Pros and Cons of Silicone Roof Coating for Home or Commercial Roofs
Gary Cripps 
Silicone roof coverings have gained popularity over the years because they can protect and insulate different types of roofs, including concrete roofs, metal roofs, single-layer roofs, modified bitumen roofs, and many others.
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You may have heard of this type of coating and its quality, but what do you know about the pros and cons of silicone roofs?
In this article we analyse the pros and cons of silicone roofs. We will also address the following important aspects:
- What is a silicone roofing material?
- The cost of this kind of coverage.
- Silicone versus acrylic roof cladding.
- How long will the silicone stay on the roof?
Read on to find out more about this roofing material and whether or not it is suitable for you.
Key benefits of silicone roofs
– Pond water resistance
One of the most appreciated properties of silicone roofs is their ability to withstand puddles of water. Indeed, silicone coatings are expertly formulated with solids that do not absorb water after curing. This allows the water to be retained for a long time without deteriorating or collapsing.
– Flexibility
Roofs are constantly exposed to hot and cold temperatures and therefore experience their share of expansion and contraction.
Silicone forms a flexible membrane that can expand and shrink while maintaining its strength and quality. The impenetrability of the coating also makes it resistant to dust and dirt particles blown onto the roof by the wind.
– Weather resistance
You can count on your deck to withstand extreme weather conditions and stay in perfect condition during storms, heavy rain or even snow. This note of stability makes it an excellent choice for any type of roof.
– Economy
Silicone roof coatings reflect the sun’s rays thanks to their white colour and prevent the roof and interior from overheating. This reduces the energy consumption of the air conditioner during the hot season and ultimately reduces your energy bill.
– Highly reflective and UV resistant
The ability of your roof covering to reflect UV rays will extend the life of your roof. Silicones are also resistant to sunlight and cannot lose their quality, crack or become extremely hard on prolonged exposure to sunlight. Few roof coverings can boast such a quality.
– High hardness mix
Modern silicone coatings have a high concentration of solids: This makes it possible to apply fewer layers to achieve the desired protection thickness. A maximum of one or two layers is sufficient to provide the required roof protection. This means that the application procedure will be fast and will not take much time.
– Environmentally friendly
Most silicone roofing coatings currently on the market have a high solid phase content and do not contain solvents. They also contain very low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
These are compounds that are considered to be unstable or flammable. In addition, the states have established rules regarding the safety of silicone coatings, which means that they are safe for you and the environment.
Main users of silicone roofs
– Request to the expert
Solvent-based coatings such as silicones are difficult to apply with hydraulic spray tools. The equipment must be properly cleaned so that the application can be carried out correctly each time.
Most contractors prefer spraying to the use of rollers as this allows for a more efficient application. Since hydraulic nozzles require a certain pressure to apply the silicone coating effectively, it is advisable to consult a professional for the best result.
– unpleasant odour during use
Silicones have a very unpleasant odour when applied. Although most brands are safely certified, it is best to protect yourself or leave the premises until the coating is fully cured.
– retains dirt
Silicone attracts dirt and dust particles. Over time, these materials accumulate on the surface of the roof and cover what should be a white cladding. This reduces the reflectivity. If the UV rays are not reflected by the surface of your roof, high temperatures will occur in your building.
We therefore recommend rinsing the silicone-covered roof at least every six months after installation.
The pressure removes even the hardest and heaviest particles so that your coating can perform optimally. Most contractors add this maintenance solution to the services they offer because the whole process requires the expertise of a professional.
– Smooth when wet
Silicone layers are very smooth when wet. It can be dangerous for people who walk on it. We therefore recommend marking pedestrian areas and even installing treadmills that absorb moisture and facilitate walking in these covered areas.
– Weak protective equipment
Most roofing materials offer guarantees of up to 25 years, allowing customers to enjoy the benefits of their investment for a long time. Some even have guarantees up to 50 years or more. Silicone roof coverings have a manufacturer’s warranty of five to fifteen years.
– works only on flat surfaces
Silicone roof coatings are preferably applied to flat roof surfaces. They can also be used on sloping roofs, but their effectiveness cannot be guaranteed in such situations. For certain types of roofs even a silicone coating is prohibited.
– Possible roof damage
When applying a silicone roof waterproofing to your building, it is best to use a licensed, insured and branded contractor. Because an inadequate coating can do more harm than good to your building.
