G.A.C.O. Waterproofing – Coating

Executive Summary

G.A.C.O. (Gates Company) is a leading manufacturer of silicone roof coating systems, waterproofing solutions, and spray foam insulation products for commercial, industrial, and residential applications12. Founded originally in 1955 with roots tracing back to the late 1930s, the company has evolved from Ed Gates’ experiments with liquid neoprene coatings into a comprehensive building envelope solutions provider345. Currently operating as part of Holcim Building Envelope (formerly Firestone Building Products), GACO has established itself as a recognized leader in innovative waterproofing and coating technologies that cover millions of square feet of buildings across various climates26.

Company History and Ownership Structure

Historical Foundation

GACO’s origins can be traced to Ed Gates, a rubber salesman who began experimenting with liquid neoprene (rubber) coatings in the late 1930s47. He founded the Gates Company in 1955, from which the trade name “GACO” is derived34. The company initially manufactured coatings for various uses, including industrial corrosion protection47.

Ownership Evolution

The company has changed hands several times while maintaining its commitment to innovation4:

• 1955-2017: GACO operated as a privately-owned, family-owned company based in Seattle, Washington38
• February 2017: Firestone Building Products Company, LLC (part of Bridgestone Americas) acquired GACO Western to strengthen its commercial roofing portfolio and expand into liquid coating products91011
• 2022: Following Firestone’s parent company transition, GACO became part of Holcim Building Envelope Division, a global leader in innovative building solutions412

Product Portfolio and Technology

Core Product Categories

GACO has recently unified its extensive product lines under seven distinct sub-brands1314:

Silicone Roof Coating Technology

GACO has been manufacturing silicone roof coatings for 30+ years, positioning itself as an early innovator in this technology4. Their silicone coatings offer several key advantages17:

• Permanent flexibility that maintains adhesion under permanent ponding water
• UV resistance without degradation, chalking, or cracking
• Seamless membrane formation for superior waterproofing
• Energy efficiency through highly reflective surfaces
• Long-term durability avoiding costly tear-offs17

Spray Foam Insulation Systems

GACO manufactures both closed-cell and open-cell spray foam products1819:

• Gaco 183M: Two-component HFC-blown closed-cell foam with Class A fire rating and polyols from renewable sources18
• GacoInsulBarrier: Open-cell foam system for thermal and air barrier applications19
• GacoFlashFoam: Portable high-density foam for flashing and repair applications20

Market Position and Competition

Industry Leadership

GACO holds a significant position in the elastomeric and silicone coating markets21. According to industry analysis, acrylic roof coatings make up the largest share of the reflective coatings market, while GACO has established particular strength in silicone technologies21. Professional contractors recognize GACO as producing some of the highest quality silicone roof coatings available, though typically at premium pricing22.

Market Size and Growth

The broader waterproofing and coatings markets show strong growth trajectories:

• Global waterproofing market: Valued at USD 65.89 billion in 2023, projected to reach USD 103.49 billion by 2032 (CAGR 5.2%)23
• Roof coating market: Valued at USD 8.72 billion in 2024, projected to reach USD 10.16 billion by 2029 (CAGR 3.1%)24
• Elastomeric coating market: Expected to reach USD 15.76 billion by 2034 with strong growth driven by construction activities25

Competitive Landscape

Major competitors in the elastomeric and waterproofing coating industry include26:

• BASF SE
• Sherwin Williams Company
• PPG Industries Inc
• Dow Chemical Company
• Progressive Paintings Inc.
• Industria Chimica Adriatica SpA

Technical Specifications and Standards

Performance Standards

GACO products meet numerous industry standards and certifications2728:

• ASTM D 6694 compliance for silicone roof coatings
• Energy Star and Cool Roof Rating Council reflectance requirements
• IECC, ASHRAE 90.1, and California Title 24 solar reflectance standards
• Underwriters Laboratory listings
• SCAQMD compliant versions available27

Physical Properties

Key performance characteristics of GACO silicone coatings include27:

Warranty and Quality Assurance

Warranty Programs

GACO offers comprehensive warranty options that demonstrate confidence in product performance293031:

• 20-year material warranties for GacoPro silicone roof coatings with strict application adherence29
• 50-year pro-rata limited material warranties for specific GacoRoof products30
• No Dollar Limit (NDL) warranties available in 10, 15, and 20-year durations with thorough inspection protocols31

Quality Control

The company implements rigorous quality control measures31:

• Thorough inspector evaluations of completed installations
• Thickness testing to ensure proper application rates
• Comprehensive roof examinations before warranty approval
• Licensed applicator programs ensuring proper installation techniques31

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

Low-VOC Formulations

GACO has developed environmentally conscious products with low VOC emissions3233:

• Gaco 052N: VOC content <50 g/L (<0.417 lb/gal)32
• Water-based formulations for reduced environmental impact
• GREENGUARD and GREENGUARD Gold certifications for select products like GacoOnePass34

Energy Efficiency Benefits

GACO coatings contribute to building sustainability through3233:

• Energy savings up to 40% through improved thermal performance32
• Reduced air conditioning needs via highly reflective surfaces33
• Elimination of roof tear-offs reducing landfill waste33
• Extended roof life minimizing material replacement cycles33

LEED Compliance

GACO products support multiple LEED credit categories32:

• Energy & Atmosphere: Minimum energy performance and optimization
• Materials & Resources: Construction waste management and regional materials
• Indoor Environmental Quality: Low-emitting materials and thermal comfort
• Innovation & Design Process: Exceptional performance recognition32

Recent Developments and Innovation

Product Innovations

GACO continues advancing coating technology with recent launches3536:

• GacoFlex A48 (2023): First high-build acrylic elastomeric coating applicable up to 80 wet mils in single pass3637
• Expanded acrylic and urethane portfolio (2021): Addition of GacoFlex A47 acrylic and urethane coatings for comprehensive solution offerings35
• HFO-blown foam technologies: Environmentally improved blowing agents in spray foam products20

Brand Consolidation

The 2025 brand architecture consolidation streamlines customer experience while maintaining proven formulations from legacy brands including Pacific Polymers, ER Systems, Elastek, and Acryl-R1314.

Financial Performance and Market Presence

Manufacturing and Distribution

GACO operates from state-of-the-art facilities68:

• Primary manufacturing: Waukesha, Wisconsin research and development facility
• Headquarters: Nashville, Tennessee (current) / Seattle, Washington (historical)
• Distribution: Nationwide coverage with international presence6
• Production capacity: Up to 90% of products manufactured in-house2

Market Coverage

The company’s products cover millions of square feet of commercial and residential buildings across diverse climate conditions26. GACO maintains strong relationships with certified contractors through programs like the annual Top Contractor Awards recognizing excellence in application and volume38.

Conclusion

G.A.C.O. represents a well-established leader in the waterproofing and coating industry with nearly 70 years of innovation history5. The company’s transition from independent family business to part of the global Holcim Building Envelope portfolio has provided resources for continued growth while maintaining focus on product quality and customer success414.

With strong market positioning in silicone technologies, comprehensive warranty programs, and commitment to environmental sustainability, GACO is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for energy-efficient building envelope solutions2324. The recent brand consolidation and expanded product portfolio demonstrate strategic evolution to meet diverse market needs while leveraging the trusted GACO reputation built over decades of proven performance1314.

The company’s focus on technical excellence, comprehensive warranties, and sustainable solutions positions it favorably within the competitive landscape as construction markets increasingly prioritize durability, energy efficiency, and environmental responsibility2333.