CanAM Frequently asked Questions?

 
     
 
 
 
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Green roofs are becoming much more popular for there many redeeming qualities for more information...

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CanAM FAQ

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  1. What is White Roofing ?
  2. Why is "White" the new "Green"?
  3. Why is it more cost effective than other solutions?
  4. How long will it last?
  5. Is Green a trend in construction?
  6. What's better Black roof or White roof??
  7. Who should apply elastomeric coatings?
  8. Are all elastomeric roof products waterproof?
  9. What can I expect to pay for a White roof?
  10. Are all elastomeric coatings White?

What is White Roofing?

 

A white coating consists of a binder (usually an organic compound or silicone compound) blended with pigments and other additives to provide several benefits: protection of roof membranes for longer roof life cycles, to make the roof water tight even when ponding water is present on a flat roof and reflectivity of solar radiation, for lower air conditioning costs and reduction of heat stress.

 

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Why is "White" the new "Green"?

 

CanAM White roofs are environmentally a sound choice for many reasons including; the existing roof substrate can stay intact and not become unnecessary landfill waste, a white roof reflects up to 84% of the heat produced from direct sunlight and will greatly reduce cooling costs and enhance the working or storage environment of the building. White roofing is also easily serviced in future which helps reduce its environmental footprint.

 

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Why is coating more cost effective than re-roofing?

 

CanAM has developed roofing solutions using elastomeric coatings that allow the roof to remain intact saving the immense cost of roof removal and transport to local landfill.

 

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How long will coatings last?

 

The answer varies with the type of roof the coating is applied to and other factors including climate. The general answer is most roofs coated with Elastomerics should maintain their product qualities and not need recoating for approximately ten years.

 

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Is Green a trend in construction?

 

November 20, 2008

Green Building Could Hit $140 Billion By 2013

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The value of green building construction starts was up from $10 billion in 2005 to $36-$49 billion in 2008, and could triple by 2013, reaching $96-$140 billion, according to McGraw-Hill Construction’s Green Outlook 2009: Trends Driving Change report.

The report attributes green building’s expansion to growing public awareness, an increase in government regulations, and recognition of bottom-line advantages. Since 2005, the perceived benefits of green building have increased and differentiated as people become more knowledgeable about green building.

The decrease in operating costs is the most often cited benefit (13.6%, up from 8-9% in 2005), followed by the increase in building values (10.9%, up from 7.5% in 2005).

 

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Warranty questions?

 

Warranties can vary depending on roofing type and individual situation. Typically CanAM provides a standard 1 year labour and 10 year product warranty. Individual warranties are discussed at time the estimate or contract is provided.

 

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What's a better choice a White or Black roof?

 

LOWERING OF ROOF TEMPERATURES GREATLY ENHANCES LONGEVITY, SAYS WHITE COATINGS COUNCIL
White Coatings Prevent Heat Damage from Summer Temperature Spikes

[Washington, DC] — According to the White Coatings Council of the Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association (RCMA), white coatings can extend the life expectancy of many different types of commercial roofing systems simply by avoiding the high roof temperatures associated with exposure to the Sun.

The technical term for exposure is “insulation,” and it is measured in terms of the rate of solar radiation received per unit area (typically expressed in Watts per square meter). Under very clear skies, up to 1220 W/m2 of solar radiation reaches the rooftop. Imagine ordinary household hairdryers every ten feet in both directions of a two-dimensional array: that is the intensity of the Sun’s energy incident upon a rooftop. Heavily insulated roof systems block this heat from penetrating the building as heat; however, in summer months, convective heat transfer to the surrounding air and radiant heat transfer are inefficient. Consequently, the heat has nowhere to go and roofing membrane temperatures can soar.

For commercial roofing systems made from organic materials, high temperatures can shorten the life of the roofing system. Rubber as well as other synthetic polymers and especially asphalt are susceptible to damage at these elevated temperatures. Roof temperatures can rise above ambient air temperatures by as much as 90 degrees Fahrenheit (50 degrees Celsius). Meanwhile, the rate of degradation of the roofing materials begins to accelerate at modestly elevated temperatures, for example at 140 °F (60 °C). Significant damage can begin to occur at these elevated temperatures causing both short- and long-term performance issues.

As temperatures rise to the peak of this range, degradation of roofing systems increases exponentially. Lighter and hence more volatile organic compounds may evaporate into the atmosphere, and chemical reaction rates with water, oxygen and contaminants also increase. As a result, roof life expectancies are shortened. A rule of thumb for thermal aging is that service life is cut in half for every 10 °C (18 °F) increase in temperature.

“Most people appreciate that white coatings result in savings on cooling costs, but enhanced roof longevity, especially in northern states, can be another major benefit that could result in at least as much savings,” said Thomas L. Meyer, co-chairman of the White Coatings Council. “Without white coatings, roof temperatures skyrocket in the summer months, especially for buildings in northern climates, because they typically have a lot of insulation to help keep in the heat during the winter months.”

According to Meyer, the inverse correlation between insulation thickness and roof life is well documented by roof asset management firms. “Since ripping out the insulation every summer is of course impractical, white coatings are one of the best means available to counteract the deleterious effects of insulation and enhance the prospects for a long lasting roofing system,” he concludes.
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Who should apply elastomeric coatings?

 

Application of the coating is almost as important as the preparation work. There are several critical stages to each roofing application from cleaning, repairs and preparation to the final stage which is the coating application. CanAM strongly urges all stages and final applications and inspections be done by a manufacturers certified and trained applicator. All CanAM field personnel are trained thoroughly in all our product applications.

 

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Are all elastomeric coatings waterproof?

 

CanAM Coating only uses white coatings that are waterproof but many others in the industry use less expensive coating products that are not. Always ask for guarantees that the product being applied is water proof and the roof will stand up even when ponding water situations may be present or a concern.


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What can I expect to pay for an elastomeric roof coating system?
 

There are obviously many factors that have a bearing on the price of a roof coating project but always keep in mind "if its to good to be true it probably isn't. Typically roof coatings are about half the price of most roof replacements but speak with your CanAM representative for details about your project.


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Are all elastomeric roof coatings white?


Not all roof coatings have to be White however 99% are normally applied in White for the specific building cooling qualities. Typically colours can be custom ordered at a slight premium in cost.


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