Choosing the right coating for metal roofs, gutters or flashings is crucial – by making the right decision, you can ensure many years without struggling with patching leaks and painting. As a sheet metal roofing producer, we’ve been using Kynar 500® PVDF resin-based coatings for many years now, and with this article we’d like to explain to you why this technology has become so popular and how it’s possible for a thin coat of paint to have such a huge impact on the life of a metal roof. Finally, we will answer the question of whether a Kynar 500 coated roof is worth buying.
Kynar 500 is a brand name for a high-performance polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) resin-based coating produced by Arkema Inc.. This fluoropolymer coating is applied to metal surfaces to provide exceptional resistance to weathering, fading, and chalking. Comprising at least 70% PVDF resin, Kynar coatings are known for their ability to maintain color integrity and gloss over extended periods, often exceeding 20 to 30 years. This makes them a popular choice for metal roofing and architectural applications where long-term performance and weathering resistance are essential.
Kynar 500 is actually a trade name, but from the perspective of the customer as well as the roofing contractor, much more important is the technology behind this type of coating.
PVDF, or Polyvinylidene Difluoride, is a fluoropolymer resin that is used in combination with a wide range of pigments, solvents and other specialized additives. PVDF resin is produced by a number of companies and Kynar is not the only one of its kind – it is worth being aware of Hylar as well as Fluropon.
With a high level of care in production, PVDF coating can offer an inertness unattainable by other materials, which allows to protect the depth of color – if the roofing sheet does not corrode or react chemically with any chemical compounds from the environment, even after many years it can still look perfect. Such properties are derived from the chemical structure of PVDF, specifically from the very strong bonds linking fluorine atoms to carbon atoms. The structure of the polymer is simply very stable, and the degradation process is basically non-existent.
However, let’s point out that Kynar 500 or, more broadly, PVDF, is not the only substance used to protect metal roofs and gutters – some manufacturers use SMP, FEVE, Polyester and even PVC. As a rule, each of the polymers mentioned has slightly different characteristics, but their general characteristics remain similar.
We have already mentioned that one of the primary benefits of Kynar coating is its outstanding durability. Laboratory tests demonstrate that PVDF coatings can withstand over 10,000 hours of accelerated weathering without significant degradation. In real-world terms, this translates to metal roofs and components that resist fading, chalking, and corrosion even in harsh climates. Compared to standard polyester coatings like TPO, PVC or Polyester, which may begin to show signs of wear after just a few years, Kynar offers a significant advantage. Additionally, Kynar-coated metals exhibit excellent resistance to chemicals, acid rain, and pollutants, which is particularly valuable in industrial or urban environments.
According to conversations with our customers, many people choose to purchase Kynar-coated roofing panels mainly because of their aesthetics, the very wide range of colors available and the long-lasting gloss.
Kynar 500 offers deep, rich colors due to the very strong interatomic bonds in the particles. However, it is worth noting that PVDF coatings can be both matte and very glossy. It all depends on the specific model you decide on.
It can be generally assumed that products made of 24ga stainless steel coated with Kynar 500 are up to 70% more expensive than analogous products made of galvalume steel of the same thickness.Although there are times when you will pay essentially the same for Kynar gutters as you would for gutters made of any other material, in the vast majority of cases, PVDF coating is an expensive solution dedicated to customers who are able to pay a little more up front to enjoy high quality for years afterwards.
To give you an idea of the price segment in which the Kynar 500 coating falls, let’s refer to the most popular snap lock roofing panels, the linear foot of which costs $5.9 in our store . By comparison, galvalume panels for the same unit length cost $5.5, while high-grade stainless steel panels cost as much as $14 per sqft.On the other hand, downspouts made of Kynar-coated aluminum are about 10% cheaper than the same but made of galvalume plus steel.
As a general rule of thumb, however, Kynar-coated aluminum and steel downspouts tend to be more expensive than those that have not been treated with PVDF.
Recall – there are many alternatives to Kynar 500, which are very often produced in a similar way and are also based on synthetic polymer resins. Let’s look at a table that should help you estimate which plastic will be the best coating for your roof:
| Kynar 500 | SMP | HDP | |
| UV Resistance | Good | Above average | Above average |
| Price | Moderate | Low to mid | Moderate |
| Longevity | Up to 60 years | 20-30 years | 20 years |
| Mechanical damage resistance | Moderate | Moderate | Above average |
| Recognizability | Very recognizable | Moderate | Moderate |
| Color durability | Excellent | Good | Poor |
Note that each polymer coating has both advantages and disadvantages. While Kynar is arguably the best option for those looking for uncompromising quality for many years, SMP is a less expensive technology that still delivers acceptable performance. HDP is a much older polymer that has been declining in popularity for many years now due to its incomparable inferior quality.
So, is Kynar coating worth its price? If long-term protection, exceptional aesthetics, and minimal maintenance are high on your list of priorities, then investing in Kynar 500 is indeed worthwhile. While the initial cost is higher compared to standard coatings, the extended lifespan and reduced need for repairs can result in overall savings over time. This makes Kynar an excellent choice for projects where quality and durability are paramount.
Kynar 500 is the name of a 70% PVDF resin-based coating used to protect aluminum and steel surfaces in the construction industry. Kynar is used for corrosion protection of roofs, gutters and flashings.
Yes, Kynar 500 coated steel sheets are sometimes more expensive by up to 70% compared to galvalume with similar mechanical performance. However, this translates into durability and aesthetics for both coatings compared.
Yes, Kynar coating is versatile and can be applied to various metal roofing materials, providing enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
Typically, Kynar 500 coatings can withstand up to 60 years of service in temperate climates. However, the durability of PVDF is much worse if the coating is exposed to intense UV radiation or mechanical damage such as falling branches.
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(847) 947-6797
Contact us
Do you need personalized offer?
Call or write to us – let’s talk about what we can do for you!
(847) 947-6797
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Northshore Sheet Metals
ABM Distributing, Inc.
418 Mercantile Ct.
Wheeling, IL 60090
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Saturday: Appts Only
Sunday: Closed
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