Metal construction continues to dominate the U.S. building industry, favored for its durability, versatility, and aesthetic appeal. Among the various enhancements available, coil and extrusion metal coatings play a pivotal role. These coatings not only improve the visual appeal of metal products but also can significantly contribute to sustainability and energy efficiency, making them desirable in modern construction practices.
Market Size and Impact
The U.S. coil and extrusion coatings market is robust. According to The ChemQuest Group Inc., “The year 2022 ended with production of 1.33 billion gallons valued at $31.8 billion, down from 2021 by 0.4% in volume but up 17.7% in value.” This market is projected to grow steadily, driven by increasing construction activities and the demand for sustainable building materials. Metal construction, encompassing commercial buildings, residential structures, and infrastructure projects, heavily relies on these coatings to extend the lifespan of metal components, reduce maintenance costs, and enhance aesthetic appeal.
Aggressive consolidation over the past two decades has enabled the top 10 global coatings firms to collectively account for 41.7% of global sales in 2022. The top four global players (3 of which will be exhibiting at METALCON 2024!) accounted for 73% of the top 10 global coatings firms’ sales in 2022. (Source:The ChemQuest Group Inc.)
Coil and Extrusion Coatings
The difference between coil and extrusion coatings is how they are applied. Coil coatings are applied to coiled sheets of metals before its formed. On the other hand, extrusion coatings are spray applied after the aluminum extrusion has been formed. Coil coatings applications include roofing panels, sidings, and gutters. Extrusion coatings applications include window systems, storefronts, curtain walls and more. The adoption of these coatings in the metal construction market offers longevity and performant ce of building facades, making them more attractive to architects, builders, and property owners.
Sustainability Attributes
Solar Reflective Coatings
One of the remarkable advancements in coil and extrusion coatings is the development of solar reflective coatings. These coatings are formulated to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat, which can reduce the energy consumption of buildings. By maintaining cooler surfaces, these coatings can lessen the need for air conditioning, thereby lowering energy costs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Urban Heat Island Mitigation
Moreover, solar reflective coatings can help mitigate the urban heat island (UHI) effect, a phenomenon where urban areas experience higher temperatures than their rural surroundings due to human activities and the concentration of heat-absorbing materials. By applying these coatings to metal roofs and wall panels, cities can reduce ambient temperatures, leading to improved air quality and enhanced comfort for urban dwellers.
Advantages of Using Coil and Extrusion Coatings
The benefits of coil and extrusion coatings extend beyond sustainability. These coatings provide superior protection against corrosion, UV radiation, and harsh weather conditions, ensuring that metal building products remain intact and functional for decades. Additionally, they offer a wide range of colors and finishes, allowing for creative architectural designs and improved aesthetic appeal.
LEED and WELL Credits
To meet the needs of the growing demand among consumers and tenants for buildings, LEED and WELL certifications provide a competitive edge in attracting occupants. Coil and extrusion coatings contribute to earning LEED and WELL credits in several ways.
For LEED certification, these coatings can contribute to credits under the Energy and Atmosphere (EA) category by improving energy efficiency through solar reflective properties. They also support the Materials and Resources (MR) category by offering materials with sustainability attributes. In the context of the WELL Building Standard, coil and extrusion coatings can enhance indoor environmental quality by reducing VOC emissions and contributing to thermal comfort.
Learn How to Achieve Sustainable Performance with Coil and Extrusion Metal Coatings with METALCON
Join industry expert Lauren Rogers, Sustainability Manager with Sherwin Williams Coil Coatings Division, on-demand NOW with a free online webinar. In this session, Lauren shares her passion for creating a more sustainable, equitable environment. Learn how to use coil and extrusion coatings in the built environment, and how innovative coatings can contribute to sustainability initiatives.
Conclusion
Coil and extrusion metal coatings offer numerous advantages from aesthetic appeal to enhanced durability and sustainability. The market for these coatings is poised for growth, driven by increasing demand for energy-efficient and building materials with sustainability attributes. Innovations in coating technologies continue to improve the performance of metal building products, making them an ideal choice for modern construction projects. You won’t want to miss the opportunity to learn more and network with some of the top companies in this booming industry with METALCON Online or in person at METLACON 2024.