| Q |
What
are the steps involved in a successful application of an Acrymax
roof system?
|
| A |
Four main steps are
involved. They are Assessment, Specification, Application, and Inspection. |
| Q |
Assessment? |
| A |
Assessment
requires taking an honest look at the roof and determining the needs
of the particular roof. What is the present condition of the roof?
Is it leaking? Rusted? Previously coated with asphalt? Structurally
sound? |
| Q |
Specification? |
| A |
After assessment of
the present condition and the individual requirements of the roof
an Acrymax guideline specification can be developed that will include
preparation required, what materials to use and the quantity of
materials required, number of coats, and if and where polyester
reinforcement will be used. Three general specifications have been
developed for metal roofs. They are the Preservation System, the
Restoration System, and the Reinforced Restoration System |
| Q |
Application? |
| A |
Application
requires applying Acrymax coatings conscientiously under proper
conditions, applying all materials that are specified in the manner
specified, and using good construction and roofing practices. |
| Q |
Inspection? |
| A |
Inspection
means going over the finished application to insure that the application
has been completed properly. If necessary additional material is
applied during the inspection to insure complete and uniform coverage.
After final completion it is an industry recommendation that all
roof systems be inspected twice a year. |
| Q |
How
difficult are Acrymax coatings to apply? |
| A |
Acrymax
coatings couldn't be easier to apply. They are waterborne materials
that feature easy water clean-up. They can easily be applied by
brush, roller, or spray. Keep in mind that roofing work entails
some inherent dangers. All proper safety procedures including fall
protection must be observed. Professional applicators should be
employed when steep slopes, heights, or other particulars of the
job require it. Building owners should verify before contracting
with anyone that all appropriate and required insurance including
workmen's compensation is in force and that any necessary permits
have been obtained. A list of applicators that have applied Acrymax
is available from Preservation Products. |
| Q |
Why
two or more coats? |
| A |
To perform
effectively a high performance coating system should be applied
in a manner that will provide a continuous film of relatively equal
thickness. The most effective way to do this is with multiple coats.
In fact 3 or 4 coats are often used for maximum protection. When
polyester reinforcement is used a minimum of 3 coats will be required. |
| Q |
When
is the use of polyester reinforcement required? |
| A |
Polyester
reinforcement adds dimensional strength to the membrane created
with Acrymax. When coatings alone are used they are very dependent
on the substrate that they are applied to and as such that substrate
must be in fairly good condition. When Acrymax is reinforced with
our high strength polyester fabric then it creates a primary membrane
that is less dependent on the substrate that it is applied to. Polyester
reinforcement is especially useful at transitions, flashings, for
lining built-in gutters, for repairing and sealing leaking seams,
and in certain cases over the entire roof area particularly on smooth
surface asphalt roofs. |
| Q |
How
should I prepare the surface to be coated prior to applying Acrymax
coatings? |
| A |
Proper
surface preparation is one of the key ingredients to successful
applications. All dirt, oils, or other foreign materials that will
interfere with the adhesion of Acrymax coatings must be removed.
Power washing when practical is the recommended and most effective
method for cleaning a roof surface. If power washing is not possible
a stiff brooming with water is also effective. TSP available at
local hardware stores is effective for preparing painted surfaces
prior to painting when used as per their instructions. (Other more
environmentally responsible cleansers can also be used.) Thoroughly
rinse the surface if any cleansers are used. |
| Q |
What
about rust? |
| A |
Rusted
areas must be properly prepared before application of Acrymax coatings.
Area should be thoroughly powerwashed to remove salt deposits and
loose rust. All remaining loose rust must then be removed by wire
brushing or other suitable methods. It is important to note that
more complete rust removal will result in better performance of
the coating system. Use the most effective method practical for
the job! After rust removal a coat of HP-7000 Rust Inhibitive Primer
should be applied at the rate of 1 gallon per 250-300 square feet. |
| Q |
Do
I need to remove all the old paint or coatings? |
| A |
No, only
loose paint must be removed. Also be sure to use proper protective
equipment when removing paint. In is possible when working on historic
metal roofs that lead based paint will be encountered. All regulations
and safety procedures concerning lead based paint must be observed.
The Department of Interior publishes Preservation Brief #37 - Appropriate
Methods for Reducing Lead-Paint Hazards in Historic Housing that
contains helpful information on addressing the problem of lead based
paint on historic structures. |
| Q |
What
temperatures are best for application? |
| A |
Acrymax
coatings are waterborne systems that must only be applied when temperatures
are above 40 degrees both during the time of application and for
24 hours after application. On very hot days it is advisable to
apply Acrymax coatings early in the morning before roof surface
temperatures become too hot. |
| Q |
How
long does it take to dry? |
| A |
Acrymax
coatings will dry in 1-8 hours depending on a number of factors
including temperature, humidity, direct sunlight, thickness of coating,
and air movement. Darker colors will dry faster than lighter colors.
Allow a minimum of 2 hours between coats. Especially in the spring
and fall applicators must take note of the dew point since if dew
forms on the roof surface the coating will not dry. It is the responsibility
of the applicator to determine if conditions are appropriate for
application of Acrymax coatings. |
| Q |
What
about flashings around chimneys etc.? |
| A |
As a liquid
applied membrane the Acrymax system is self flashing. To flash around
a chimney Poly-1 Fabric is applied with Acrymax to form a flexible
reinforced membrane. It is a highly effective weathertight seal. |
| Q |
What
about splits, holes, or similar defects in an otherwise sound roof? |
| A |
Poly-1
Polyester reinforcement fabric can be used to patch these problem
areas. This is done by cutting a piece of POLY-1 that will cover
the damaged area and an area extending 3 inches or more in all directions
beyond the damaged area. After preparing the area to receive the
patch, apply Acrymax HP-1000 to the area and embed the polyester
into the wet coating and immediately apply additional material to
the top of the fabric to saturate completely. After drying, additional
coats of Acrymax HP-1000 or HP5000 are applied to create a completely
waterproof repair. In some situations a new piece of metal should
be fastened over the problem area with HP-1000 and Poly-1 used to
seal and waterproof the repair. |
| Q |
How
do I clean-up? |
| A |
Acrymax coatings are waterborne coatings that
feature easy water clean-up if done before the coatings dry. |
 |
|
