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Elastomeric Coatings: A Qualitative Failure Analysis

For decades, waterproofing has been a major concern and a widely researched topic by building scientists and forensic engineers. Elastomeric coatings have been broadly used in different applications since the early 1950s. Manufacturer’s recommendations for the proper application of elastomeric coatings are often based on laboratory conditions (75oF and 50% RH) rather than extreme conditions posed by the real world. This study examines the failure of elastomeric roof coating exposed to conditions of high temperature (150°F) and water pooling caused by precipitation. 

Product Number: 51219-171-SG
Author: N. Alrafie, R.E.Moon, M.Bass
Publication Date: 2018
Industry: Coatings
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For decades, waterproofing has been a major concern and a widely researched topic by building scientists and forensic engineers. Elastomeric coatings have been broadly used in different applications since the early 1950s. Manufacturer’s recommendations for the proper application of elastomeric coatings are often based on laboratory conditions (75oF and 50% RH) rather than extreme conditions posed by the real world. This study examines the failure of elastomeric roof coating exposed to conditions of high temperature (150°F) and water pooling caused by precipitation. A qualitative comparison of specimens revealed why roofing contractors must consider environmental conditions as an influential factor in determining the application range of elastomeric coatings. Test specimens were made using different substrates (i.e., glass, asphalt and metals) to test the behavior of elastomeric coating when applied to materials with different thermal expansion and contraction properties. Specimens were prepared using modified methods from ASTM standards C 1375 and D 1640. In the first experiment (after curing), test specimens were exposed to extreme environmental conditions of high heat, constant submersion and 180 repeated cycles of submersion for 2 hours followed by heating in a controlled high temperature chamber (140 – 170°F) for 2 hours each workday. In the second experiment, selected test specimens (flat and granulated asphalt) were exposed to elevated humidity (> 90% RH) during curing, and the remainder specimens were prepared with varying coating thicknesses. All specimens were exposed to conditions described above. Elastomeric-coated specimens submersed continuously expressed bubbling, de-bonding from the substrate, discoloration and shrinkage. During the initial stages of testing, the cyclical specimens did not exhibit bubbling and de-bonding as compared to the submersed specimens. However, both conditions revealed bubbling during the later stages of testing. Specimens that were heated only did not experience bubbling or shrinkage; however, specimens that were cyclically heated and submersed experienced discoloration and de-bonding on the glass substrate. The application of a primer beneath the coating did not offer obvious improvement to test surfaces as compared to non-primed surfaces. Based on adhesion test results (modified ASTM D3359 – 09e2) the substrate that exhibited the strongest bond was granulated roofing and the weakest was metal.

For decades, waterproofing has been a major concern and a widely researched topic by building scientists and forensic engineers. Elastomeric coatings have been broadly used in different applications since the early 1950s. Manufacturer’s recommendations for the proper application of elastomeric coatings are often based on laboratory conditions (75oF and 50% RH) rather than extreme conditions posed by the real world. This study examines the failure of elastomeric roof coating exposed to conditions of high temperature (150°F) and water pooling caused by precipitation. A qualitative comparison of specimens revealed why roofing contractors must consider environmental conditions as an influential factor in determining the application range of elastomeric coatings. Test specimens were made using different substrates (i.e., glass, asphalt and metals) to test the behavior of elastomeric coating when applied to materials with different thermal expansion and contraction properties. Specimens were prepared using modified methods from ASTM standards C 1375 and D 1640. In the first experiment (after curing), test specimens were exposed to extreme environmental conditions of high heat, constant submersion and 180 repeated cycles of submersion for 2 hours followed by heating in a controlled high temperature chamber (140 – 170°F) for 2 hours each workday. In the second experiment, selected test specimens (flat and granulated asphalt) were exposed to elevated humidity (> 90% RH) during curing, and the remainder specimens were prepared with varying coating thicknesses. All specimens were exposed to conditions described above. Elastomeric-coated specimens submersed continuously expressed bubbling, de-bonding from the substrate, discoloration and shrinkage. During the initial stages of testing, the cyclical specimens did not exhibit bubbling and de-bonding as compared to the submersed specimens. However, both conditions revealed bubbling during the later stages of testing. Specimens that were heated only did not experience bubbling or shrinkage; however, specimens that were cyclically heated and submersed experienced discoloration and de-bonding on the glass substrate. The application of a primer beneath the coating did not offer obvious improvement to test surfaces as compared to non-primed surfaces. Based on adhesion test results (modified ASTM D3359 – 09e2) the substrate that exhibited the strongest bond was granulated roofing and the weakest was metal.

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