ARTICLES FOR BUILDING MANAGEMENT

Solving Roof Ponding Problems with #298X Asphalt Emulsion Pond Filler & Sloping Compound
Water pooling on a flat or low-slope commercial roof is more than a nuisance — it accelerates deterioration, adds structural load, and can lead to costly damage if left unaddressed. Western Colloid’s #298X Asphalt Emulsion Pond Filler & Sloping Compound offers a practical, lightweight solution for eliminating ponding water and

What Building Owners Need to Know About the Accidental Partnership Between Roofing and HVAC
When it comes to commercial buildings, roofing and HVAC systems are more connected than many building owners realize. Rooftop HVAC units don’t just sit on your roof—they interact with it every day. That creates an accidental partnership between roofing contractors and HVAC technicians, one that requires coordination, planning, and ongoing maintenance to

Treating Fluid-Applied Roof Systems as Membranes: A Practical Approach to Modern Waterproofing
Treating Fluid-Applied Roof Systems as Membranes: A Practical Approach to Modern Waterproofing Introduction Fluid-applied roof systems have become a go-to solution in modern roofing and waterproofing—and for good reason. They’re seamless, durable, and adaptable to a wide range of building conditions. While they’re often compared to traditional membrane systems, there’s

What Are Some tips on Choosing the Right Contractor for Your Roof?
Greg Hlavaty, along with Hal Leland, discuss the importance of choosing the right partner for your roof. This article is derived from a podcast on a different topic and this question got asked. Please read and enjoy in its original conversational form. How do you find a contractor and

THE ARGUMENT FOR GOOD ROOF MAINTENANCE
Greg Hlavaty, along with Hal Leland, discuss the importance of a roof maintenance program. This article is derived from a podcast of the same name. By reformatting this as an article you could miss the fun of the conversation. Please read and enjoy in its original conversational form. GH –

Title 24 Cool Roofs, Cool Roof Rating Council, Origin Stories
The State of California, who kind of leads the pack for the whole nation in energy laws and requirements for buildings, started testing roofs in early 2000. They started monitoring buildings with reflective roofs and non-reflective roofs. And what they found after following these buildings that had reflective surfaces on

Why Does An Energy Efficient Roof Make Such A Big Difference For A Building?
Cool reflective roofs primarily do two good things, they increase solar reflectance and emittance. This extends the life of the roof and lowers Peak Energy Demand. Energy efficiency is key, and that’s a hot topic these days with energy crisis and energy issues worldwide. But it’s also the energy efficiency

Everything you wanted to know about Spray Polyurethane Foam Roofing, (well, the maintenance part.)
SPF does a great job of creating a good insulation value. Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) is a mixture of chemicals that are sprayed out of a special type of spray gun. This gun mixes the chemicals together at the spray tip, and once they are combined, they expand. It’s similar

Top Six Common Mistakes in Roof Coating Systems Installation Aka Developing Good Habits!
Thinking all coatings are the same. Different products have different application methods, tools, handling and set up times. Treat each different product line as its own animal. Western Colloid’s systems are different (easier) than the rest and if you follow our lead, we can be a profitable and hassle-free solution.

Roof Coating Systems – Approvals, Building Codes, Ratings, and Standards Explained
We have often seen acronyms and numbers on roofing products for submittals but what and who do these acronyms represent? That can be easily answered with some history of roofing products, specifically liquid or fluid applied roof coating systems. In the past one of the things that has been overlooked

Your Gravel Roof – a History of Solutions
Have you ever wondered why they installed them? Then, how to restore them? Let’s go back to the earliest forms of roofing in the early 1900’s with “built up” roofing. Which consisted of melted asphalt, and they will put it on a roof with layers of reinforcement, (felt). They chopped

When Is a Puddle Not a Puddle? When It’s on Your Roof. Then It’s a Problem!
Why ANY standing or ponding water matters Detecting ponding water is the number one reason to inspect your roof in any season. It may be easy to ignore standing water on your roof. Assumptions could lead any commercial building owner to believe that water could be from a recent storm

