8 Common Mistakes When Applying Heat Reflective Coatings: A blog about heat reflective materials.
Applying heat reflective coatings can seem complex, but there are actually a lot of simple mistakes that people tend to make time and time again when they are trying to apply heat reflective coatings. Most of these mistakes come from following bad advice that has been passed down by word of mouth. Here is my list of some 8 common mistakes companies make when applying these coatings. Hopefully you will avoid making them on your next project.
Selecting the Wrong Type of Coating for the Specific Problem
Heat reflective coatings come in many different forms, each designed to provide a specific result. For example, some coatings are designed to reflect solar heat and others are designed for providing thermal insulation. Still other products provide both thermal insulation and solar heat reflection. When deciding between the different types of heat reflective coatings, it is important to know what you are trying to achieve. Is your goal to reduce indoor temperatures by reflecting solar heat? Or do you want to insulate your home in order to reduce energy costs? Your answer will determine which product is right for you.
Improper Storage and Handling of the Coating System
Heat reflective coatings require a great deal of care in handling, mixing and application. They are designed to be applied at specific thicknesses over specified substrates in order to maximize efficiency. If they are not stored properly, they may harden before use or you may find that the chemical makeup has changed significantly. This can cause issues with adhesion and durability, leading to increased maintenance costs or even premature failure. Always store heat reflective coatings in a dry cool location away from direct sunlight or any other source of heat. In addition, always follow the manufacturer’s recommended application instructions for temperature, humidity and substrate preparation.
Roof valleys
The roof’s valleys are the areas where two sections of the roof meet, creating a V-shape or a peak. These areas collect rainwater and snow runoff, which means that they can take a heavy beating in bad weather. If your roof is already old or worn out, then it makes sense to repair roof valleys sooner rather than later. Roof valleys are one of the most common reasons for roof leaks, and they can be easily repaired with new flashing or by sealing them with protective coatings.
Inadequate Equipment and Tools
When applying heat reflective coatings, it is crucial to have the right equipment and tools for the job. You must have a clean surface, which means you need the right cleaning materials. You also need the right paint brush or roller, depending on the surface you’re painting. It is always best to use equipment that is recommended by the manufacturer of your heat reflective coating.
If you are using a spray gun to apply your paint, make sure that it is set at the correct pressure and that it is not spraying too fast or too slow. Spraying too fast can cause paint runs and drips, while spraying too slow can mean that you will not get complete coverage in one pass. If you do not have the right tools, such as a paint sprayer or all-purpose applicator, it is best to use another method of application or hire a professional contractor with expertise in the application of a heat reflective coating in UAE.
Inappropriate Application Procedure
Heat reflective coatings are applied as a paint and should be treated like any other paint. Thus, it is important that the surface is adequately cleaned and primed before application. Depending on the heat reflective coating that you use, it might be possible to apply it directly on to the surface, but this is not recommended.
For best results, the coating should be applied with a roller or a brush. The thickness of the coating should be between 0.3mm and 0.5mm once applied. The surface should then be dried in order to cure it.
Using an Outdated Coating
A common mistake made by many home owners is applying a heat reflective coating that is outdated. Homeowners who have little experience with these products often make the mistake of blindly buying a product that claims to have the highest reflectivity rating. However, this reflects only one aspect of the overall performance of the paint.
As technology improves, coatings become more efficient at reflecting heat and protecting against moisture intrusion. Newer roof coatings Dubai reflect as much as 85% of solar radiation, compared with only 50% for older products. You’ll spend less money on energy bills if you use the most advanced coating available.
Not Preparing the Surface Correctly
The most common reasons for insufficient surface preparation include: not cleaning up existing loose debris, not pressure washing with a high enough pressure, and insufficiently cleaning rust off steel substrates. It’s very important to prepare the surface before applying heat reflective coatings. It’s important to note that sometimes low suction substrates such as concrete will not hold sufficient moisture at a given time to properly clean it, causing it to appear dry when in fact it is wet. In this case, the substrate needs additional water added after spraying so that it retains sufficient moisture for proper bonding.
It’s a good idea to clean the surface with soap and water. If there are any loose pieces or flakes of paint, you should remove them by scraping them off or by using sandpaper. Then, you should use a degreaser to remove grease, oil and other contaminants from the surface that could interfere with how well the heat reflective coating adheres to it. Be sure to let the surface dry completely before you begin to apply the coating.
Improper Mixing of Coatings and/or Topcoats.
This is especially prevalent when the coating is sprayed. The basic rule for correct mixing, which applies to all material, is to mix thoroughly for 1-2 minutes after the initial blend to ensure the material is fully mixed with no unmixed lumps or unmixed material in the bottom of the pail. The same rule applies when pouring from two or more pails into a large container. The final pail should be emptied into the larger container and mixed thoroughly before application.
Failure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions often leads to improper mixing of coatings and/or topcoats. It is essential that you always read the manufacturer’s specifications, recommendations and application guidelines before mixing any paint or coating.
Applying Coatings on a Hot Roof
Always remember to have a look at the weather forecast before you apply a new coating. If it’s predicted to be hot and sunny, postpone your application until later. The roof should be cool to the touch before you start, as this will help ensure the product sets properly. In hot weather it will not have time to harden properly, as the heat from the sun will cause it to dry too quickly. This can result in premature peeling of the coating.
CONCLUSION
You have to know what you’re doing before you can do anything, and that’s especially true when it comes to the application of heat reflective materials. They’re not something that should be applied haphazardly—you want to make sure you get it right the first time around.If you’re still curious about heat reflective coatings, stop by Thermilate company website to get a few handy tips and useful information on the proper application of heat reflecting coating Dubai.
Contact us today for a FREE roof evaluation and get a detailed roof report from us. Our waterproofing team will inspect the roof home and provide you and provide you a working solution, including a written contract that spells out each detail for you, without any hidden agendas.
