One of the most important characteristics of a roof coating is its ability to expand and contract without breaking down or delaminating.
Substrates move when heated and cooled, a process which occurs every day. If a coating does not match the movement, it will either split/crack or separate from the substrate. In both cases this failure will result in moisture entering the substrate below the coating and the ultimate failure of the coating.
The two critical factors in a coating’s ability to accommodate this movement are elongation and tensile strength, both of which are enhanced by Dry Film Thickness.
As the table below shows, a membrane clearly outperforms paint as it has greater thickness per coat and more “elasticity”. When comparing coatings view “apples with apples”. If it is a true membrane (from a recognised supplier) compare the test results from independent authorities to determine its suitability.
Another important characteristic of a membrane is its ability to “breath”, allowing water vapour to escape from the substrate without allowing water to penetrate the coating.
| Characteristic | AcraTex 962 Membrane | Typical Low Film Build Paint |
| Dry Film Thickness (per coat) Elongation Tensile Strength Crack Bridging Water Transmission Water Vapour Transmission Carbon Dioxide Diffusion Chloride Ion Diffusion |
66 microns 310% 2.3mPa 5 x DFT <1g/24h//m2 kPa 51.9g/24h/m2 R=393m 9.7 x 10-10 cm2 /sec |
25 microns Fair* Fair* Poor* Poor* Poor* Poor* Poor* |
* Important Note: Test results often quoted at higher than actual film thickness. Compare relative data at actual applied film thickness. Dulux AcraTex Next Gen Roof Membrane has been tested by an independent testing authority, and copies of all reports are available upon request.
Dulux AcraTex Next Gen Roof Membrane Performance Pedigree
All Dulux AcraTex premium quality products are manufactured to exacting specifications. All the products in the Dulux AcraTex Next Gen Roof Restoration System are manufactured under the following stringent certifications:
Manufacturing Facility: AS/NZS ISO 9001:2000 accreditation
APAS accredited plant
NATA certified laboratory to ISO Standard ISO/IEC 17025
R&D in world class ISO, QS and NATA Accredited Research Laboratories
Features and Benefits
• Protective membrane
• UV resistance
• Drinking water safe
• Solar reflectance
• Crack bridging
• 10 year material warranty
• Resists pollution
• Chemical attack
• Minimise dirt retention
• Formulated with premium pigmentation to withstand effects from the harsh sun
• Safe collection of potable drinking water
• Cool Roof minimises heat absorption
• 5 times Dry Film Thickness (DFT) expansion over dynamic cracks
• Peace of mind
Call the team at ROOFWEST Roof Restoration are your local Dulux AcraTex agent and have been using this wonderful product for many year, call Tom and the team on 9795 9990 for a free onsite quote to get the process started today.
Photos courtesy of Dulux AcraTex