Khaycelyn - Author
Here’s our guide to silicone roof coating pros and cons including what it is, cost and the best silicone roof coating brands.
For a proper and durable roof restoration, it’s always an excellent idea to use silicone roof coatings. A lot of people are applying the silicone roof coating method for various reasons.
This method works best in recovering and protecting different types of roofing substrates as well as concrete roof decks, single-ply, EPDM, modified bitumen, TPO, or metal.
Reinforcing your roof with silicone roof coating can provide a lot of useful benefits, but it also has its downsides. In this article, we’ll talk about what exactly a silicone roof coating is. And later, we’ll also discuss its pros and cons.
What is Silicone Roof Coating?
A silicone roof coating method is composed of either 1 or 2 layers of silicone sprayed or rolled on in liquid form to fill and suffuse in the roof’s seams, blisters, and cracks.
This coating system isn’t used to revamp the roof’s underlying and insulation structure. However, it adds a supplemental layer of durability and protection against various elements.
Other homeowners or business owners use silicone flat roof coating onto their house or building’s roof because it serves a lot of benefits. Silicone roof coating normally does not chalk off and shed over time. Moreover, it does not need to be supported by roof fabric to properly function.
Silicone Roof Coating Pros
Here are the silicone roof coating pros and cons starting with the advantages.
It can efficiently resist ponding water
This is no doubt the best advantage of this roof coating system. When we say ponding water, it is the water that stays on a roof for 2 days or longer.
Generally speaking, roofs deteriorate when they’re persistently in contact with ponding water. However, silicone roof coatings can protect the roof by enduring the ponding water’s damaging effects.
Moreover, silicone roof coatings can safeguard the roof without getting damaged as they do not absorb water.
It provides maximum protection against UV rays
A silicone roof coating has the ability to reflect 80% to 90% of the sun’s damaging UV rays. This makes this coating system a cost-efficient option to prevent too much hotness, especially in the summer months.
This can help home and business owners save energy and money by cutting some cooling costs and reducing some HVAC system maintenance activities.
Silicone coatings don’t crack, chalk, or deteriorate even if they’re constantly exposed to sunlight. Normally, roofs that are highly exposed to sunlight acquire 55°C to 60°C of temperature. But once they’re protected with a silicone roof coating, the temperature usually goes down to 35°C.
It is an all-weather and flexible roof coating
Silicone roof coatings are very flexible and they create an impermeable structure that’s capable of withstanding oxidation, sand, cold, and hot temperatures.
It can be installed in a short duration
The reinforcement of roofs is what normally interrupts people from using their houses or buildings. However, installing a silicone roof coating can effectively cut down the construction duration by up to 30%. It’s a lot more convenient and it can help you save money since you’ll cut some labor costs.
It is eco-friendly
Modern silicone roof coatings are generally environmentally friendly. Meaning, installing it won’t harm the earth. Most of the high-solids silicone roof coatings nowadays are extremely low in VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and they’re solvent-free.
Yes, the majority of silicone coatings have passed quality control and they are very safe to use.
If you want something a little more eco-friendly than your average rooftop, a great alternative is a green roof. Visit this page about types of green roofs to know more about implementing a green roof for your own space.
Silicone Roof Coating Cons
It usually attracts dust particles and dirt
Because of the silicone’s texture, dirt and dust particles are likely to stick on it. If the dirt and dust accumulation isn’t immediately solved, the coating system will gradually lose its reflecting capability.
As a result, the coating will absorb the sun’s heat and it might affect the temperature of your interior space.
That’s why it’s highly recommended to clean your silicone roof coating 6 months or 1 year after it has been constructed so that dirt and dust accumulation will be prevented.
You can clean it using a gas or electric-powered pressure washer. You can do this once or twice a year to keep your coating system in its top condition.
Silicone adheres very well that it makes it hard to replace
If you’re planning to change your roofing system in the future, it’s not advisable to coat your roof with silicone then. You can’t install a new roofing system above a silicone coating; you’ll have to remove the entire silicone layer. This is why installing silicone roof coating is a very long-term investment.
It’s very slippery when it’s wet
You’ll have to wear the safest shoes that won’t easily slip on wet surfaces when you’re planning to clean your silicone roof coating.
Silicone Roof Coating Price
The price, level of thickness, and the number of layers will normally depend on the silicone coating’s brand or manufacturer. However, these are the average prices of silicone roof coating system:
Single Coating. The usual price of a single silicone coating ranges from $1.50 to $3 per square foot.
Double Coating. The price of double silicone coating normally varies from $2 to $5 per square foot.
An entire roof tear-off and construction normally costs $4 to $10 per square foot.
Best Silicone Roof Coating Brands
GacoRoof Silicone Roof Coating (GACSRCG5). This silicone coating is 100% made out of pure silicone and it produces a seamless layer to seal, repair, and protect your roof against ponding water, leaks, and inclement weather. This product is available in various colors. It can be used on both sloped or flat roofs.
Henry Silicone Roof Coating (HE887HS073). This roof coating is purely designed to reflect the heat of the sun. It’s also made out of 100% pure silicone and it can withstand all types of weather. It can also shield the sun’s harmful UV rays and it provides superior protection to your roof.
Rust-Oleum Extreme Silicone Roof Coating (308666). This product effectively adapts to temperature extremes. It offers long-term energy savings and weathering protection. It doesn’t contain solvents and can be applied without using a primer. It is made out of 100% silicone and it can make your roof very durable, watertight, and sealed.
Acrylic vs Silicone Roof Coating
In terms of cost, acrylic roof coatings are normally less expensive than silicone coatings.
When it comes to longevity and durability, silicones are proven to last much longer than acrylics. That is because silicone coatings can withstand UV rays and moisture better than acrylic coating. Although they’re both durable enough to handle various elements, silicones still win the battle.
Both silicone and acrylic roof coatings can reflect sunlight from 80% to 90%. That means they can work very efficiently when it comes to reflectivity. Silicone coatings are also more efficient in terms of resisting ponding water.
In terms of stability against UV, silicones are more exceptional than acrylics. Silicone coatings never chalk and they don’t turn to be brittle even if they’re persistently exposed to UV rays.
When it comes to maintenance and installation, acrylic roof coatings are the better option. They’re much easier to clean and install than silicones.
Are there any silicone roof coating pros and cons that we missed? Let us know what you think below in the comments. See more related content at our article about peel and stick roofing on this page.
