What is the difference between a bitumen “all weather” compound and an acrylic compound as it appears they both do the same job?
Bitumen based compounds are reinforced with fibre and are suitable for use on Asphalt, roofing felt and concrete surfaces. Overtime, as with all bitumen based products, it will lose its flexibility which results in cracking and shrinking and eventual failure of the installation. Acrylic based products, on the other hand, will not lose its flexibility due to the nature of the material. This makes it suitable for use on even more substrates, for example, PVC, cast iron, lead, galvanized gutters, etc. which have considerable thermal movement. It is also resistant to UV and will not soften in strong sunlight, unlike traditional bitumen. There is obviously a cost issue with these 2 choices, but for long term satisfaction and confidence in the job it would pay to use the more expensive system.
