Bohm Commercial Real Estate

Bohm Commercial Real Estate values green practices and innovation when it comes to the maintenance and improvements of their buildings. For the past 6 years, Bohm has been ahead of the charge in terms of environmentally friendly and durable roof coatings, using efficient White Elastomeric roof coatings on the flat roof of one of the creative light industrial buildings they manage in Northeast Minneapolis.

The damage that occurs to roofs during the severe freeze/thaw cycles and warm summers in Minnesota puts a large strain on building operating costs, and ultimately, the tenants. Making conservational decisions on building materials and practices, such as White Elastomeric roof coatings, can significantly improve the lifespan of buildings systems and reduce the impact our industry has on the environment. White Elastomeric saves energy, saves money and reduces landfill.

Find below some information and resources for learning more about White Elastomeric:

A white elastomeric roof coating can extend a roof's life up to more than 20 years by:
- Creating a UV light barrier, which prevents substrate degradation.
- Resisting blistering under extended water ponding.
- Providing low-temperature flexibility.
- Developing a high degree of adhesion.
- Reducing daytime roof temperatures.

(via www.buildings.com)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What is a white roof coating?
A white coating consists of a polymeric binder blended with pigments and other additives to provide two main benefits: 1) protection of roof membranes, for longer roof life cycles; and 2) reflectivity of solar radiation, for lower air conditioning costs.

Why choose a white roof coating?
White roof coatings are applied on a variety of roof substrates or membranes for a variety of reasons. For example, white roof coatings provide protection against water, chemicals, or physical damage. Additionally, white roof coatings protect a roof against excessive temperatures and UV radiation by reflecting visible light and stopping ultraviolet radiation.

What are the benefits of white roof coatings?
White roof coatings provide three key attributes as part of a roofing system:
1. The ability to help shed water and keep interiors dry.
2. The ability to help reduce cooling costs for buildings with A/C units, and to help reduce interior temperatures on buildings with no cooling units.
3. The ability to protect and prolong the roof system life cycle by reducing the “thermal shock” stress associated with large temperature changes.

What types of roofing membranes can be coated with white roof coatings?
White coatings can be applied to practically any roofing surfaces, membranes, or substrates. They are commonly applied to sprayed polyurethane roofs to provide waterproofing. They can also be applied to metal roofs, single-ply rubber roofs and modified bitumen roofs. They can even be applied to certain kinds of asphalt roofs. It is important to establish compatibility between the white coating and the underlying roof membrane.

When are primers or base coats necessary?
Correct surface preparation is vital on roofing substrates to readily accept and enhance the adhesion of white reflective roof coatings. It is best to consult the manufacturer for details on roof primers used in conjunction with applications to specific substrates. Primers are typically used to enhance adhesion, prevent bleed through of substrate contaminants and to inhibit or convert rusted surfaces.

What properties should be considered when selecting a white roof coating?
The key criteria for selecting a white roof coating for a specific installation are:
1. Compatibility with the roof substrate
2. Conformance with local regulations and building codes
3. Qualification for available state, local, or federal rebate
4. Requirement for professional application
5. Reflectivity and emissivity values for the product

How are white roof coatings applied?
Application of white roof coatings is typically accomplished with the use of a roller, brush or with conventional airless spray equipment. The user should consult with either the coating manufacturer or airless spray manufacturer for guidance on proper equipment and tip sizes.

What skill level is necessary for installation?
There is a minimal skill level required to correctly apply white roof coatings. General roofing knowledge is integral for the use of this material. These materials are typically the consistency of a heavy paint type product. Experience in the use of the application of water borne coatings in exterior environments is helpful.

Should you consider a coating on a NEW roof?
All compatible new roofs have the option of applying a white roof coating in order to reduce heat loads to roof surfaces that are not reflective as well protecting the newly applied roof which will extend its service life. Some roof membrane manufacturers extend the roof membrane warranty when a reflective roof coating is applied over the newly installed product.

DISCLAIMER:

White reflective roof coatings are used over a variety of roof surfaces, membranes and roof systems. The use and compatibility of white reflective roof coatings on specific jobs are to be addressed by the manufacturer of the buyer’s choice. The information contained herein is intended as a general guide for use and application. All specifications for application, product content, rates of application, etc. are to be addressed by the manufacturer. The Roof Coating Manufacturers Association (RCMA) provides this information as a guide to assist the user in making an informed decision on the correct use of white reflective roof coatings.

(via www.roofcoatings.org)


ELASTOMERIC ROOFS HELP SUPPORT ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES:

First, they are “green” in and of themselves: water-based and very, very low in VOCs. (Volatile Organic Content materials are solvents/chemicals that can vaporize and contribute to air pollution.)

Second, their unique characteristics contribute to a more efficient building envelope, helping to optimize the performance and longevity of roofing and masonry wall systems.

From the broader, integrated viewpoint of lifecycle planning, elastomeric roof (and elastomeric wall coatings, as well) take on even greater significance by enhancing sustainability and cost efficiency at each stage of a building’s life cycle.

DESIGN: Water-based, extremely low in VOCs.

CONSTRUCTION: Worker-safe construction methods Surface preparation and application methods safe for workers and environment.

USE: Roof coatings shown to result in significant reduction in interior temperatures, air conditioning requirements.

MAINTENANCE: Prolonging useful life span of building systems, roof coatings reduce surface temperatures; help avoid thermal degradation of substrate. Wall coatings bridge micro-cracks; help prevent structural corrosion from salt and water penetration.

DEMOLITION: No interference with re-use or recycling of substrates.

(via www.rohmhaas.com )