Choose a reputable contractor with years of experience to ensure you get a quality service. If the application procedure goes wrong, the insurance can help you repair the damage to your property.
What is a silicone roof covering?
A silicone roof is a layer of silicone that is applied or rolled onto an existing roofing system. This procedure is carried out to repair leaks, cracks and joints on the roofs of commercial buildings. The coating provides a protective layer against the weather and increases the durability of the roof.
Silicone roof costs
The installation of a standard silicone roofing system costs between $2 and $4 per square meter. This price is approximate for commercial roofs with an area of approximately 20,000 square meters. However, there are several factors to take into account when calculating the cost of a silicone roof. That’s inclusive:
– Roof repair
Most companies consider the use of silicone roofs when their roofs age or leak. In this case, a repair can be recommended before the coating is applied. Labour and material costs can vary from $0.70 to $1.40 per square meter.
– Electric washing machine
The roof cannot be covered with silicone without proper cleaning. Dirt accumulating on the roof surface can affect the adhesion of the cladding material and its quality.
There are two types of roof washing systems: Traditional and improved carwash lines. A sanitary wash can cost $0.30 to $0.50 per square meter, while a conventional wash can cost $0.20 to $0.35 per square meter.
– Joint strengthening
Most professionals recommend some form of joint reinforcement before applying a coating. As a result, the coating usually adheres better to the roof surface and lasts longer.
Coated polyester fabric costs between $2.20 and $2.50 per square foot and tape between $4 and $4.50 per square foot.
– Silicone coating
The coating itself is sprayed or rolled over the entire roof surface at a cost of $1.40 to $2.50 per square foot.
– Guarantee fees
The costs you will have to bear under the guarantee depend on the manufacturer and the duration of the guarantee. For example, you can pay $0.06 to $0.10 per square meter for a 10-year warranty and $0.10 to $0.15 per square meter for 15 years.
Acrylic Roofing Silicone
Silicone and acrylic roof coatings are the most common types of elastomeric coatings. They offer a quick and convenient solution for managers who want an easy repair for old or leaking roofs. Both options are popular because they extend the life of the roof and eliminate leakage problems.
The preference of one over the other depends, for example, on the condition of your roof. B. the roof system and the temperature at the time of application.
It is even possible that one option is better suited to your roof restoration than the other. However, before you decide what is best for you, you should evaluate the durability, disadvantages and drawbacks of silicone and acrylic roofs.
Silicone resistance
Silicone can withstand ultraviolet rays. They reflect around 90% of the sun’s rays, reducing the cooling load on your roof, lowering your electricity bill and increasing the comfort of your home.
They are highly concentrated in solids, which makes them strong and flexible. This feature ensures that only one coating is needed to get the job done, saving work, time and money.
Silicone layers are resistant to heavy rainfall, oxidation and high temperatures. They are also more effective in protecting structures against pool water.
Disadvantages of silicone
Silicone coatings are sensitive to dust and dirt particles, reducing their ability to reflect UV rays. This requires regular maintenance to clean your roof. The floor also becomes very slippery when wet and may even need a filling in places where people move around a lot.
Resistance of acrylic coatings
This roofing material is an excellent choice for different types of roofs. It is cheap and has high reflectivity and ultraviolet radiation. Applying the acrylic coating to your roof is also very easy: You can roll or spray them on the roof support.
Disadvantages of acrylic coatings
Like silicone roofs, it has its limits. Acrylic paints are water-based, so they are not a good choice for roofs in areas where hurricanes and heavy rainfall occur. The coating weakens and may even peel off when exposed to water for prolonged periods of time.
Acrylic roofs should be designed for warm or sunny weather. Low temperatures increase the drying time of the coating and affect its ability to adhere to the roof. Therefore, this cover cannot be used when the temperature is lower than fifty degrees.
This is more of a comparison than a discussion about which coating material is better than the other. Both roofing options have their advantages and disadvantages, but the final decision lies with the buyer. Our short overview will help you decide what is the best coverage for your home or property.
How long will the silicone remain on the roof?
Silicone roof coverings are said to last more than ten years. This considerable durability is accompanied by regular annual inspections and maintenance, especially in extreme weather conditions.
Image source :
https://pmsilicone.com/flat-roof-coatings/
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