Press Release

RCMA Announces New “TECH NOTE” on White Coatings

As Energy Costs Rise and Environmental Concerns Grow, the White Coatings
Council Explains a Vital Technology for Extending Roof Life and Reducing Energy Costs

[Washington, DC] — The White Coatings Council of the Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association (RCMA) has released a new TECH NOTE (TN-06) titled “Overview of White Coatings and their Application,” outlining the technology of white reflective coatings for commercial roofing.

As energy costs soar, the light-reflecting properties of various white coating products become extremely attractive. Owners of commercial buildings, faced with ever-higher heating and cooling costs, are eager to learn about energy-efficiency measures. Direct sunlight on a large, flat roof can place an enormous heat load on the building below, and the ultraviolet radiation that accompanies it also contributes to roof damage and deterioration. Recent California Title 24 legislation requires that new buildings either be constructed with highly reflective roofs or else present a detailed energy audit showing that solar heat is otherwise dissipated in an energy efficient manner.

The White Coatings Council of RCMA developed this latest technical note in response to increased demand for information about cool roofing. RCMA TN-06 describes the purposes of white coatings; typical compositions; compatibility with roof membranes; primers and surface preparation; application methods for different types of coatings; permeability; and the effects of roof cleanliness and aging.

For building owners, facility managers, architectural specifiers and others, RCMA TN-06 serves as an introduction to a wide selection of excellent product literature available from white coating manufacturers. It is available free of charge from RCMA.

 “In light of rising energy costs, it is more important now than ever before to spread the word on the availability of white coating products,” said Thomas L. Meyer, Chairman of the White Coatings Council. “We are committed to convincing commercial building owners and designers that white coatings are easy to understand, easy to apply and cost-effective. They result in big savings to building owners and, perhaps more important, they positively affect the environment by reducing energy consumption. White coatings are also effective in preventing the waste and expense that occur when roofs need to be replaced prematurely due to high roof temperatures and UV damage from sunlight.”

To order additional copies of RCMA TN-06, or for additional information on white coating products and the White Coatings Council, please visit http://www.roofcoatings.org/wcc.html.

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About RCMA
The Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association is the national trade association representing the manufacturers of cold-applied protective roof coatings and cements, and the suppliers of products, equipment, and/or services to and for the industry. RCMA is committed to continually improving performance and quality of roofing. For additional information, contact RCMA at: (202) 207-0919; Fax: (202) 223-9741; or visit the RCMA website at www.roofcoatings.org.

About the White Coatings Council
The RCMA White Coatings Council services the producers and suppliers of acrylic or elastomeric (non-bituminous) coatings. The Council has already implemented an industry promotional program, and is actively planning programs to respond to targeted governmental and regulatory issues, technical matters and activities, and membership services and programs. Today's White Coatings Council includes 18 manufacturers.