Questions About Commercial Roof Hail Damage and Fluid Applied Reinforced Roofing as a Solution
Understanding commercial roof hail damage remediation and using fluid applied reinforced roofing as a remedy to prevent future hail damage. Have you ever asked yourself “How do you go about identifying whether you have hail damage on a commercial roof?” First, you must know you’ve a hail event. If a

Identifying Roof Deck Damage
How can you apply a Fluid Applied Roof System on a roof surface if you don’t know if there is roof deck damage underneath? This is a common question by consultants, building owners and contractors. The common practice is to always tear the entire roof off but that is wasteful

Roof Restoration Story – A Record Setting Roof
Each day we can follow a roofing project that is installing another layer of protection and reconditioning an existing Western Colloid system. Our founder, Larry Widmer began applying coatings and fluid applied systems in the 1960’s. Throughout the West notable companies like Boeing, Weyerhaeuser, Fred Meyers, TRW, Certified Grocers, Payless,

Hal Leland Talks Testing and FM Global
Western Colloid is proud of the quality of the products we manufacture. We adhere to the strictest standards to produce coatings to meet and exceed the requirements expected in today’s products. We are so fortunate to have a real industry expert working on our behalf. Introducing Hal Leland with some

Make an Informed Decision – 9 Good Questions to Pick the Right Roof
Before you make your decision ask yourself these 9 things to help make the best selection for your property. When it comes to researching a new roof, there’s a lot of work that has to be done. You have to inspect the roof, determine your budget and time frame and

From Band-aide to Premium Roofing – Coatings VS Roof Coating Systems
At long last. It’s time to celebrate the recognition that roof coatings make amazing roof systems and retire the misconception that coatings are for a quick fix. Roof coatings have long been thought of as patch and repair ‘band-aide” products. Leaving the commercial roof system demands to the familiar; Built-Up

Commercial Roof Warranties – All the Things to Think About
Use this as your guide to keeping your roof warranty protected. When you selected your commercial roofing system, you likely chose one with a solid warranty. Having a warranty covers your roof for many things, such as defects or premature aging. But have you thought about what could potentially void

Let’s Talk About Maintenance Programs
Western Colloid knows the way to increase your roof’s lifespan and it’s with an effective maintenance plan. Let’s guide you through it. Finding out what your existing roof’s warranty requires in order to keep the warranty in good standing is a great starting point. Next create both a maintenance schedule

3-Things Your Manufacturer Should be Doing for You
Keys to a Successful Coatings Installation Interested in learning more about fluid applied roofing? Read this eBook and learn the preferred equipment and methods to use. Western Colloid provides invaluable insight in how to use coatings to provide a superior roof to your clients while saving money on labor, products

The Solar Dilemma: Roof Considerations
Over the last 20 years, solar panel technology has significantly improved and become more cost-effective. Coupled with rising energy costs, green energy incentives and an increasing number of municipal ordinances, building owners and operators have performed solar retrofitting on their facilities with great success. Before considering planning for a solar

Upgrading for Energy Efficiency, It’s a Thing!
You’ve heard about the benefits of a cool roof. So why wait to replace your current roof, when you can install a cool roof and enjoy the benefits now? The cost of upgrading or restoring your roof with an insulating, reflective roof system will be offset by the cost reduction

Going the Repair to Failure Route for Your Roof
Many simply coax their roof along until it absolutely must be replaced, however, there are better solutions to choose in order to avoid serious roof repair or failure. Roofers Can Renew, Restore and Recondition Roofs In the Process of Making Repairs? Since most repairs prolong the inevitable, begin treating repairs

A Brief History of Commercial Roofing and Where We Are Today
Where Roofing Products Began Sophisticated protective coatings development appeared to have begun in the latter half of the 17th century when a German chemist found a way to use the stickiness of coal tar as a protective coating on woods and ropes. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, scientists

How Are You Currently Managing Your Commercial Roof?
Questions about management styles that building owners and managers should be asking themselves. Roofs are often a building owner’s biggest expense. They require a continuous care plan, with statistics showing that roof maintenance saves money both in the short and long term. What building owners may not know is that

Surviving the Elements – What a Roof Goes Through
How understanding the environment helps you make the right decisions for your property’s roof. More than any other component of a building, roofs are exposed to damaging environmental elements such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation, harsh weather conditions and significant temperature changes. These conditions leave roofing materials subject to deterioration that

