The Types of RV Roof Coatings
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Classes of Coatings
Roof coatings can be classified into three types: solvent, water-based, and 100 percent solids. Solvent systems are those containing an organic solvent as carrier for the coating. In this case, solvent evaporation causes the coating to form the membrane on the roof. Water-based coatings employ water as this carrier. The third class, albeit less common, is the solvent-free coating where two liquid components are premixed in a specially designed airless spray unit; a chemical reaction causes some of these two-part coatings to dry almost immediately. Each of these three coating classes has specific advantages and disadvantages relating to the type and presence or absence of solvent.
Solvent Coatings
Coatings which employ organic solvents can be applied over a wide range of temperatures, including cold or marginal weather conditions. Moreover, they will dry quickly under conditions of high humidity since the rate of solvent evaporation is not related to relative humidity. These advantages are offset to some degree, however, because they contain large percentages of usually flammable, and sometimes highly toxic, organic solvents.
Additionally, many of these coatings are required to carry the D.O.T. classified "red label" associated with low flammability flash point. This means the applicator must exercise care and prudent handling procedures when transporting, storing, and applying such coatings. Also, since these systems contain organic solvents which may soften certain asphalt and other conventional roofing materials, they may cause "bleed through" problems or, even worse, permanent damage to the old roofing substrate. Rooftop air intakes must be masked to prevent vapors from entering the HVAC and ventilation systems.
Finally, when using these materials, additional solvent is required to clean the application equipment after use.
Water-Based Coatings
In contrast, water-based coatings eliminate the flammability and potential toxicity hazards associated with solvent systems since they use water-rather than solvent-as the carrier. Additionally, the equipment used can be easily cleaned with soap and water, and their potential for "bleed through" is significantly lower because they do not contain solvents. Since water is an inexpensive solvent, cost is usually lower than solvent-based coatings.
The chief limitation of water-based coatings is the range of atmospheric conditions conducive to application. First, they should not be applied at temperatures too close to freezing because the rate of water evaporation becomes so slow they may not dry properly. Normal low cut-off point for application of these coatings is 50 degrees F. Second, they should not be applied when rain or inclement weather is imminent.
Considerable progress in narrowing this application conditions gap between solvent- and water-based coatings has been made with a recent introduction to the marketplace of systems with "quick set" properties. National Coatings AcryShield A600 and A640 have this property and can adequately withstand heavy dew or light rain shortly after application.
100 Percent Solids Coatings
The third, less common type of roof coating consists of 100 percent solids. Since these coatings contain virtually no solvents, they do not possess the limitations of the water- or solvent-based coatings. However, they do require special application equipment and are extremely sensitive to changes in application temperature as their ability to form a durable, long-lasting membrane is dependent on proper mixing ratios of the two components and reaction temperature. If incorrect, the coating may not adequately cure or may, possibly, gel prematurely, thus preventing the protective membrane from forming properly.
Acrylic Coatings
Acrylic roof coatings take advantage of the inherent durability of acrylics, and can be designed to be very elastic and flexible over a wide temperature range for a relatively modest cost. In addition, they are supplied as either water- or solvent-based products, although specialized acrylic coatings are available for roofs experiencing ponded water conditions.
A good source for RV roofing is
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