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Category: Acrylic Roof Coating

Roof Restoration

Roof Restoration - Roof CoatingFrom crackling heat to colossal downpours, our roofs take a beating all year long. If your roof is starting to show its age, you may be thinking about a roof replacement. However, replacing your roof isn’t the only option available to you. You can take steps to protect the lifespan of your roof and repair the damage that already exists.

What is roof restoration? How does it work? Why is a restoration roofing system a popular choice for homeowners and businesses? What are the benefits of restoring a roof versus replacing it? Are all roof coatings the same?

This article will help answer these questions and more.

What Is Roof Restoration?

Roof restoration is defined as the process of using a highly engineered coating that repairs the damage and prevents future damages caused by the elements. A roof restoration system allows the property owner to cut costs, reduce the environmental impact, and extend the longevity of the existing roof.

What Is Roof Coating?

If you want to prolong the life of your roof, you should consider a roof coating. Roof coatings were designed as a preventive measure to protect roofs from damage and leaks. While many homeowners focus on the eventuality that they will need to replace or repair their roof, a roof coating may be a better alternative. Roof coating technology is available in silicone, acrylic, and aluminum.

What are the differences and benefits of these three types of roof coatings? How can you determine which one is best for your roof?

Silicone Roof Coating

Roof Restoration - Silicone Roof CoatingOne of the best roof coating options available is a silicone roof coating system. What is silicon coating? How does it work? What are the benefits of applying a roof coating to your roof?

Silicone is a high-performance polymer that aids in protecting a roof from UV damage, leaking, and other weathering effects. A silicone roof coating is a single layer of silicone rolled or sprayed on a roof to repair blisters, cracks, or seams. Silicone coatings are most often applied to a flat or low-sloped roof, making it an ideal roof coating for residential properties and commercial buildings.

This high solids protective layer does not increase the roof’s installation or inbuilt system. However, if you want to protect your roof from the elements, a silicone roof coating is the ideal choice.

High-Solid Silicone

High-solid silicone (HS silicone) means that the coating has more silicone per gallon left over on the roof after the coating cures. The thickness of silicone is important to a contractor because it directly relates to a roof’s longevity. The thickness of the cured layer of silicone also determines what type of warranty can be applied to the roof and the work performed during the restoration.

High solid silicone is also the best choice for a single-layer application process. If your roofing restoration includes fees associated with materials, a high solid silicone means that a contractor will use fewer materials due to the single-coat process.

Low-Solid Silicone

Low-solid or standard silicone (SS silicone) is the opposite of high-solid silicone coatings. Because standard silicone has less silicone per gallon, a contractor often uses more layers to reach the desired effect. Standard silicone is prone to pinholes and mug cracks. These imperfections may seem like small issues when the roof is newly restored, but they can lead to larger problems as time passes.

If you choose a silicone roof to meet your restoration needs, make sure your contractor uses high-solid silicone to protect your roof and save you money.

Benefits of Silicone Roof Coating

There are several cost-saving benefits to a silicone roof coating. The silicone coating creates a smooth, waterproof layer that reflects UV light and resists even the most forceful monsoon. Silicone roof systems also hold up in both high and low temperatures. Another benefit to using a roof coating is that there is zero construction involved in the process. The coasting is placed over the existing roof.

Acrylic Roof Coating

Roof Restoration - Acrylic Roof CoatingAcrylic roof coating is a polymer specifically designed to coat roofs. Often called an “acrylic elastomeric roof coating. This name refers to a “liquid applied, monolithic (seamless), fully adhered, elastomeric membrane that formed in situ on the roof.”

It is important to note that the elastomeric membrane is not the same as caulk or sealant. While caulking and sealant can adapt to some of the conditions on a roof, they are not equipped to withstand water, UV light, or those harsh elements.

The acrylic coating is 5 to 10 times thicker than house paint and not as brittle. This type of coating is usually white in color. While an acrylic coating may look similar to paint, its benefits are very different.

An acrylic roof coating is applied as a liquid that hardens as it dries.

Benefits of Acrylic Roof Coating

The white hue of an acrylic coating reflects light and repels heat, blocking as much as 85% of the heat from entering the building. This protection represents huge cost savings in air conditioning and UV damage to the existing roof.

Acrylic roof restoration systems can also protect the existing roof from water damage and restore the look and longevity of a roof’s performance. These roof systems are also fire resistant.

As homeowners and commercial building managers look for ways to lower costs and be more sustainable, they often find that acrylic roofing technology helps them reduce their energy consumption.

Aluminum Roof Coating

Roof Restoration - Aluminum Roof CoatingAluminum roof coatings are solvent-based mixed with asphalt, aluminum paste, moisture scavenger, fillers, and hydrocarbon solvents.

Unlike acrylic coatings, aluminum coatings are not waterproof. While they provide some protection from UV light, they fail to improve the mil thickness of the roof.

