Kymax® coatings based on Kynar Aquatec® PVDF latex were used by Spaceport America for its high performance under demanding weather conditions.
Notable features of the sustainable and environmentally conscious structure include 60-foot roof height, a viewing gallery with large windows facing the runway, arcing hanger doors that span 160-foot wide openings, passive heating/cooling and natural lighting, and a rolling roof whose shape resembles a manta ray.
Innovative roofing system
The uniquely shaped roof of the 110,000 square foot terminal hanger facility consists of:- 12 primary undulating steel trusses spanning over 180 feet with a 45-foot cantilever at the eastern edge
- a blackened stainless steel bull nose edge around the perimeter
- a U-shaped clerestory in the center
- 42 skylights on top
Underneath the metal deck is a medium density sprayed cementitious fireproofing that provides additional insulating qualities, as well as an air space, underlayment gypsum sheathing board, and a vapor barrier to complete the fire-rated assembly.
Extreme weathering
When it came to choosing a topcoat finish, durability and sustainability of the colorwere two very important performance considerations.In this part of the country, there is concern about heat gain and degradation of roofing materials over time due to the extreme weather conditions. Based on our experience, we selected United Coatings’ Kymax® product, which holds up very well under demanding weather conditions and also comes with a 10-year warranty against cracking, delamination, and discoloration.
- long-term color stability
- resistance to dirt build-up
- protection against severe weather conditions
Stealth finish
In addition to providing color stability and long-term protectionof the roofing system, the design plan called for an artistic application of three topcoat layers to achieve a mottled earth-toned finish that would mimic the coloration of the surrounding landscape. After experimenting with different application approaches on various EPDM samples, Progressive Roofing applied 600 gallons of the Kymax® coating using a spray technique to achieve the desired mottled and four-colored appearance specified by the architects.“The result is a magnificent looking facility built in harmony with the surroundings of the area”
David Hazzard, principal architect in charge of the project at New Mexico’s SMPC Architects.
The Kymax® coating mixed and sprayed very well. We have used EPDM roofing systems for over 30 years and have sprayed millions of square feet of coatings. We use Kymax®coating all over the place and we will definitely use it again, especially in projects requiring custom color and where customers want a high quality coating that will keep that color for 10, 15, 20 years or more.
Kymax® is a registered trademark of United Coatings™.
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