Understanding the impact of environmental conditions on metal roof coatings

By Jesse Sanchez. 

These coatings are tailored to withstand the elements, enhancing longevity and performance.   

In this CoatingsCast, host Megan Ellsworth sat down with Amanda Paterline and Brad Shreve of AkzoNobel to discuss the impact of environmental conditions on metal roof coatings. The conversation shed light on how AkzoNobel’s innovative products are designed to withstand a range of environmental factors, ensuring both durability and aesthetic appeal for metal roofing systems. 

Brad, a technical support expert with a background in polymer engineering, spoke about how environmental conditions affect the performance of metal roof coatings. “We have UV radiation from the sun, we have heat, we have moisture in the form of humidity, but also rain. We have wind, biological effects and all of this comes together in a complicated soup of weathering,” Brad explained. This complex interplay of factors can significantly affect the integrity of coatings, making AkzoNobel’s rigorous testing and tailored solutions crucial for long-lasting performance. 

AkzoNobel's approach includes a variety of technologies to meet specific regional needs. For instance, their TRINAR technology, which utilizes polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) resin, has superior UV radiation resistance, making it an ideal choice for sun-exposed environments. “PVDF would be considered the best when we're talking about roof coatings. It is transparent to UV radiation,” Brad stated, expressing the significance of selecting the right product based on environmental exposure. 

Amanda, the commercial marketing manager for AkzoNobel’s North America coil and extrusion unit, also discussed the importance of understanding regional variations. “When considering coastal environments, they could potentially yield a more corrosive environment,” she noted, pointing out the need for careful selection of substrates and coatings to prevent issues like corrosion and color fade. AkzoNobel’s coatings are tested extensively in different environments, including accelerated salt fog testing and natural weathering programs, to ensure robust performance across diverse conditions. 

Read the Transcript, Listen to the Podcast or Watch the interview to learn more about how AkzoNobel’s products can address various environmental challenges!