Ultra violet light, or UV for short, is just off the spectrum we human beings can see. However, it has other, non-visible effects including sunburn and skin cancers. UV light also shortens the design life of polymer-based materials. That said, their large molecular structure endows them with a combination of toughness and elasticity that makes them popular.
How UV Light Affects Polymer Materials
Polymer-based materials are in common use in Calgary buildings, especially as vinyl cladding, shingles, plumbing, coatings, paints, and other non-structural items. However, their weathering due to UV, temperature, and moisture is still not fully understood. Although we expect that global warming will aggravate the impact.
We notice the effects though, as the material begins to harden, discolour, and eventually crack. This in turn affects mechanical flexibility in terms of tensile strength, impact strength and elongation. These are all important parameters in the performance of building products. Hence, we need to understand how to mitigate UV deterioration.
Coatings to Mitigate UV Light on Polymers
Since we cannot prevent ultra violet from penetrating our atmosphere, the next best is deflecting it with shielding. We already protect our skins with sun factors, sun umbrellas, and hats. Scientists have taken a leaf out of that book by creating UV coatings for vinyl products too. These either deflect the rays, or self-harden in their presence.
This science is all around us. UV coatings are common on paper intended to be long lasting, hence the shiny effect on printing paper. We find the technology in common use on automotive windows and eyeglasses. Our computer screens, keyboards, and most other personal electronic devices all benefit from the protection too.
Applying UV Coatings to Polymer Materials
The raw materials may be sprayed, dipped, rolled, or flowed with the coating during manufacture. The protection may also be applied on site through dipping, brushing, or spraying. Manufacturers of these after-market coatings claim a minimum of 1,000 hours protection. They provide evidence that this retards cracking, peeling, colour changes, and reduction in mechanical strength.
Choosing the Right Vinyl Building Materials
It follows from the above that vinyl materials for building exteriors must have adequate ultra violet protection, applied at the point of manufacture. Valiant Exteriors Ltd. obtains vinyl materials from trusted sources that apply the right protective coatings during manufacture. You can trust us to protect your interests as we bring glorious new colours to your home.
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