Contractors have found that because aluminum restoration systems contain asphalt and other chemicals containing volatile organic content (VOCs), there is an unpleasant and potentially harmful odor released when the coating is applied.

An aluminum roof coating is slowly poured and spread over the surface of the roof.

Benefits of Aluminum Roof Coating

While it is true that aluminum coating provides a highly reflective surface that increases its ability to reduce heat and the effects of UV damage to the roof, there is a clear downside to this type of roof restoration. The aluminum coating cannot interact with waterborne materials, such as acrylic, in the future. This restriction cuts down on its sustainable properties and increases the likelihood that the next time someone works on your roof, they will need to replace it.

Aluminum roof coatings are difficult to clean, hard to warranty, and powerless against rain. Before choosing an aluminum roof coating, contact a roofing professional to discuss the pros and cons of this restoration system.

Which Choice Is Best for Me?

When considering which roof restoration system is right for your home or commercial building, there are a few things to keep in mind.

  1. Do I really need to replace my roof?
  2. What restoration type best fits my roof slope?
  3. Is the coating waterproof?
  4. Does the coating protect against UV damage?
  5. Will the coating I choose lower my expenses?
  6. Is there health or environmental risks I should consider?
  7. How will the coating increase the resell value of the home?

Conclusion

The best way to determine which roof restoration option is best for your needs is to talk to a professional roofer. A contractor with years of experience can help you decide how to repair the roof you have and restore its performance.

Before you consider replacing your roof, remember that a roof restoration system is not only a more economical choice upfront, but it can also help you lower your electric and heating bill. If you want to save money and reduce your impact on the environment, a roof coating can help you accomplish that goal.

Pamblanco Painting LogoPamblanco Painting Contractors is a family-owned and operated residential and commercial painting business and has been providing painting and roof coating services since 1993. Get your free quote today!

Acrylic vs Silicone Roof Coating

Roof CoatingIf you are responsible for a commercial roof, you have probably reflected on the inevitability that you will need to invest in a roof replacement at some point during the life of the building. However, before you take steps to replace your commercial roof, there may be a cost-effective, eco-friendly alternative that you overlooked.

A roof restoration system can protect your building from water damage, UV light, and various other hazards. The proper roof coating can also repair the damage that already exists. That being said, not all roof coatings provide the same protection for your commercial roof. What is the difference between acrylic roof coating and silicone coating? Which one is better to use on a commercial building?

What Is Roof Restoration?

Roof restoration is defined as the process of using a highly engineered coating that repairs damage and prevents future damage related to the elements and human contact. A roof restoration system allows the property managers to cut costs, reduce their environmental impact, and extend the longevity of the existing roof.

Types of Roof Coating Systems

If you want to prolong the life of your roof, you should consider a roof coating. Roof coatings were designed as a preventive measure to protect roofs from UV damage and leaks. They are also invaluable assets for repairing a commercial roof that has already sustained damage. Roof coating technology is available in silicone, acrylic, and aluminum.

What Is Acrylic Roof Coating?

Acrylic roof coating is a polymer specifically designed to coat roofs. Often called an “acrylic elastomeric” coating, this name refers to a “liquid applied, monolithic (seamless), fully adhered, elastomeric membrane that formed in situ on the roof.”

The acrylic coating is 5 to 10 times thicker than house paint and not as brittle. This type of coating is usually white in color. While an acrylic coating may look similar to paint, its benefits are very different.

Safe to Use, Easy to Apply

An acrylic roof coating is waterborne. It is applied as a liquid that hardens as it dries. This type of coating is considered easy to use because it does not require mixing with any other components. Acrylic roof coatings do not contain volatile organic compounds (VOC) that are harmful to the user and the environment.

Since these coatings are not red labeled, they are easy to transport through normal shipping avenues, which is an additional cost-saving.

Acrylic roof coatings are also no more toxic than a can of house paint, making them easy to store in the home, garage, or warehouse.

Elastomeric Membrane

If you are not familiar with the roofing industry, you may not be familiar with the term “elastomeric membrane.” What is it? In short, an elastomeric membrane is an aesthetic, durable, weather-resistant, and easy-to-maintain coating that is capable of stretching at least twice its length. Elastomeric membranes are used in commercial roofing as a liquid that is applied on top of an existing roofing system.

Not Paint

While elastomeric coatings are applied like paint, they are not the same thing. Acrylic elastomeric roof coating is the same viscosity as paint. It can be sprayed or brushed onto the commercial roof. However, paint does not require resistance to ponding water, flexibility at cold temperatures, or highly reflective properties. Paint also does not need to expand or shrink depending on the elements or foot traffic.

Acrylic elastomeric coatings require all of these features. They need to tolerate a variety of external stressors and ponding water contact for an extended period.

Benefits of Acrylic Roofing Systems

Benefits of Acrylic Roofing Systems - UV ProtectionAcrylic coatings offer protection from UV light; pounding water; inclement weather like snow or wind; and much more! In addition to shielding roofing materials from elements that can decrease the roof’s lifespan, acrylic coatings can also repair damage.

