The Arizona sun can do irreparable damage to roofs that aren’t properly protected from its searing rays. With older commercial buildings, it can also get downright expensive to upgrade or repair. Western Colloid’s product can help protect your roof.

In March 2009, Western Colloid of California began distributing its fluid applied reinforced roofing systems in bulk in Arizona. And because its product is ideal for the Southwest, there are preliminary plans to build a manufacturing plant in Phoenix.

“The product is especially suited to Arizona’s hot, dry climate. The elastomeric coatings are designed to withstand the punishing sun and heat that we are famous for,” says Kim McCunn, Arizona division manager for Western Colloid. “The cool roof coatings have an SRI (solar reflective index) of 106. This greatly exceeds the LEED standard of 78. The Arizona Cool Roof Council recommends an SRI of 100 or greater.

“In ways it works better in Arizona because they are water-based products that cure quickly here,” McCunn says. “The best part is the systems are sustainable, and upgradable.”

Western Colloid’s protective coatings can be used as a surface on new or existing roofing systems. They are designed to meet the high stress requirements of today’s roofing membranes.

Western Colloid’s elastomeric reflective coatings are energy efficient and durable. They protect the roofing membrane by stopping UV degradation and by reducing “thermal shock” that all roof membranes experience.

Fluid applied reinforced roofing systems are lightweight, strong and flexible. They can be applied over most existing built up, bitumen and single-ply roof membranes. Most of Western Colloid’s systems are classified as “maintenance and repair,” which means that in most cases it is not necessary to remove the existing roof, which could expose the building interior to damage.

The procedure for a Western Colloid fluid applied roof renovation is simple:

  • A plan is designed to address the needs of the building and the owner.
  • The roof is cleaned and prepared.
  • Repairs are made to fix any deficiencies in the existing membrane, insulation or deck, as necessary.
  • All penetrations, curbs, flashings, drains, copings and other details are addressed using Western Colloid’s 100% acrylic rubber flashing compound and polyester fabric. Western Colloid’s No. 298 asphalt emulsion waterproofing compound is fluid applied.
  • A flexible polyester fabric is embedded into the waterproofing compound, forming a strong yet flexible and lightweight membrane.
  • After the membrane has cured, the reflective, energy-saving surface coating is applied. The entire system is then allowed to cure.

Western Colloid’s founder began applying coatings and fluid applied systems in the 1960s. Throughout the West, notable companies such as Boeing, Weyerhaeuser, Fred Meyers, TRW, Certified Grocers, Payless, Thrifty Drug and others received asphalt emulsion systems.

The Western Colloid brand was born in the 1970s with the construction of the company’s own manufacturing facilities. Today, Western Colloid operates the largest fleet of tankers servicing the roofing and coating industry in the U.S.

This footing in bulk transportation service allows contractors to keep installation costs low and helps the environment by reducing the use of barrels and pails. Western Colloid produces systems that are environmentally friendly and energy efficient and is an Energy Star partner.

“UV degradation is especially hard on roofs in Arizona,” McCunn says. “There are millions of square feet of roofing in Arizona that do not need to be torn off and replaced. With our systems the choice to install a cool roof does not need be the more expensive option.”

AZRE Magazine May/June 2011