Conklin has offered acrylic roofing coatings since 1977. Its roofing product range includes coating systems and single-ply systems, with product specifications for different assemblies and applications. High Country Roofing’s Conklin background page introduces that history and the importance of selecting a system for the existing roof.
Pushing the boundaries to excel in all areas, Harry Conklin began to develop lubrication products in 1927. He continued for nearly 50 years when his two sons incorporated the business in 1969. In 1976, The Conklin Research and Development department created a unique latex elastomeric technology they brought to market one year later.
Rapid Roof was part of Conklin’s early acrylic coating development. Reflective coating technology remains one part of the company’s roofing range, but the suitability of a coating depends on the roof beneath it and the preparation required.
In1978, Conklin introduced Kwik Kaulk flexible sealant to complement the successful Rapid Roof system.
A partnership developed with Trufast Fasteners that solidified Conklin’s commitment to the customer and to further innovation.
Metal Ready expanded the preparation options for metal roofing. Surface cleaning, corrosion treatment and the specified primer are important parts of a coating project; compatibility should be checked for the actual metal surface and selected system.
Further Innovation
In 1986, Alumify (aluminum coating) brought life extending possibilities to aluminum roofing materials. And in 1991 Conklin introduced Benchmark, raising the bar again for elastomeric roof coatings. As Conklin products were protecting hundreds of millions of square feet of roofing in 1992, Conklin was sold to Charles and Judy Herbster. With their pursuit of innovation, under the new leadership Conklin continued to grow and excel.
Conklin joined forces with BASF spray foam and Atlas boardstock in 1992. They became strategic partners, offering insulation products along with Conklin’s increasingly popular roofing products.
Reformulated again in 1994, Rapid Roof continued to improve and provide superior value and innovation into the third generation.
As Conklin continued to add new products and building solutions, Wall Kote, exterior coating for vertical walls, was offered in 2002, while 2008 brought Metal Ready Universal, adding better adhesion and anti-corrosion properties. In 2009, Conklin introduced Equinox for cooler weather applications and further energy savings. And 2010 brought Puma XL to the market with a non-prorated extended warranty of 18 years.
Coatings and Single-Ply Systems
Conklin’s coating and single-ply systems address different roof conditions. Coatings are not a substitute for every damaged or worn-out roof. Before a restoration is proposed, the existing assembly needs to be assessed for moisture, adhesion, deterioration and drainage.
For a coating project, the specification should identify cleaning and preparation, repairs, the compatible primer, any reinforcement and the required application thickness. Acrylic and silicone products have different application and care requirements, so the selected system’s instructions matter more than a broad claim that either material solves every roof problem.
Conklin also publishes system specifications for FLEXION XL single-ply roofing and OUTPOST TPO single-ply roofing. Product names alone do not define a complete roof: insulation, attachment, flashing and edge details must be included in the proposed assembly.
Conklin Today
For a High Country Roofing project, the useful question is which system fits the building and the condition of its roof. The proposal should identify the products and preparation included, the areas to be repaired or removed, and the written warranty and maintenance terms. A manufacturer’s history is useful background, but the project-specific scope determines what will be installed.