The ability to prevent and repair damage is a cost-effective tool for anyone who does not want to work a roof replacement into their budget. However, the cost savings do not stop there.

An acrylic coatings’ ability to reflect UV light means a commercial building using an acrylic roofing system will experience a reduction in energy costs. In turn, these energy savings help protect the environment.

Make it WHITE

Acrylic roof coatings are often white in color. This color provides two noticeable benefits for a commercial roof. First, it reduces the heat of the roof membrane. Also, white acrylic roof coatings extend the roof’s life and represent measurable energy savings by using UV blocking properties.

According to experts, another benefit of white acrylic roof coatings is that they can reflect as much as 85% of sunlight, which significantly reduces the temperature in the building, lowering air conditioning costs.

Dynamic Environments

A commercial roof is under constant pressure to adapt. Throughout the year, a roof contends with thermal expansion; the weight of snow and rain; wind uplifts; seismic expansion; and much more. A commercial roof must be able to hold up under these conditions in both high and low temperatures. The commercial roof must also be able to endure foot traffic from maintenance crews.

Caulks and Sealants

It is important to note that acrylic roof coatings are not the same as caulks or sealants. Elastomeric coatings tolerate expanding and contrasting pressures like caulk or sealant, but acrylic roof coatings are designed to withstand standing water. They are also impact-resistant and highly reflective. Caulk or sealant does not have any of these properties.

The Durable Choice

UV radiation is very harmful to a standard asphalt commercial roof. Over time, the asphalt absorbs the UV light causing the asphalt to deteriorate. Acrylic roof coating contains UV pigment blockers that reflect the degrading UV radiation. This process is done without causing harm to the environment, and it prolongs the life of the roof.

What Is Silicone Roof Coating?

Silicone is a high-performance polymer that aids in protecting a roof from UV damage, leaking, and other weathering effects. A silicone elastomeric coating is a single layer of silicone rolled or sprayed on a roof to repair blisters, cracks, or seams. Silicone coatings are most often applied to a flat or low-sloped roof, making it an ideal roof coating for residential properties and commercial buildings.

This type of roofing system is called a high solids (HS) protective layer. This layer does not increase the roof’s installation or inbuilt system. However, if you want to protect your roof from the elements, a silicone roof coating is the ideal choice.

What Is High Solid Silicone?

High solid silicone (HS) means that the coating has more silicone per gallon left over on the roof after the coating cures. The thickness of silicone is important to a contractor because it directly relates to a roof’s longevity. The thickness of the cured layer also determines what type of warranty can be applied to the roof.

High solid silicone is also the best choice for a single-layer application process. If your roofing restoration includes fees associated with materials, a high solid silicone means that a contractor will use fewer materials because they only use one layer.

What Is Low Solid Silicone?

Low solid or standard silicone (SS) has less silicone per gallon. A contractor often uses more layers to reach the desired effect. Standard silicone is prone to pinholes and mug cracks. These imperfections may seem like minor issues when the roof is newly restored, but they can lead to more significant problems as time passes.

Before you invest in a silicone roof restoration system, ask your contractor which style of solid they intend to use for your roof.

Benefits of Silicone Roof Coating

Pros & Cons to Silicone Roof CoatingThere are several cost-saving benefits to a silicone roof coating. The coating creates a smooth, waterproof layer that reflects UV light and resists even the most forceful monsoon. Silicone roof systems also hold up in both high and cold temperatures. Another benefit to using a roof coating is that there is zero construction involved in the process. The coasting is placed over the existing roof.

Drawbacks of Silicone Roof Coating Systems

Usually, when people talk about the benefits of a silicone roof coating, they are quick to mention that a silicone roof is extremely UV stable. However, that doesn’t mean that there are is not a downside to these coatings.

These roof coatings are very slick when they are wet. Roofs coated with a silicone roof will have to install a “walk pad” in high traffic areas for safety. They also attracted dirt and other particles meaning it will need to be regularly maintained to protect its reflective potency.

Acrylic Roof Coating vs Silicone Roof Coating

With so many similar features between the two roof coatings, a contractor or property manager may wonder which roof coating system is best for their commercial roof. As stated earlier, coating a roof is an ideal way to experience energy savings and prolong the life of your commercial roof. These savings can be achieved with both an acrylic and silicone roof coating system.

While silicone coatings are known to protect structures from ponding water better, acrylic coatings are valuable to use on “many types of substrates; modified bitumen, metal, built-up, single-ply and spray polyurethane foam.”

The best way to determine if your commercial structure needs an acrylic or silicone roofing system is to contact a licensed roofing professional. They can help you understand the needs of your building, and walk you through the pros and cons of the coating systems available.

Pamblanco Painting Contractors is a family-owned and operated residential and commercial painting business and has been providing painting and roof coating services since 1993. Get your free quote today!