Phoenix, AZ. “The surge in demand for cool roof coatings has raised a key concern in the industry, particularly with asphalt roofing,” says Castagra Products, Inc. CEO Peter Roosen.
“Asphalt, under high summer temperatures, can result in bleed out into topcoats and stain them which can dramatically lower the cooling effect created by the white or light colors.
“Oils and aromatics seep from bitumen-type roofing substrates such as built-up roofing (BUR), ModBit and smooth or granulated asphaltic roofing.
“Even specialized coatings, created specifically for controlling this phenomenon, have had mixed results, that’s why the performance of our Ecodur on asphalt roofs with cool topcoats in Phoenix, during the past two years, has exceeded our expectations.
“Similarly, we have had success with coating wood railroad ties which have been impregnated with creosote. With Ecodur, we prevent this toxic substance from getting into the environmental and, potentially, polluting adjacent groundwater, even under the most grueling environmental conditions.”
Castagra’s Ecodur is made from renewable castor oil and recyclable gypsum, both natural materials. It is VOC-free, BPA-free, non-toxic and certified for contact with drinking water with its ANSI/NSF-61 rating. It, typically, has over double the adhesion of conventional epoxy coatings.
“Typical bleed through preventative solutions can involve a bleed blocker coating that then needs an epoxy primer on top prior to the final topcoat of say a silicone in order to achieve adequate adhesion. One product even requires a synthetic fabric laid on top of a block coating, followed by a base coat then the final topcoat.
“We eliminate one and sometimes two protection layers in the middle which is a huge cost saving. Ecodur works especially well with hard to coat cementitious roofs and, we would say, we are the best primer for cool roof silicones.”
Roosen continued: “Just providing a seal against seepage from bitumen based roofs is not the answer. You must provide superior adhesion to ensure topcoats have a chance of having a long life against the elements.
“Flat roofs, especially here in Phoenix can get extremely hot, exciting the production of aromatic vapors that try to force their way through.”
Studies have shown traditional roofs in the United States can reach summer peak temperatures of 150 to 185°F (66-85°C). Roofs with their special heat reflecting coatings are generally 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit lower.
“Ecodur is the one-stop primer for the cool roof market, especially when roofs have challenging substrates such as asphalt in hot climates. Roof protection has become much more technical in the past two decades because of economic forces creating a demand for energy efficiency. Ecodur, with its elegant simplicity, is making its contribution slap bang in the middle of the roofing sandwich,” concluded Roosen.
Castagra Products Inc., has its registered office in Reno, Nevada, USA, and headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona. It has its main toll production facility in Houston in Texas. The company is focussed on providing ultra-protective VOC-free, BPA-free, non-toxic coatings for roofing, flooring, water and waste water industries and oil, gas, frac production water storage tanks and pipes.
