Restore Gravel Roofs With the Power of Emulsion!

By Western Colloid. 

Learn more about the rise of emulsion roof coatings as a powerful roof system. 

For a while now, Western Colloid has made strides in perfecting the many roofing systems they have to offer. One roofing system they have made major innovations in is their asphalt emulsion systems which re an eco-friendly option for existing roofs. Here are a few reasons why Western Colloid loves emulsion roof systems: 

Emulsion can re-store damaged gravel roofs 

Asphalt emulsion systems are the go-to system for restoring gravel roofs. Removing gravel from a built-up asphalt roof can often leave the surface damaged. But after applying an emulsion system, the surface will level out and you don’t have to remove the existing roof. Although roof coatings have been thought of as a temporary fix for a while, we challenge that perspective with our emulsion roof systems.  

Emulsion systems help waterproof the roofs they are used on and give them an added boost of strength with its polyester membrane. We recommend using an energy-efficient top coat, like Western Colloid’s #720 ARC ElastaHyde, which adds emissivity and reflectivity to the roof. Most of our emulsion systems have FM 4470 Class 1 approvals which means they’ve been tested for having the highest standards of durability. 

Asphalt emulsion is eco-friendly 

More building owners, your potential customers, have been seeking out energy efficient and environmentally friendly roof systems in recent years. But they also want something that is cost-effective and can last for a long time. Western Colloid has formulated their asphalt emulsion systems with this in mind. Our systems have no solvents or added chemicals and are made with only three ingredients: asphalt, water and clay. 

Along with its clean ingredients, our emulsion systems have zero VOCs and almost no odor and fumes. This makes them a very appealing option for building owners looking to restore their roofs. When applied at an ambient temperature, there is almost no impact to the building occupants. There does not need to be ventilation when the product is applied, and the building’s HVAC systems can stay up and running. You can assure your customers that they can proceed with business as normal when installing their emulsion system. 

Western Colloid’s asphalt emulsion options 

Western Colloid’s #298 asphalt emulsion is made of asphalt, water and bentonite clay. These ingredients are emulsified using a colloid mill which breaks down the ingredients to create a stable and uniform waterproof compound. We’ve developed and perfected this proprietary manufacturing process that blends the emulsion compound into a water-based product. After this, the system can be applied to nearly any type of commercial roof, such as: 

• Built-up roof systems 

• Modified bitumen 

• TPO 

• EPDM 

• Hypalon 

• Coal tar pitch 

In addition to being waterproof and highly durable, the #298 coating is also non-fibrous and non-flammable. It can be used to seal cracks and seams too. 

Our other emulsion option is the #298E Elastomeric Asphalt Emulsion which is made up of most of the same ingredients with the addition of acrylic rubber. This rubber creates a permanent elastomeric waterproof compound and coating with better adhesion and a low temperature flexibility. This product was formulated to be tough and flexible, specifically for colder areas. 

Additional advantages 

There are many more advantages to using asphalt emulsion systems, including: 

• It can be built up to the correct thickness, which saves building owners money 

• Limited disruptions to building tenants since the damaged roof does not have to be torn off 

• With it being a fluid applied monolithic membrane, it is seamless 

• It comes with manufacturer warranties that can be renewed 

• No flame or heat is required during application 

• It’s reinforced with polyester or chopped fiberglass 

• It will last longer than the owner’s current roof and can be upgraded indefinitely 

• The systems meet LEED requirements when used with a reflective coating 

Before applying an emulsion system onto a customer’s roof, you want to make sure their current roof is structurally sound. If there are minor problems like moisture, then the coating can be applied no problem. But if the entire roof is in bad shape, then you may have to tear it off and replace it.  

For more information on fluid applied asphalt emulsion roof systems visit Western Colloid’s website or check out their #298 Asphalt Emulsion product page! 

Learn more about Western Colloid in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit westerncolloid.com.