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 yet for (liquid) coatings, but it can produce an
insulation equivalent of up to R-19 to R-24. When used on roofs, including
flat asphalt based roofs, (ThermCote/A-5™, ThermCote/A-10™ and ThermCote/A-PW5™)
and walls (DuraFinish™, Final Finish™ and ThermCote/IC™) and tanks and
silos (ThermCote/IC™ and Final Finish™) using our Standard White color,
we can achieve equivalent R-values of up to R-24, because of the high
reflective values and high Emissivity of our coating.
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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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