General Questions & Answers

Q

What is Acrymax?

A Acrymax is the tradename for a series of coatings and systems that are based on state of the art acrylic technology. Acrymax coatings are multipurpose waterborne coatings that are safe for the applicator and represent an environmentally responsible alternative to solvent based coatings.
Q Who is Preservation Products Inc.?
A In 1993, Preservation Products, Inc. was founded by the president of Acrymax Technologies, a firm with a reputation for superior quality protective coating systems. The unique concerns and requirements of the preservation market demanded a company that would focus on protective solutions for historic and vintage structures. Preservation Products is the exclusive licensed distributor for Acrymax products in the historic preservation market.
Q Why Acrymax?
A Because Acrymax is formulated for maximum performance. Proven since 1979 in many demanding applications, Acrymax has withstood the test of time and has proven that superior quality coatings are always the most cost-effective choice. Historic restoration and preservation are but one of the areas that Acrymax has stood out. We are extremely proud that as a result of a comprehensive and exhausting test program recently completed for NASA an Acrymax coating has been selected for use on the Space Shuttle as a protective coating for insulation on the solid fuel booster rockets. Acrymax was chosen because it far outperformed other coatings from companies around the country. Once again, Acrymax the proven performance solution.
Q Aren't oil or solvent-based coatings better than waterborne coatings?
A This is not the case anymore. The drive to clean up our air and the push to provide safer paints and coatings has resulted in a massive Research & Development effort in the past decade. Resins and additives have been developed that make possible the production of superior quality waterborne coatings that can surpass the performance of oil based materials.
Q What are Acrymax elastomeric coatings?
A An elastomeric coating is a coating with rubber like properties that will return to its original dimensions after being stretched or deformed. As the substrate to which it is applied expands and contracts Acrymax will do the same. Premium state-of-the-art acrylic resins, top grade pigments, and special proprietary additives are compounded to produce Acrymax high performance elastomeric acrylic coatings. Acrymax coatings are engineered using the very latest in coatings technology to provide maximum performance. They provide a durable, weatherproof, high performance membrane that is UV stable and highly resistant to ozone, acid rain, and other air borne contaminants.
Q Why use Acrymax on a metal or "tin" roof?
A It is discouraging to see people use standard paints or asphalt based materials on tin or metal roofs. These materials don't have what it takes to accommodate the constant expansion and contraction of a metal or tin roof. Failure by cracking and peeling is commonplace. Acrymax elastomeric coatings will expand and contract as the roof does and will stay flexible even in temperatures down to 30 degrees below zero.
Q What are the Acrymax tin roof preservation and restoration systems all about?
A The Acrymax tin roof restoration or preservation systems are based on the concept that "tin" or terne metal when properly protected can provide the base for an extremely long lasting and durable roofing system. Acrymax coating systems for tin roofs were tested and proven on historic structures in Cape May, New Jersey a town designated a National Historic Landmark. This harsh coastal environment is a severe test for any coating system and Acrymax has proven to be more than up to the task of providing superior protection to the buildings where it has been used. Available in architectural colors Acrymax not only protects but also beautifies and adds to the aesthetics of the building. Since being used in Cape May for the first time in 1979 Acrymax has been the coating system of choice for the discriminating specifier or buyer who realizes the value of quality.
Q What is the difference between the preservation system and the restoration systems?
A In both the preservation system and the restoration system Acrymax coatings are applied to a properly prepared roof surface to provide a waterproof protective membrane that essentially encapsulates the roof in a seamless sheet of "rubber". The basic differences between the systems are in the amounts of material required, number of coats, and use of reinforcement fabric. The Preservation system is basically a two coat system that will protect a roof from the effects of the weather, acid rain, and UV light. The Restoration Systems are applied in three or more coats and are specified on roofs that show signs of leaking or minor metal deterioration. Poly-1 Reinforcement fabric is a high strength reinforcement that is embedded into the coating system. It is used around critical areas such as flashings, around roof penetrations, to repair damaged areas, and in some cases on the entire roof. The choice between the preservation system or the restoration systems is dictated by the condition of the roof to be done.
Q Can Acrymax Elastomeric Systems be used for other applications?
A Absolutely. Acrymax is being used successfully over substrates that include asphalt built-up, modified bitumen, shingles, transite, aluminum, wood, concrete, masonry, slate, and other common building substrates. Roofs, decks, window sills, stucco and masonry walls are among the components of the building envelope that have been weatherproofed and protected by Acrymax coating systems. Wherever a waterproof, flexible, and durable membrane is required Acrymax is usually the most effective answer.
Q Sounds like a miracle in a bucket.
A Not really although sometimes it seems so. Acrymax has proven that it is highly effective in a diverse range of applications. However, proper specification and application is critical to its success.
Q What is Poly-1 Fabric Reinforcement?
A Poly-1 is a high strength polyester fabric that is used to reinforce Acrymax coatings in critical areas such as flashings, transitions, roof penetrations and areas where the roof has deteriorated and coatings alone would not be sufficient to provide a waterproof barrier. In certain situations Poly-1 is used to reinforce the entire roof. The combination of Acrymax coatings and Poly-1 will create a high strength reinforced membrane.
Q What is the cost of Acrymax?
A Acrymax is a competitively priced high performance coating system. Acrymax coatings are high solids materials, over 50% by volume, so that unlike cheap low solids paints where the major component is water with Acrymax you are paying for protection. The old adage that you get what you pay for is very true in the paint and coatings industry. Acrymax is one of the most cost effective coating systems available.
Q What colors are available?
A Acrymax is available in a variety of standard colors including reds, patina green, and energy efficient reflective white. Custom colors are available at a small additional cost.
Q How does the Acrymax system wear and how often will a recoat be required?
A Acrymax has proven to retain its physical properties including flexibility for over 17 years in actual exposures. The coating system basically chalks or "erodes" at a slow rate over time. Because it does retain its basic physical properties it allows future recoats to extend the life of the system indefinitely. We suggest that an Acrymax elastomeric membrane system be recoated with one coat of Acrymax coating after 5-10 years or so based on the particular needs of the project.
Q How much material will I need?
A That will depend on the present condition of the roof to be coated and how often you intend on recoating it. On tin roofs that are in relatively good condition two coats applied at 100-150 square feet per gallon per coat will provide 5-10 or more years of protection. If your roof is leaking or has developed pinholes in the metal then additional material will be required. Our technical service people will work with you to help calculate material requirements for your particular project based on information about your project that you provide.
Q Can you use Acrymax coatings over flat asphaltic roofs?
A Yes, Acrymax coatings can be applied over asphalt flat roofs. If the roof is in good condition 2 coats of Acrymax will protect the roof from UV degradation. If the roof is leaking or is in poor condition then a fully reinforced membrane system using Poly-1 Fabric should be used. On asphalt shingles, Acrymax coatings can extend the life of the shingles if the coatings are applied before the shingles become brittle or the edges curl.
Q What other surfaces can Acrymax systems be used on?
A Acrymax systems have been used successfully on a wide variety of surfaces including metal, asphalt, wood, concrete, transite, foam, masonry, and other common building materials.

General Questions & Answers
Application Questions & Answers
Questions about the systems

If you have any questions you would like answered please e-mail us.

 


221 Brooke Street • Media, PA 19063
610. 565.5755 • 1.800.553.0523 • Fax: 610.891.0834
E-mail: info@preservationproducts.com