Silicone roof coating was highlighted after the energy crisis of the 1970s as a white Reflective Coating to reduce building cooling costs by reflecting the sun’s rays. It is a fluid-applied membrane and can be easily recoated. Silicone roof coatings have been on the market for over three decades and have been proven in various climates. In today’s climate, the silicone roof coating is gaining popularity as a “green” energy-efficient roofing solution.
How do they work?
Silicone roof coatings are made of silicone polymers and provide several advantages compared to traditional asphalt-based roofing products. Silicone coatings are highly resistant to ponding water, UV rays, freeze-thaw cycles, and high winds. They also exhibit superior elastomeric properties, meaning they can stretch up to 1200% without breaking and will return to their original shape without memory effect. This makes them ideal for commercial roofs that experience significant expansion and contraction due to temperature changes throughout the day or season.
How are silicone coating applied to roofs?
Silicone roof coatings are applied in a two-part process. The first part is a basecoat rolled or sprayed onto the roof surface. This basecoat will dry to form a continuous membrane that is then ready to receive the second part, the topcoat. The top coat is rolled or sprayed on and cured to create a seamless, monolithic barrier that protects the underlying roof substrate.
Advantages of silicone roof coating:
At times, it can be hard to look beyond the green aspect of silicone roof coating, but there are numerous advantages to the process, beginning with:
Cost Savings:
Silicone roof coatings can save you money in several ways. For starters, they reflect heat away from the building, which reduces your air conditioning costs in the summer. They also protect your roof from UV damage, which can lead to leaks and other costly repairs down the road. In addition, silicone roof coatings can extend the life of your roof by up to 20 years, so you won’t have to replace it as often.
Environmentally Friendly:
Silicone roof coatings are also environmentally friendly. They help reduce energy consumption and lower carbon emissions. In addition, they are made of recycled materials and are 100% recyclable.
Superior Protection:
As we mentioned, silicone roof coatings are highly resistant to ponding water, UV rays, freeze-thaw cycles, and high winds. This makes them ideal for commercial roofs exposed to harsh weather conditions.
Extended life of the roof:
Silicone roof coatings can extend the life of your roof by up to 20 years. This means you won’t have to replace it often, saving you money in the long run.
Disadvantages of silicone roof coating:
The main disadvantage of silicone roof coatings is the initial cost. They are more expensive than traditional asphalt-based roofing products, but they offer several advantages that make them worth the investment. In addition, silicone roof coatings require regular maintenance to keep them looking their best and performing at their peak.
In addition to this, silicone roofs have criteria. You can’t just apply silicon to every roof and hope it sticks. There are specific types of roofing that this will not adhere to, such as EPDM Rubber roofs. If you have one of these roofs, then a silicone coating is not an option.
It is also important to note that while silicone roof coatings can extend the life of your roof, they will eventually need to be replaced. This is typically after 20-30 years, depending on your area’s climate and weather conditions.
Taking care of your roof:
Once everything is done and dusted, you must regularly take care of your silicone-coated roof. To do this, you should:
- Inspect your roof regularly for any signs of damage or leaks
- Clean your roof regularly to remove any dirt, debris, or leaves
- Trim trees and bushes near your roof to prevent branches from scratching or damaging the surface
- Repair any cracks or holes in the coating as soon as possible
Silicone roof coatings are an excellent option for commercial roofs. They offer superior protection against harsh weather conditions and can extend the life of your roof by up to 20 years. However, they are more expensive than traditional asphalt-based products and require regular maintenance. If you take care of your silicone-coated roof properly, it will provide you with many years of service. But eventually, all roofs need to be replaced, and that time will also come for your silicone roof. Remember, nothing about installing or replacing a silicone roof is a DIY process. Everything that you want needs to go through a professional. In addition, you also need to strictly adhere to the guidelines given by the professional and make sure nothing you do violates the warranty you signed with the installation company. Also, make sure you know the terms and conditions of the agreement with the repair company before putting pen to paper.