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The benefits of using low VOC roof coatings
As our planet faces climate change, companies are increasingly being forced to support a green agenda. From materials used in the construction process to the coatings applied to roofing systems, understanding your environmental impact is paramount. Using solvent-less and low VOC roof coatings are just one way of reducing your impact. And they’re safer for your contractors too.
Giromax® has always believed strongly in lessening our impact on the planet. Our products have always been solvent-less with low VOCs, when compared to similar products in the market. But we all have a role to play in reducing our environmental impact, especially in industrial sectors. A proactive approach is key and it’s all in the detail. Choosing products with fewer harmful chemicals helps everyone in the long run.
The danger of VOCs
Nowadays, roof coatings are made from a variety of different chemicals and elements. These can typically range from silicone, polyurethanes, styrene-acrylics, fluoropolymer, butyl resins, silyl terminated polyether (STPE), polyester, polyuria, and more.
Certain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can be emitted as gases from specific chemicals used in roof coatings. VOCs can cause adverse health effects in the short and long term. Short-term exposure of high levels of VOCs can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. Long-term exposure can lead to serious illnesses such as cancer, liver and kidney damage, and central nervous system damage.
When contractors are using roof-coating products containing high levels of VOCs, they will be exposed to elevated concentrations. It’s worth noting that VOCs can remain in the air long after the roof-coating application is completed. They can also contaminate soil and end up in wastewater flows, causing harm to our wildlife and oceans.
By comparison, our solvent-less products contain fewer VOCs, which makes them much safer for use by contractors and better for the environment. Our products also do not contain silicone, which is a slippery substance and can be dangerous for contractors. It is also prone to bird attacks and more susceptible to mould, dirt and dust. The production of silicone uses hydrocarbons derived from petroleum, which is non-sustainable.
What’s the best coating for a metal roof?
As roof coatings in the industrial sector are used on metal profiled roof systems, it’s important to use a solvent-less product with low VOCs and a good lifespan. By choosing a roof coating with a guaranteed lifespan of 15, 20 or 25 years, you won’t need to repair the roof for well over a decade. That means fewer vehicles and materials being used repeatedly to maintain a roof, reducing your long-term carbon footprint and repair costs.
Your choice of coating will depend on the type of issue you are looking to remedy. Here’s our two top-rated products and how they can be used on metal profiled roof systems:
- Giromax® Edgecoat – this innovative, BBA-certified, cut edge corrosion coating system treats the cut edges of a metal roof. Moisture tolerant, this formula uses laminar flake technology and can be applied in damp conditions. Giromax® Edgecoat is an affordable, weatherproof solution that will extend the life of your industrial roof for up to 15 years.
- Giromax® Roofcoat – is a next generation, polyurethane hybrid coating for profiled metal roof sheets, which also uses laminar flake technology. Highly resistant to UV rays and extreme temperatures, this product offers long-term protection against the elements. Similar to Giromax® Edgecoat, this product is also moisture tolerant, so it can be applied in damp conditions, and will extend the life of your roof up to 25 years.
Our range also includes Giromax® Roofcoat for use on asbestos cement roofs, Giromax® Guttercoat for gutter repairs and Giromax® Rooflight Clearcoat for rooflight repairs.
By using Giromax® products you will be helping to reduce your environmental impact, and you will be keeping your contractors safe too. Our low VOC products have always been solvent-less. As the original leader in the commercial roof coatings market, we continually test and develop our products. Our aim is to ensure the quality and safety of our coatings.
If you need technical guidance on any product in the Giromax® range, please speak to our team or call 01455 558969.
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The benefits of using low VOC roof coatings
Managing Director
Giromax® has always believed strongly in lessening our impact on the planet. Our products have always been solvent-less with low VOCs, when compared to similar products in the market. But we all have a role to play in reducing our environmental impact, especially in industrial sectors. A proactive approach is key and it’s all in the detail. Choosing products with fewer harmful chemicals helps everyone in the long run.
The danger of VOCs
Nowadays, roof coatings are made from a variety of different chemicals and elements. These can typically range from silicone, polyurethanes, styrene-acrylics, fluoropolymer, butyl resins, silyl terminated polyether (STPE), polyester, polyuria, and more. Certain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can be emitted as gases from specific chemicals used in roof coatings. VOCs can cause adverse health effects in the short and long term. Short-term exposure of high levels of VOCs can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. Long-term exposure can lead to serious illnesses such as cancer, liver and kidney damage, and central nervous system damage. When contractors are using roof-coating products containing high levels of VOCs, they will be exposed to elevated concentrations. It’s worth noting that VOCs can remain in the air long after the roof-coating application is completed. They can also contaminate soil and end up in wastewater flows, causing harm to our wildlife and oceans. By comparison, our solvent-less products contain fewer VOCs, which makes them much safer for use by contractors and better for the environment. Our products also do not contain silicone, which is a slippery substance and can be dangerous for contractors. It is also prone to bird attacks and more susceptible to mould, dirt and dust. The production of silicone uses hydrocarbons derived from petroleum, which is non-sustainable.What’s the best coating for a metal roof?
As roof coatings in the industrial sector are used on metal profiled roof systems, it’s important to use a solvent-less product with low VOCs and a good lifespan. By choosing a roof coating with a guaranteed lifespan of 15, 20 or 25 years, you won’t need to repair the roof for well over a decade. That means fewer vehicles and materials being used repeatedly to maintain a roof, reducing your long-term carbon footprint and repair costs. Your choice of coating will depend on the type of issue you are looking to remedy. Here’s our two top-rated products and how they can be used on metal profiled roof systems:- Giromax® Edgecoat – this innovative, BBA-certified, cut edge corrosion coating system treats the cut edges of a metal roof. Moisture tolerant, this formula uses laminar flake technology and can be applied in damp conditions. Giromax® Edgecoat is an affordable, weatherproof solution that will extend the life of your industrial roof for up to 15 years.
- Giromax® Roofcoat – is a next generation, polyurethane hybrid coating for profiled metal roof sheets, which also uses laminar flake technology. Highly resistant to UV rays and extreme temperatures, this product offers long-term protection against the elements. Similar to Giromax® Edgecoat, this product is also moisture tolerant, so it can be applied in damp conditions, and will extend the life of your roof up to 25 years.
