWhite Platinum roofs are covered by the industry-leading Firestone Red Shield® Platinum Warranty that includes 30-year “no-hassle” coverage for incidental puncture, hail damage and damage from winds up to 100 mph. Energy efficient and economical, EcoWhite Platinum is the best value in 90-mil high-reflectivity EPDM today. See your Firestone Representative or click here for more information.
Economical, Durable & Energy Efficient
New 90-mil EcoWhite™ Platinum™ EPDM from Firestone Building Products is a highly-reflective premium EPDM system that helps with energy efficiency by reflecting sunlight and keeping your roof cooler than other EPDM products. EcoWhite Platinum is more flexible than thermoplastic membranes, allowing for year-round application. It is UL and FM-rated, exceeds ASTM D-4637 standards and helps boost your building’s LEED® rating. Firestone provides numerous accessories that make installation a snap, including QuickSeam™ splice tape, pipe flashing, and joint covers. For added peace of mind, EcoWhite Platinum roofs are covered by the industry-leading Firestone Red Shield® Platinum Warranty that includes 30-year “no-hassle” coverage for incidental puncture, hail damage and damage from winds up to 100 mph. Energy efficient and economical, EcoWhite Platinum is the best value in 90-mil high-reflectivity EPDM today. See your Firestone Representative or click here for more information.
 You’re planning to replace windows in one of your existing buildings, consider window replacement solutions from Pella. Product options include aluminum-clad wood, wood, fiberglass, and vinyl windows and doors and a variety of installation systems that reduce your installation costs. In addition, Pella’s products are perfect for new construction projects and can be used in numerous configurations such as punched openings, entrances, storefronts and window wall applications. For more information, visit www.pellacommercial.com.
You’re planning to replace windows in one of your existing buildings, consider window replacement solutions from Pella. Product options include aluminum-clad wood, wood, fiberglass, and vinyl windows and doors and a variety of installation systems that reduce your installation costs. In addition, Pella’s products are perfect for new construction projects and can be used in numerous configurations such as punched openings, entrances, storefronts and window wall applications. For more information, visit www.pellacommercial.com.
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 At Siemens, we work with our customers to help them manage their buildings' energy use, improve reliability and enhance performance. We recognize that high performance buildings make for high performance business—energy is the lifeline of your facility. From energy procurement to efficient system design and installation, from energy generation to comprehensive auditing and performance reporting - Siemens has the answers.
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 USGBC is the source for LEED and green building knowledge – whether a professional is preparing for a LEED exam, maintaining their credential, seeking support while working on a LEED project, or simply looking to expand their LEED and green building knowledge. With the most innovative and highest-quality LEED and green building knowledge and training, a USGBC education helps green building professionals across all market sectors build the capacity to build their careers.
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