Keep Your Building Dry Year Round
A Great Way to Keep Working in the Winter and Spring The winter and spring months bring along their own unique challenges for roofers and their clients. The biggest challenge is the weather. Cold temperatures, snow, rain and storms are among some of the most difficult and dangerous conditions to

Understanding Roofing Project Delays
How Western Colloid can be your secret weapon in supply chain shortages For almost three years now, a trip to the grocery store means running the risk of an item being out of stock. Amid these trying times, we all have had to adjust, going without things that we

ROOFING – INVEST NOW TO SCALE AND SAVE
LEARN HOW ONE CONTRACTOR SAVED $11,000 ON MATERIAL ALONE WITH JUST A SINGLE PRODUCT CHANGE, NOT TO MENTION THE LABOR SAVINGS. As Western Colloid’s senior field tech and trainer, Tim Ford spends a lot of time with contractors of all sizes, helping their crews learn how to perform quality installations

Ponding Water on Your Roof? When is it a Problem?
Assumptions can lead any commercial building owner into believing that excess water on your roof could be from a recent storm however, it doesn’t have to be storm season for it to appear. Air Conditioning units and other roof equipment can cause ponding water, water remaining on a roof for

Common questions about our commercial roof products
As a manufacturer of quality commercial roof products with decades in the industry, here are some of the questions we see the most: Do I need special equipment to install Fluid Applied Reinforced Roofing (FARR) Systems? Luckily, you don’t need any special equipment to install our FARR commercial roof products.

Tips for hiring the right commercial roofing contractor
In need of some commercial roofing help? It’s important to find someone who is not only in budget, but who knows how to get the job done efficiently and effectively. Here are 4 tips for hiring the right roofing contractor! 1. Do your homework First, it’s important for you

6 Ways to prepare for commercial roof winter problems
The worst time to deal with commercial roof winter problems? In the winter! Here are six things you can do now to avoid them. 1. Perform a roof inspection Roof repair is harder during the winter. That’s why fall is the perfect time to do a proactive roof inspection

Is your commercial roof in Phoenix keeping up with new builds?
If you’re in the market for a commercial roof in Phoenix, now is the perfect time to make the investment. Phoenix currently leads the nation in industrial space construction, so this is one way to stay competitive with newer buildings! Phoenix leads U.S. in industrial space under construction According
Western Colloid: providing the best commercial roofing for almost 50 years
Western Colloid has been known for almost 50 years as one of the best commercial roofing manufacturers. In fact, we are a leader in Fluid Applied Roofing, Reflective Coating Systems, and Premium Asphalt Sealcoats. Our founder began applying coatings and fluid-applied systems in the 1960s. Companies like Boeing,

Need a new commercial roof? You can’t beat our products and warranty!
We’ve been manufacturing products for refurbished and new commercial roof projects for almost 50 years. And we stand by every product we make. Here’s a look at our warranty information—and why you shouldn’t need to use it! Great Roof Systems, Great ROI First, you’ll find that most of our

Want to learn more about Western Colloid products? Watch these!
It’s the quality of Western Colloid products that have helped make us a roofing industry leader. We take pride in what we do and only make the best products possible. To learn more about our Fluid Applied Roofing, Reflective Coating Systems, and Premium Asphalt Sealcoats, watch these videos! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reoqzKpdr2M Company

Need a quick roof waterproofing solution? Try this!
Whether a severe summer storm came through your town or an aging roof finally gave out, sometimes you need a quick waterproofing solution! Keep this one in mind in case you need it later: Roof Damage You may find yourself in need of waterproofing for a number of reasons.

