Current trends and the future of coating in Latin America.
By Carlos Rosas F.*
Today, globally, the coatings industry offers us a large number of products and new technologies in the development and production of waterproofing. In each region, certain types of products prevail and the preference between them will depend on many variables. In our continent and, especially in Latin America specifically, the current trends in the choice of waterproofing for roofs, are summarized in three very specific factors:
- That they are products of easy application and can be installed, practically, in any construction system (concrete roof, wood, prefabricated or a sheet roof, walls etc.);
- That they are low maintenance products and resist extreme conditions (high or low temperatures and heavy rains)
- That have proven useful life from 5, 10, 15 or up to 30 years.
Another trend that is taking ground is the use of mono-component liquid membranes of silicone, polyurethane and other resins, of high solar reflactance, with high resistance to waterlogging (tightness), which prevent the transfer of heat from the outside of the roof to the inside. They also require an easy application, so that the end user can use them without having to hire a professional; that as long as its intrinsic properties allow it. On the other hand, the climate in our countries requires us to devise, develop and offer waterproofing that is really resistant to any weather condition.
Caring for the environment is another important trend and at PPG Comex we have been concerned about developing products that have a resin developed and compatible with tire recycling material. Tires have always been a problem for the automotive industry, because until now they didn't know what to do with the waste. Although the tires were reconditioned, reused or treated, there was always some kind of residue left that went into confinement or burned. For every average tire they burn, they pollute the environment with up to 90 kilos of CO2.
At PPG Comex, we understood this technology and took advantage of that waste material, integrating it into our waterproofing. In this way, and after two years of designs and tests we created the TOP High performance waterproofing with tire recycling, with which we have avoided the shipment of 150 thousand tons of CO2 to the environment. In that way, we have conferred on it another type of property and value that no other waterproofing on the market has. This does not include that the coating also has the peculiarity of allowing the roof where it is applied, greater pedestrian traffic than other conventional materials.
Another trend that we have been visualizing and developing for a long time and already, at that point, we are rather expanding is the Rapid Drying Technology. In our countries and regions we have very extreme and changing conditions: in the morning it is cool, in the day it is very hot and in the afternoon impressive rains fall. With these conditions you can not apply "normal" waterproofing products because they need up to 4 hours to assimilate and if an intense rain falls, the application will be impossible and the product will not work. The Rapid Drying Technology allows the coating to be applied practically on any climate or time of the year and particularly in the rainy season, whether it is concrete slab or even some metal roofs, after 30 minutes of having been placed if it rains the product is no longer damaged or "washed", without losing its properties. A second layer of application will be installed in three hours later, which means more square meters in less time. More work well done in less time. More satisfied and happy customers.
Prefabricated waterproofing based on modified asphalt or "rolls" is a technology that continues to be used a lot, not only in our countries, but also – and very especially – in Europe for its ability to protect in extreme climates and conditions, but also because on the other side of the Atlantic there is more specialized labor. A factor that demands this technology, since it involves using processes such as vulcanization (use of fire). It is the most important technology and the one that has been used the most in the world so far, although it has these limitations due to its specialized application (in some places the use of fire cannot be used for safety reasons)
It is recommended, especially when we have prefabricated concrete elements (such as steel slab, cross-linked, "T" and double "T", etc.) and as in the case of any waterproofing, its application will be chosen according to the conditions to which that roll will be exposed.
Analysis of the area to be treated
On the other hand, the choice of the ideal waterproofing will also depend on the construction system of the area to be treated. It is not the same to apply an acrylic system on a reinforced concrete slab or prefabricated slab than on a metal or wooden roof. As a second criterion, it will be necessary to analyze in what conditions the roof is and what use it is given: if it is a social area or there are electrical installations, or it is simply not used or it can become in a short term a green roof (Roof Garden or ecological roof) or are roofs of some industry. In any of these cases it is always recommended to carry out a physical inspection, to determine the best system to use in order to protect the property and keep users safe, safe and comfortable.
Finally, a major trend that few companies in the industry are considering and is vital to the growth of our industry, is customer service. Every liter, every bucket of PPG Comex products comes with the warranty and backing of a company with 65 years in the Latin American market.
We have managed to "protect and beautify" – with all our technology – projects and real estate that even foreign companies have not been able to repair. And our clients know that, if there is any situation or problem in their project, PPG Comex will do everything to solve it directly. This, not to mention the aesthetic aspect that gives an added value to the property, since our lines bring a wide range of colors, another trend that is gaining ground in the roof waterproofing market worldwide.
* Carlos Rosas F. is the Waterproofing Development Manager of PPG Comex.
