Everest Systems LLC has officially launched a new, high-performance and field-applied topcoat under the Fluorostar brand name for restoring and protecting multiple types of roofing surfaces with long lasting color. Fluorostar is a water-based and ultra-thin film roof coating formulated with Kynar Aquatec®, a world renowned polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) polymer resin produced by Arkema Inc. 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.

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 resists dirt, biological growth, chalking, degradation and maintains its color for 20 years. It also has excellent elongation, flexibility and permeability. 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. 20 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 unsurpassed weathering performance. The Kynar Aquatec polymer grade, utilized in Fluorostar, was engineered in the early 2000s as a water born and air-dry version for restoration coatings. To date, 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,” states 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 is a coating with a long-term cooling effect and exceptional weatherability.  

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 can 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

Populated cities and a high volume of building occupants can make roof renovations challenging. Mobilizing equipment and keeping disruption minimal is key. Fluorostar is a sustainable and cost-efficient solution. It reduces the need for recoats by as much as four times on average, resulting in less labor, less disturbance to occupants and ultimately, less investment to the building owner over time. Fluorostar is also low odor and dries quickly, making it an ideal choice for the applicator and building occupants. Architects, specifiers, and contractors alike are instrumental in helping building owners protect their asset for decades to come with Fluorostar.

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 5-gallon pails and 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. This impressive guarantee includes material and labor.