Just like a good pair of boots protects your feet, a reliable roof shields your commercial building. As it keeps the items sheltered, it also keeps moisture from entering the facility and makes it possible to use fall heating at reduced costs. Yet, what happens if you are facing a situation that compromises your roof? The task of whole roof replacement is usually very disturbing and costly.
This is where silicone roof coatings intervene. Think of it as having a special roof paint that is tailor-made for the roof. That is the conventional way to describe a silicone coating. It creates an additional layer of defense. It will give you a few more years in the current roof’s life cycle.
In this blog, we’ll look closer at silicone roof coatings. We’ll explore silicone roof coating pros and cons in clear terms. By the end, you’ll have the information you need. It will let you decide if a silicone roof coating is right for your building.
What Are Silicone Roof Coatings?
Silicone roof coatings represent a cutting-edge approach to commercial roof maintenance. These coatings are essentially liquid-applied membranes formulated with silicone polymers. This unique composition offers many benefits. It is for building owners and facility managers.
The key advantage of silicone roof coatings is their ability to make a seamless membrane. This barrier locks out the elements, safeguarding the underlying roof structure. Also, silicone’s natural properties make it highly resistant to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It is also resistant to stagnant water.
Silicone roof coatings are versatile and effective. They have become prominent in commercial roofing. They offer a viable solution. It extends the lifespan of existing roofs. They work in diverse climates and under harsh conditions.
How Long Do Silicone Roof Coatings Last?
Silicone roof coatings have a long life. This is one of their most compelling advantages. Properly applied silicone coatings can last 10 to 20 years. This depends on factors like the local climate, weather, and maintenance. This remarkable durability translates to significant cost savings for commercial building owners.
Compared to a full roof replacement, silicone coatings are a much cheaper way to extend the life of your existing roof. For instance, other roof coatings might cost around $700. But, a silicone coating could cost as little as $300.
Broad Applicability for Flat and Low-Slope Roofs
It’s important to note that silicone roof coatings are best suited for flat or low-slope roofs. This includes surfaces like:
- Flat Roofs: Flat roofs are common on commercial buildings. They are the perfect platform for applying silicone coating.
- Shingle Roofs: They are less common for commercial buildings. Silicone coatings can be applied to them, depending on their condition and slope.
- Tile Roofs: Silicone coatings may be used on some types of tile roofs. These are like shingle roofs. They are on low-slope commercial buildings. It’s important to consult a professional roofer to determine suitability.
Also, with proactive maintenance, the coating’s life can be extended. The plan includes regular inspections and minor touch-ups. This approach is proactive. It ensures that your roof stays in great shape for years. It maximizes your return on investment. This proactive approach ensures that your roof stays in great shape for years. It maximizes your return on investment. At Turtle Roofing, we understand the importance of reliable roof protection. That’s why we offer high-quality silicone roof coatings. They come with a 2-year warranty from the manufacturer.
High Solids Silicone Vs. Solvent-Based Silicone
Two primary sorts of silicone roof coatings are high-solid silicone and solvent-based silicone. However, high-solids silicone consists of thicker materials, and the coverage is greater. They are ideal for waterproofing roof areas containing small imperfections. But, unlike high-solid silicone, these thinner coatings can penetrate more effectively into the matrix, so they are also suitable for bigger damage in roofs. The type of silicone coating you would like to select is the one that is suitable for your particular roof needs and environmental conditions.
Wondering What Roof Coating System is Suitable for Your Building?
The most suitable silicone coating for your roof type is determined by the following two major issues:
- Roof Condition: Examine the damage. In cases of minor defects, use high-solid silicone; however, for more considerable wear, you had better select solvent.
- Environment: Take a look at the climate of your area. Curing time for the options using solvents can be improved by the colder temperature, and for high solids, they might experience improved UV resistance in hotter weather.
Silicone Roof Coating Pros and Cons: An Overview
Pros
- Waterproofing: Silicone coatings form a seamless, water-resistant barrier capable of rejecting ponding water, which is generally a common problem for flat and low-slope roofs.
- UV Resistance: Reflects sunlight, thus minimizing energy expenditures and preventing damage from UV rays that may lead to the destruction of the roof materials.
- Flexibility: It can change its size and shape with temperature variations, thus avoiding the emergence of fractures and other damages triggered by thermocycling.
