US-based Insulating Coatings Corporation (ICC), along with the UAE-based Gulf Crossings – its recently-nominated master distributor and partner for the Middle East – will be promoting the Astec Re-Ply range of roofing systems and ceramic coatings at the Big 5 show.
These systems qualify for Leed credits, as well as Energy Star and Cool Roof programmes, according to Rick Thomas, who has been with ICC for more than two decades.
Although products from the Astec range have been used earlier in the region, the company is essentially relaunching the line with a new expansion, states the company.
Established in 1984 in Inverness Florida, ICC is an ISO 9001-registered manufacturer of the premium Astec line of ceramic coatings and a leader in energy-saving coating technology.
“Our founder Richard Ziebarth was, in fact, the innovator of ceramic coating technology,” says Thomas.
“The ceramic technology used around the world was developed and perfected in the US by ICC and today the Astec Re-Ply Systems are manufactured only in the US to the strict standards that have made ICC the world leader in sustainable ceramic coatings and Astec the leader in heat-reflective ceramic coating technology for roofs and walls,” adds Thomas.
Astec ceramic coatings and fluid-applied membrane systems provide seamless waterproof and weather-tight barriers, for the sustainable restoration of roofs, walls, and other industrial surfaces.
Commenting on its association with ICC, Gulf Crossings’ managing partner Hisham Bakir says: “Gulf Crossings, being a UAE-established company, prides itself on being assigned as the master distributor to ICC for the Middle East and North Africa. We realise that being successful means knowing and providing materials to meet the overall requirements of the construction industry. We believe that we also have a responsibility to our planet by providing an environment-friendly products.”
ICC is enthused by the growing demand for its products and hence decided to make its debut at the Big 5 show.
Thomas comments: “It is wonderful that the market is beginning to catch up to the Astec principles of energy reduction and sustainability management. These unique fluid-applied systems have proven to protect, waterproof, and save energy (up to 40 per cent on cooling costs) for more than 21 years and to date we have applied over 28 million sq m to varying surfaces.”
Backed by a 10-year warranty, Astec provides durable quality and installation savings that can be as much as half the cost of conventional systems that offer similar or even fewer benefits, according to Thomas.
“Offering high reflectivity, emissivity, and dissipation of heat, while reducing UV (ultraviolet) light degradation, Astec coatings and membranes enhance any substrate, resulting in substantial maintenance and energy cost reductions.
“Many Astec ceramic wall and roofing systems test beyond typical standards for durability, pliability, longevity, wind resistance, abrasion resistance, and salt, chemical, and corrosion resistance, while reducing thermal shock damage and the high cost of temperature control,” he points out.
Employing 45 people, ICC is the world’s largest volume purchaser of the highest-grade, premium, acrylic polymers used in ceramic coatings and is also the largest producer in the US of ceramic coatings for roofs and exterior walls, states the company.
Says Thomas: “We are always looking to develop new ways to provide our business associates a competitive edge while continually producing products that will benefit the business community and the environment. “
ICC has recently redesigned and upgraded its facility, re-engineered its manufacturing process, and increased its international presence.
“Business has been incredible with sustained growth and a very promising outlook. We have had approximately a 30 per cent increase in business over the previous year,” he says.
In the region, ICC has supplied to the US military projects in Kuwait and to a Royal Guard project in Oman.
The company is located at Stand G315.
