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14 ROOF COATINGS 2016 COATINGSPROMAG.COM same millage and application rate every time it is used," said Jennifer Davidson of SprayWorks Equipment. According to Davidson, the Spraybot is particularly useful on rooftops because of its windscreen that aids in the prevention of overspray. "e Spraybot's windscreen is equipped to handle wind conditions in excess of 10 miles [16.1 km] per hour. is allows materials to be applied even in conditions where spray operations would have to be shut down due to overspray issues," she explained. Wide Variety of Materials Just as there are many existing roof substrates, there are many options when it comes to roof coating systems. Roofing contractors need to be well-informed about the roof that they are coating in order to determine the right product for the specific job. Acrylics, silicones, urethanes, epoxies, and ceramic thermal insulating coatings are examples of materi- als that are commonly used on roof restoration projects. Acrylic roof coatings are water-borne, highly reflec- tive, ultraviolet (UV) resistant, and typically a cost-effective solution for a variety of roofs in many different climates. As for polyurethane coatings, there are two types: aromatic and aliphatic. Both are impact resistant, but only aliphatic polyurethanes are UV stable. In some situations, polyure- thane roof coating systems will have an aromatic basecoat and an aliphatic topcoat. Polyurethanes are often marketed as "cool roof " options because they tend to stay clean and have reflective properties. Silicones are moisture-cured, and in some applications, the use of a silicone coating can eliminate the need for a primer. Silicone roof coatings tend to weather well and do not become hard or brittle. Silicone coatings are often a good option for roof areas where ponding water is an issue. Epoxy roof coatings provide a secure barrier to water penetration, stay flexible, and are chemical and impact resistant. Epoxies can also withstand ponding water and offer reflective properties. Ceramic thermal insulating roof coatings are used to reduce radiative and conducted heat. Ceramic roof coatings are durable, can also resist weathering, and can reduce condensation. Roof coatings can be applied alone or occasionally in systems together. "For example, when you combine GacoFlex Silicone Roof Coatings with GacoRoofFoam 3 lb. [1.4 g] SPF insulation, the monolithic system provides a high R-value, seamless weather-tight seal, and a highly reflective, glossy finish, which can help reduce energy costs," explained Nelson of Gaco Western. Roof coating systems may also include some type of fabric reinforcement material. Depending on the condition of the roof, the desired warranty, and the preference of the customer, the options of roof restoration systems are numer- ous. Add the application of a poly-mat fabric reinforcement to the coatings, which are offered by many roof coating High-Performance Roof Coatings In addition to the variety of application methods, there are also a variety of types of roof coatings available today. Acrylics, silicones, urethanes, epoxies, and thermal insulating coatings are some of the options. There are "cool roof" options, which offer reflective properties, there are weathering considerations, and there are individual materials that can be applied together to create a system with specific qualities.