- Ease of Application: Rather than being a primer, it might be just a simple process if existing materials are not included, which means less time and labor costs.
- Longevity: There is a possibility that the life of the coating might be about 10–20 years after it is maintained properly, which in turn provides longer-term protection and decreases re-roofing frequency.
Cons:
- Cost: The coating is a bit costlier at the beginning than others, but the good news is that the cumulated savings cover the difference with time.
- Slippery Surface: The wet material carried during maintenance and inspection may lead to a slip or trip, which typically results in a number of safety concerns.
- Dirt Attraction: To retain their shine and luster, you must get rid of the filth and litter that occur when they are present, soiling, as well as pilfing, the area.
- Difficult to Recoat: The application of a subsequent coating will also require additional mixing and proper fits to acquire proper waterproofing and adhesion.
What Types of Roofs Can Be Restored With a Silicone Roof Coating?
Silicone roof coatings are flexible and can be applied to many different kinds of roofs, such as:
- Metal Roofs: This is a fitting one. It’s a special coating that blocks rust and mold, does not dissolve in water, and so extends the road’s life.
- EPDM Roofs: Such a layer helps rubber roofs endure against UV rays and gives them a longer service life. Wear due to ozone and oxygen exposure is common with EPDM roofs. Modified Bitumen roofs Seal the seams and prevent leaks, solving the frequent issues with this kind of roofing material.
- Built-Up Roofs (BUR): The laying of a special membrane on the old roofing not only mends it but also does it by providing a further layer of safeguarding.
- Single-Ply Roofs: The energy saving and the provision of good insulation due to its waterproof nature are the other typical purposes of single-ply roofing membranes In addition to the mentioned ones, manufacturers of single-ply roofing materials
What Other Types of Roof Coatings Are There?
Apart from silicone, other popular roof coatings include:
- Acrylic Coatings: Acrylic coatings are affordable and UV resistant. But, they are less effective against ponding water. This makes them suitable for sloped roofs.
- Polyurethane Coatings: Polyurethane coatings are durable and resist impact and foot traffic. They are often used in areas with heavy mechanical use or hail.
- Asphalt Coatings: Asphalt coatings are cost-effective. But, they may have shorter lifespans and lower UV resistance. They are common on older or low-budget projects.
- Butyl Rubber Coatings: Butyl rubber coatings are excellent for waterproofing. But, they can be more expensive. They are often used for specialized applications that need superior waterproofing.
Ready to Install a Silicone Roof Coating on Your Commercial Building?
Deciding on the right type of roof coating can absolutely influence the life of your building as well as its level of energy efficiency and performance. With the excellent features—for instance, reflectiveness, durability, water resistance, and easy maintenance—one may certainly look forward to an energy-efficient building and thus prolong its lifespan.
Silicone roof coatings offer various advantages to the property owner, hence, they are the most preferable ones for the commercial sector. It is maybe restorations of an already existing roof or even a new roof installation that you’re looking for a product like silicone to go for, as it tends to withstand wear and tear much more than other substances. The application of silicone is a powerful and appealing way to vigorously protect your roof from environmental damage.
Conclusion
Silicone roof coatings are a durable, efficient, and money-saving way to add years to your commercial building’s life. Initially, they have a price, which is called the first cost, to cover, but they will make you secure more money in the long run. Take into account what your building is like and what your final decision might be by making a call to a well-experienced roofer. Understanding the silicone roof coating pros and cons can help you make an informed decision.
Are you willing to install a silicone roof coating on your industrial roof to get the most out of it? Just come over and visit us at Turtle Roofing today to plan the consultation, and after that, you can start your roofing project!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can silicone roof coatings be applied in cold weather?
A: Yes, silicone roof coatings can be made in a variety of temperatures and are therefore adaptable to the differing seasons.
Q: How often should silicone roof coatings be inspected?
A: Besides two well-timed inspections in a year, one should also gain a firsthand idea of how the coating may deteriorate, its condition overall, and the like during the next non-commissioned weekend.
Q: Can we tint silicone roof coatings?
Yes, silicon coatings could be made of a different color. This satisfies your desire for the looks of the building.
Q: Are silicone roof coatings environmentally friendly?
Because of their durability and low power consumption, they can rightly be called “green” roof coatings. Silicone roof coatings are environmentally friendly. They are very long-lasting and save energy, thereby being environmentally friendly.
