A Short History of Acrylic Roof Coatings

History of Acrylic Roof Coatings

Acrylic roof coatings are a type of roofing material that is used to protect roofs from the elements and extend their lifespan. They were first developed in the mid-20th century and have since become one of the most popular types of roof coatings in the world.

The invention of acrylic roof coatings can be traced back to the 1950s and 60s, when scientists and engineers were looking for ways to improve the durability and longevity of roofs. One of the key figures in this field was Dr. S.K. Audrey, a chemist and materials scientist who worked at the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) in the 1950s.

Dr. Audrey's research focused on the development of synthetic resins, which are materials made from chemicals that can be used as adhesives, coatings, and other applications. In the early 1950s, he discovered that a type of synthetic resin called acrylic resin could be used to create a durable, long-lasting roof coating.

The first commercial product based on Dr. Audrey's research was introduced by a Canadian company called Canron in the late 1950s. This product was an acrylic roof coating that was applied as a liquid and then cured to form a protective layer over the roof. The product was a hit and quickly became popular with contractors and building owners, who appreciated its durability, ease of application, and affordability.

Acrylic resins used in roof coatings are typically made by polymerizing a monomer called methyl methacrylate (MMA). This reaction involves the use of a catalyst and heat to cause the monomers to bond together and form long chains of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The resulting material is a clear, tough, and flexible polymer that can be used as a coating or adhesive. The properties of acrylic resins can be adjusted by adding various additives or modifying the polymerization process. For roof coatings, these resins are usually formulated with pigments, stabilizers, and other ingredients to improve their performance, durability, and weather resistance. The result is a high-quality roof coating that provides long-lasting protection for buildings. 

Dow Chemical and Rohm and Haas were two major companies that made significant contributions to the development of acrylics. Dow Chemical was one of the first companies to synthesize and commercialize acrylic resins, which laid the foundation for the creation of acrylic roof coatings. Meanwhile, Rohm and Haas was a leading producer of acrylic resins and was instrumental in advancing the technology and science behind these materials. The company was also a pioneer in developing new and innovative products based on acrylic resins, including roof coatings, which helped to drive the growth of this industry. Rohm and Haas was acquired by Dow Chemical on April 1, 2009 and continues to play an important role in the acrylics industry today, helping to drive innovation and advancement in this field.

In the years that followed, other companies jumped on the acrylic roof coating bandwagon, developing their own products and improving upon the original design. Some of the notable companies involved in the development of acrylic roof coatings include the following:

Johns Manville: This American company was one of the first to develop an acrylic roof coating in the United States. Its product, introduced in the 1960s, was based on Dr. Audrey's original research and became one of the most popular roof coatings of its time.

GAF Materials Corporation: This company, which was originally called the Ruberoid Company, was another early adopter of acrylic roof coatings. Its product, introduced in the 1970s, was a popular choice among contractors and building owners due to its durability and affordability.

Henry Company: This American company was one of the first to introduce a silicone-acrylic roof coating, which was even more durable and long-lasting than traditional acrylic roof coatings.

In addition to these companies, there were many other smaller firms that developed their own versions of acrylic roof coatings over the years. These products were all based on the same basic principle of using acrylic resin as the key ingredient, but each company put its own spin on the formula to create a unique product.

As the years went by, the popularity of acrylic roof coatings continued to grow. By the 1990s, they were one of the most widely used roof coatings in the world, being driven by the scarcity of petroleum during that time and today they are still one of the most popular choices for contractors and building owners.

One of the reasons for their popularity is the durability and longevity of acrylic roof coatings. When applied correctly, they can protect a roof from the elements for many years, extending its lifespan and helping to prevent leaks and other damage. Additionally, they are relatively easy to apply, which makes them a popular choice among contractors and building owners who want to save time and money.

Another reason for their popularity is the affordability of acrylic roof coatings. Compared to other types of roof coatings, such as silicone and polyurethane coatings, acrylic roof coatings are relatively inexpensive, making them an accessible choice for people with tight budgets.

In conclusion, the invention of acrylic roof coatings was a significant event in the history of roofing materials. The Roof Coaters Guild of America is striving to be the most trusted source of non-biased information on acrylic roof coating applications and technology.