Case Study: Frito-Lay commercial roof in Texas
When the Frito-Lay corporate headquarters needed a new commercial roof in Texas we were more than happy to help! Read on to see what services we provided this global company. Problems of Original Roof To begin, the company’s original roof was about 32 years old. It was a concrete deck

TPO vs. PVC vs. Reinforced Coatings Systems: Which to Choose?
There are a lot of factors when deciding between single-ply roofs (like TPO and PVC) and reinforced coating systems. Luckily, we have decades of experience under our belts and are happy to walk you through the pros and cons of each! TPO Roofing Thermoplastic Olefin (TPO) single-ply roofs are

Looking for a green roof system? Consider a FARR cool roof!
If you’re looking for an energy-efficient, green roof system, read on to learn more about FARR! Why choose a green roof system? Cool, green, and solar systems are good for many reasons. First, they help the environment. Second, they help with energy costs. Thirds, they help with insulation qualities

Case Study: Commercial Roof in Arizona
This warehouse had a failing one-year-old roof. So they needed a new commercial roof in Arizona — fast! And we were happy to help them. Incorrect products caused leaks This failing warehouse roof was metal with acrylic coating. First of all, the application was poor. However, the products used

Need pavement maintenance? Armor Top can help!
We’re a leader in commercial roofing systems. However, we’re a leader in pavement maintenance, too! In fact, it’s because of our emulsion tech experience that we can create asphalt seal coats and pavement maintenance systems known as Armor Top. Armor Top is made of non-chemically treated ingredients to create

What is FARR? Leak-free commercial roofing
What is FARR? It stands for Fluid Applied Reinforced Roofing, and it’s one of the best leak-free commercial roofing products out there! Seamless, tough, flexible Western Colloid’s FARR systems are lightweight yet tough. Thanks to layers of waterproof asphalt emulsion and tough polyester fabric they can be surfaced with

Case Study: Commercial Roof in California
When Pacific Dental Services was looking to repair their commercial roof in California, we had just the solution. The Problem Located in Irvine, California, Pacific Dental Services found themselves with over 100 leaks in their 124,000 square foot roof. In fact, the building owners thought that their only option

What we look for during a free commercial roofing inspection
What do we look for during a free commercial roofing inspection? A lot! With over 45 years of experience, we know what kind of problems might arise in your current commercial healthcare, manufacturing, or retail roof or long before they happen. In addition, we’re happy to consult on your next

Approvals & Ratings That Make Us a Top Commercial Roofing Manufacturer
We’re known across the country as a top commercial roofing manufacturer. How do we do it? In part by sticking to standards that meet and exceed the requirements expected in today’s products. An FM Approved roof means you get a tested roof assembly, not just a collection of products and

4 Tips for Choosing the Best Roofing Manufacturer
Looking for the best roofing manufacturer to meet your needs? There is a lot to consider! Whether you’re a contractor, property manager, or building owner, here are our top four things to look for when you have commercial roofing needs. 1. Look at Past Experience There’s something to be said
Asphalt Emulsion vs. Acrylic vs. Silicone
When it comes to maintaining your roof, roof coatings are an effective way to maximize your investment. They can be applied quickly on top of your existing roof system, limiting the disruption to tenants and occupants. And where many building codes limit the number of full roofs you can install

The Ultimate Roof Coating Repair Guide
When it comes to roof coating repair, the steps to fixing a damaged roof coating will depend on the type of coating, its age and the extent of the damage. Commercial roof repair is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It is important to educate yourself and make sure you choose competent
Does Your Roofing Manufacturer Really Understand Your Needs?
Not all roofing materials brands are created equal, but odds are good if you ask a building owner which roofing manufacturer their contractor used for their last job, they’re going to shrug and say something like, “I don’t know. It’s a roof.” A new roof is a big investment, and

What to do when severe weather causes roof damage
Source Your roof goes through a lot: wind, rain, ice, sun. Year after year, it keeps your building and its occupants safe. And while you hope it will last a long time, severe weather like hail and hurricanes can cause roof damage. Repairing roof damage quickly is the key to

Never Worry About Replacing Your Roof Again
Your commercial building is constantly at war, fighting against the elements to keep your tenants and building occupants warm, dry and safe. Maintaining the components of your building envelope like the roof, windows and facade is an ongoing process, and you want to know that you’ve maximized your installation and

What You Need to Know: Infection Control Procedures During Construction Projects
Source It probably seems obvious that hospitals have infection control procedures for their day-to-day operations, but did you know there are procedures specific to construction projects? Whether you’re working in a hospital’s interior on a renovation or on the exterior for a hospital roofing project, any project needs careful planning

