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Advance in Acrylic Technology Reported to Offer Potential for Expansion of TPO Roof-Coating Applications

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

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Dow Construction Chemicals (Philadelphia, Pa.) reports that a recently introduced acrylic-resin technology marks a significant advance in the development of roof coatings for application to aged TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) roof surfaces.

The RHOPLEX™ ec-3100 polymer is reported to enhance coating adhesion to TPO surfaces, offering the potential for expanded coatings applications in a market segment that has experienced significant expansion. The 100% acrylic polymer is reported to provide a high degree of adhesion, durability, water resistance, and solar reflectivity in low-VOC roof coatings.

“Applying an elastomeric coating to asphalt, modified bitumen, EPDM, and sprayed-polyurethane-foam roofs has been industry practice for years, but the industry has struggled to develop a coating that would provide superior adhesion to the increasingly popular TPO roof membranes,” said Javier Baños, strategic marketing manager, Dow Construction Chemicals, North America.

Coating application to aging TPO roofs offers an alternative to costly membrane replacement, the company said.

TPO roofs started gaining popularity 10 to 15 years ago and are now the roofing industry’s fastest-growing segment. White-colored TPO roofs in particular have experienced sustained growth due to their ability to help curb greenhouse gas emissions and the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, as well as reduce a building’s cooling costs by reflecting sunlight off of the roof’s surface. 

The technology “not only tackles the adhesion challenge, it also creates a broader TPO repair market,” Baños said.

More information: ec-3100.

Comment from Mark Baum, (1/5/2011, 11:13 AM)

The issue with TPO roofs is they are mostly flat. Acrylic coatings do not stand up to ponding water very well. This is why we recommend Polyurea Hybrid coatings and have used them for years on TPO with great success! This type of coating will stand up to ponding water, this is why it is used for pond liners also. The adhesion to TPO is excellent with the proper preparation and primer.