Insulation on its own is designed to keep temperatures regulated inside of a building. Without jacketing or some sort of coating system on top of thermal insulation, it will not be capable of performing as designed over its desired lifespan. This is especially true when it comes to outdoor applications. Insulation damaged by the elements will lose its thermal efficiency and increase the risk of pipe and system corrosion, effectively wasting your investment. Weather barrier mastics and coatings are the obvious solution to this problem.
What Are Mastics?
Mastics are sealants designed to protect insulation from physical, chemical, water, and weather damage. They work as weather barriers and vapor retarders, in addition to providing general protection against many sources of mechanical damage. Mastics are still widely used with great success throughout the commercial and industrial insulation trades. These coatings are often safer, easier to apply, and more effective than other sealants available on the market today.
How Do Weather Barrier Coatings Work?
Weather barrier coatings need to be more complex than the average sealant. This is because they are most effective as “breathers.” Breathers prevent water getting into it while simultaneously allowing water vapour to pass through. This feature allows a certain amount of moisture to escape when the hot system is operating so that residual moisture isn’t sealed inside. As a result, weather barrier coatings are ideal for protecting outdoor systems operating at temperatures above ambient.
How Do Albertan Facilities Benefit?
When it comes to the Albertan climate, no one escapes the extreme temperatures. There’s a reason that we say: if you don’t like the weather, wait ten minutes. Already this winter we have experienced above zero temperatures and -20 plus windchill in one week! That means that our buildings are experiencing more freezing and thawing than normal. Moisture can creep into our structures much more easily when it’s literally cracking a path for itself with plummeting temperatures. That’s why it is so important to protect our facilities by using weather barrier mastics and coatings. By taking these simple precautions, industrial facilities and commercial businesses can ensure that their structures are properly protected from the harsh elements.
Contact us today to learn more about how mastics can protect your investment.