LEED vs. Passive House vs. Net-Zero for Commercial Buildings
Source It’s been a challenging year for commercial real estate. With traditional office workplaces changing and tenants struggling to pay their rent, owners and operators of commercial buildings will be facing an increasingly competitive market. As they seek to find stable tenants, these buildings will need to make their value
Acrylic Roof Coatings vs. Silicone Coatings: What’s Better for Ponding Water?
Have a commercial roof? You may be asking yourself: which is better for ponding water: acrylic roof coatings or silicone? We talk a lot about maintaining and repairing with the aim of keeping water out. And with good reason. Leaks can cause water damage, mold growth, failing insulation, and damaged

Monthly Maintenance Checks to Perform on Healthcare Buildings
Now more than ever, healthcare workers need to know the hospitals and long-term care facilities they work in are in good shape. With emergency rooms and intensive care units at capacity in most states, nothing could be more disruptive than relocating sick patients to deal with urgent building repair. Proactive inspections — including commercial roof maintenance checks — should be part of any conscientious building manager’s operations. As the U.S. continues to fight against COVID-19 outbreaks, these checks are especially necessary for healthcare buildings.

When to Use a Consultant vs. a Roofing Manufacturer or Contractor for Commercial Roof Repairs
If you’re looking for commercial roof repair solutions, it can be overwhelming to know which path to take, so we thought we’d walk through when your best option is to go with a skilled contractor or roofing manufacturer and when you need to consider the services of a qualified roofing consultant.

Maximize Your Maintenance Budget While Your Building Is Unoccupied
With so many spaces empty, now is the time for building owners to take advantage and schedule building maintenance and upgrades efficiently. From installing energy-efficient HVAC units to completing a commercial roof assessment, there are probably many tasks on your to-do list, and now is the time to get them done quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Roof Coatings Answered
A comprehensive roof inspection program will help you identify potential issues before they become expensive problems. A neglected roof can mean damaged membranes, moldy insulation and even structural damage. When that happens, you may have no other option but a disruptive and costly full tear-off and replace to remediate the mess.
But if you’re proactive, modern roofing solutions are available that will help you extend the life of your roof — and protect your wallet. Roof coating products can last for decades and will keep your building safe from unwanted leaks and damage.

Install a Roof Coating to Get More Return on Your Commercial Building
In the current economic climate, it’s likely that we’re going to see a lot of shifts in the commercial real estate market in the upcoming year. As portfolios consolidate and others expand, a lot of properties will be changing hands. If you’re looking at selling a commercial building, you want to know you’re going to get the best return for your investment.

How to Preserve, Repair or Restore Your TPO Roofing System
The business of owning and managing commercial real estate is an expensive one. Buildings are exposed to continuous weather wear and tear, with building envelope systems both slowly degrading over time and potentially experiencing severe damage in extreme weather. Owners not only need to budget appropriately for ongoing preventative maintenance

Choosing the Best Roof Repair System for Hospitals and Assisted Living
Healthcare is on the front page of every newspaper and media website these days — and with good reason. While we’re all worried about the frontline workers and making sure they have the supplies they need to do their jobs effectively, hospitals and assisted living facility administrators also need to

When to Use Aluminum Reflective Roof Coatings or Acrylic on Your Commercial Roof
For building owners and operators, energy efficiency is, increasingly, the name of the game. From high-performance insulation to energy-efficient windows and lighting, there are all sorts of products on the market to help you keep your utility bills down. But what about your roof? Out of sight/out of mind means

How Roof Coating Can Help You Manage Your Commercial Building’s Budget
While wear and tear is a normal part of a building’s lifespan, a proactive inspection and maintenance program helps identify aging building materials and potential deficiencies. Without these kinds of programs, failing components of the building envelope can lead to water intrusion, mold growth and structural damage. When that happens, your commercial building’s budget goes, often quite literally, through the roof.

Choosing the Right Commercial Roof Coating for Colorado Weather
With your roof so often out of sight and out of mind, it’s easy to ignore it until a problem occurs. But structural damage and mold growth caused by a leaky roof cannot be ignored and can be very expensive to fix. If you’re looking to update your commercial roof in Colorado, you may need to have some special considerations when choosing a solution.

