Everest Systems LLC, the Houston-based roofing manufacturer, has officially launched a new, high-performance and field-applied topcoat under the brand name Fluorostar, designed for restoring and protecting multiple types of roofing surfaces with long-lasting color. 

Everest Systems describes Fluorostar as a water-based, ultra-thin film roof coating, formulated with Kynar Aquatec®, a world renowned polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) polymer resin produced by Arkema Inc. Everest says the Fluorostar topcoat is ideal for use on commercial, municipal, or industrial applications over spray foam, TPO, PVC, EPDM, metal, masonry and asphaltic products such as BUR and modified bitumen.

According to the manufacturer, Fluorostar has several features that lengthen the life of a roof, including its superior resistance to fading from ultraviolet (UV) radiation and minimizing the absorption of solar energy. The product is designed to resist dirt, biological growth, chalking, degradation, and maintains its color for 20 years. Additional features include its “excellent elongation, flexibility and permeability.” The company says when used in conjunction with an Everest acrylic EverCoat system, Fluorostar offers exceptional durability, abrasion resistance and waterproofing properties.

“We have a well-rounded and respected line of high-performance exterior roof coatings and products that last,” said John Linnell, founder, Everest Systems. “Now, Fluorostar takes us to the next level for commercial building owners with bold and colorful roofs. Twenty years of color fast properties in harsh environments are normally unheard of on a restoration project.”

The “Coolest” Ingredients

Kynar 500-based, factory-applied finishes have been in the architectural and roofing industry for decades with over 55 years of weathering performance. The Kynar Aquatec polymer used in Fluorostar was engineered in the early 2000s as a water-born and air-dry version for restoration coatings. To date, Everest officials say the side-by-side weathering performance of Kynar Aquatec® parallels that of Kynar 500® in testing conducted by Arkema.

“Architects and specifiers know the name Kynar and they trust its performance on some of the most notable projects around the world,” said Ron Partridge, senior account manager, Fluoropolymer Coatings, Arkema Inc. “We at Arkema have partnered with our licensee, Everest Systems, to bring Kynar Aquatec-based coatings to the commercial roofing market.”

With Kynar Aquatec resin, the coating has a unique formulation of ingredients that give Fluorostar its performance. Infrared (IR) reflective complex inorganic-colored pigments (CICPs) are one example. IR reflective CICPs are a durable exterior pigmentation grade that has excellent chemical stability, UV opacity, resists heat and reflects infrared (IR) energy. When formulated properly with PVDF, the resin further protects the characteristics of the CICPs. The result, the company says, is a coating with a long-term cooling effect and exceptional weather-ability.

Environmental Benefits

Fluorostar is formulated to meet South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 1113 VOC limits in Southern California for industrial maintenance coatings, with only 50 grams/liter of VOCs, varying moderately, depending on color. The product has also been rated by the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC), with Total Solar Reflectance (TSR) values between 0.88-0.77 over three years, in white.

With the coating’s physical properties, long life cycle and impact on solar energy absorption, Fluorostar is positioned to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, obtain green building certifications, make the roofing membrane last longer and lower energy consumption.

Sustainably Minimizing Recoats, Labor and Disruption

Fluorostar is being positioned as a sustainable and cost-efficient solution that reduces the need for recoats by as much as four times, on average. The results include less labor, less disturbance to occupants and, ultimately, less investment to the building owner, over time. 

Fluorostar is also low odor and dries quickly, which contractors say makes it an ideal choice for both the applicator and building occupants. Everest says Fluorostar is available in standard colors and can also be custom color-matched. 

The product is single-component and ready to use as supplied in either 5-gallon pails or 55-gallon drums. When installed over an acrylic EverCoat system by an Everest Certified Applicator, Fluorostar is backed by a 10-year, color-fast warranty, covering a color change over X Delta E. Everest says this guarantee includes material and labor.

For more information, call 800-575-8966, or visit www.everestsystemsco.com.