Our Favorite Fluid-Applied Roofing Projects in California
As the third-largest state in the United States, California covers a vast geographic area and enjoys varied weather and climates. From high altitudes to the desert, foggy coastlines to endless sunshine and everything in between, there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to building materials in California. Building owners

Choosing the Right Commercial Roof Coating for Nevada Weather
For building owners and operators looking to update a commercial roof in Nevada, key factors to consider are weather and energy efficiency. With hot summers and cooler winters, a commercial building in Nevada needs a durable roof system that stands up to thermal shock or temperature extremes and helps manage the energy demand on the building.

How to Get Energy Savings Using a Reflective Coating System on Your Roof
Source Let’s talk about what ages a roof. On its own, the materials that make up commercial roofing systems are extremely durable. Without outside forces, the components of a commercial roof are meant to last decades. So, what are the reasons roofs degrade? Water. This is the big one. Whether

The Benefits of Installing a Cool Roof System
Source Maintaining a building is an ongoing and cost-intensive process. With so many integrated systems — from your building envelope to your heating and cooling system, from the front door to the roof — keeping your building in good repair can be complex. In addition, today’s property managers and building

The Solar Retrofitting Solution You Need
Source Over the last twenty years, solar panel technology has improved significantly and become more cost-effective. Coupled with rising energy costs, green energy incentives and an increasing number of municipal ordinances, many building owners and operators have performed solar retrofitting on their facility, with great success. Out of Sync Modern

Getting Your Roof Ready for Winter
Source As much as we like to joke about it, winter really is coming. It’s inevitable, but it doesn’t have to make life as a building owner difficult. With a little preparation, you can go into the winter months knowing your roof is in good repair and your building is

How to Choose the Best Long-Term Commercial Roof Solution
Source A building is a major investment that needs ongoing maintenance to keep it in good repair and keep your tenants happy. But even the most effective and proactive maintenance program can’t prevent the need to replace the components of your building envelope as they reach the end of their

Which Is Better: Fluid Applied Reinforced Roof (FARR) or a Single-Ply Seam-Welded Roof
Source There are more roof systems on the market than you may be aware of. When many people think of a new roof for a commercial building, they picture a built-up roof (BUR) system and smelly bubbling tar pots. But alternative products have been available for a while; some of

How to Fix a Leaky Roof
Source Water damage is one of the biggest problems in building management. Water intrusion can cause mold growth, poor indoor air quality or even structural damage if it goes unchecked. But fixing water damage isn’t as simple as replacing damaged ceiling tiles and moving on. Building operators must work with

What Does It Mean When a Product Is FM4470 Approved for Hail?
Although it may not be as common as snow or rain, hail is incredibly dangerous and can be far more expensive to property owners than other precipitation. Hail contributes to over $10 billion in property damage every year in the United States. A single hail storm in Denver in 2017

Is TPO the Best Roof System for Your Industrial Building?
Let’s face it. If your business operates out of an industrial building, then you’re either in the business of making something, storing it, distributing it or some combination of those three. You probably didn’t expect to be in the building maintenance business, too. But if you want to protect your

Working With Tenants During Roof Tear-Offs
Keeping your roof in good repair is a critical element of maintaining your building. And after decades of holding back wind, rain, snow, hail and damaging UV rays, you’ll need to eventually replace your roof, which can often be a complex and time-consuming project if you own or manage a

How to Choose the Right Contractor and Roof Material for Your Building
If you own or operate a commercial property, your building is probably the biggest investment you’ve made for your business. Annual inspection and maintenance are critical to keeping your building envelope in good repair, especially your roof. A good roof inspection program will save you money in the long term,

How Denver’s Green Energy Code Changes Will Impact Commercial Roofing and Construction
2018 was a busy year for green initiatives in Denver. After months of debate, the city council agreed to a modified version of Initiative 300. This Green Roof Ordinance originally required affected buildings to incorporate green roofs into their plans and was loudly opposed by a number of parties and

Where and When You Should Use Asphalt Emulsion Roof Coating Systems
If you’re looking for a strong, waterproof and long-lasting architectural roof coating system, an asphalt emulsion based coating system is a great option. Not only will it extend the longevity of your roof, but it can also easily be applied to a number of existing roof systems. Plus, they are

Commercial Building Roof Repair: Where Do I Start?
Source Repairing or replacing a leaky roof on a commercial building can end up being one of the more costly aspects of owning or managing a commercial property. Ensuring you are taking the right steps to properly repair the roof will save you both time and money – especially if

How to Update Your Gravel Roof
Is it time to update your gravel roof? It might be! Gravel roofs are long-lasting and UV and impact-resistant, making them great choices for areas prone to hail and rough weather. However, they do need regular inspection and maintenance to last longer and prevent water leaks. What Is a

Recoating a Foam Roof: Do’s and Don’t’s
Foam roofs are commonly used in many commercial, industrial and institutional flat roof settings. They do require some ongoing maintenance but the benefit is that they provide an additional layer of insulation. Plus, certain foam roof products are even ENERGY STAR®-rated, which can help reduce ongoing heating and cooling costs

Understanding Your Commercial Roofing Estimate: Tips for Property Owners
If you own or manage a commercial property, you know how much goes into the maintenance of your roofing system and how costly any repair or replacement can be. But your roof is an integral part of the health of your building, so when repairs or replacement becomes necessary, it’s

What is a Colloid?
Colloid Definition: A type of homogeneous mixture in which the dispersed particles do not settle out. Examples of colloids include: butter, milk, smoke, fog, ink, paint, ElastaHyde. Ever wonder how Western Colloid got its name? It was named after the pride of manufacturing a truly superior product. The actual Colloid

Overnight Sensation or Roofing Pioneer?
The longevity and resilience of our products prove that the technology delivers superior performance. Let’s face it, this industry is slow to adopt. What we have been manufacturing and promoting for 45 years is now on the forefront of new technology. We feel like the actor that has been pounding

Emulsion and Elastomeric Roof Coatings Systems Emerging as Owners’ and Architects’ Preferred Choice
Western Colloid is a pioneer and innovator of asphalt emulsion and acrylic based roof systems that are eco-friendly and can be applied over many existing roofs. Roof coatings have been thought of for many years as temporary fixes, or a way to squeeze a few more years out of an

RCMA Elects New Board Officers at 2016 Annual Meeting
WASHINGTON, DC (February 25, 2016) – The Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association (RCMA) hosted more than 100 industry attendees at its 2016 Annual Meeting, February 15-16 in Orlando, Florida. The Association elected a new slate of officers to its Board of Directors and named Greg Johnson, Sherwin-Williams, the recipient of the

Download our FREE Maintenance Recommendations Sheet!
At Western Colloid 40 years of manufacturing superior roof systems has put us on thousands of roofing projects. We have seen the difference a maintenance program can make on the life of your roof. Download our 5 Maintenance Recommendations For Preserving The Service Life Of Your Low Slope Or Commercial

NEW! Miami Dade County Approval
Western Colloid announces it has now received the coveted Miami-Dade Approval for their #790 AFC ElastaHyde ACRYLIC PREMIUM GRADE ELASTOMERIC REFLECTIVE COATING. Among the most difficult product approvals to get is for the Miami-Dade County areas in Florida. Often, by having this approval you can easily get product approval in
Cool Pavement Coating Systems
Western Colloid’s “ArmorTop” sealcoat product can be produced in cool colors to cool down your parking lot and help reduce the “Heat Island” effect. Our cool colored sealcoat is an economical way to achieve the pavement cool-down that will soon be required by some state and federal agencies. How can

Cool Colored Roof Coatings
ElastaHyde 720 ARC is available in California Tan and Platinum Gray. Both colors meet California Title 24 guidelines and are Energy Star® listed. These Cool Colors give you the option of an energy efficient roof coating without having to use white. How can Western Colloid be of Service? REQUEST A

FM Approved
Western Colloid has received multiple FM Global approvals over BUR, Modified Bitumen, and various Single Ply membranes. The FM 4470 Class 1 approvals employ some of the toughest test methods in the roofing industry. FM 4470 tests for Wind, Fire, Hail, Foot Traffic and watertightness. Along with the testing, stringent