Skip to main content
Pamblanco Painting logo.

Definitive 2021 Guide: Silicone Roof Coating

Definitive 2021 Guide: Silicone Roof Coating

Silicone Roof Coating.

Every homeowner has to replace or repair his/her roof eventually. The restoration process is a major expense, even with all the technological developments.

Roof Coating Manufacturers Association (RCMA) reports that roofing material is the third-largest contributor to waste in landfills. The waste is from torn off roofs.

The solution for this can be an elastomeric coating system like silicone roof coating.

It helps extend the life of the existing roofs without tearing off and replacing the roof of any building.

The most common commercial roofs can be:

  • Built-up Industry Roofing
  • Metal
  • Modified Bitumen
  • Single-ply
  • Spray Polyurethane Foam

Applying-silicone-roof-coating

Silicone Roof Coating

Silicone roof coating is a singular layer applied over existing roof systems. It can be sprayed or rolled to fill in the seams, cracks, and bubbling.

It forms an extra layer to protect the commercial roof from the natural elements.

How Does Silicone Roof Coating Work?

The silicone roof coatings form a waterproof, seamless, uniform membrane that repels ponding water. Once it hardens, it prevents the leaks without losing its adhesion to the roof.

Its reflective properties help maintain optimum temperature, save energy, deflect UV rays, and keep the commercial roof cooler despite the temperature.

Application Of Silicone Roof Coating

  • Infrared inspection is performed to identify saturated areas. These are then replaced.
  • The surface should be contaminant free. Power wash the roof to remove accumulated dirt.
  • Apply the primer to reinforce the seams of the membrane.
  • Perform miscellaneous repair to the roofing system.
  • Spray or apply the silicone with a roller over the entire commercial roofing surface.
  • At last, a representative from the manufacturer will inspect the installed coating for flaws.

Benefits of Silicone Roof Coatings

Silicone roof coating is highly effective of all coating systems:

  • High solids content
  • No need for primer
  • Better performance
  • Highly reflective
  • Resists ponding water
  • Impervious to moisture damage
  • Extend the life of your roofing systems
  • Save Energy

Silicone roof coating cleaning before application

Constraints of Silicone Coatings

The negative effects of coating systems can include:

  • Easily accumulate dirt and lose reflectivity.
  • Other materials would not adhere.
  • Slippery when wet
  • Application can be challenging
  • Energy usage can increase when the film tears.

Drying Time for Silicone Roof Coating

Drying time for the installed silicone roof coatings depend on the weather conditions:

  • Dry Climate = Faster drying time
  • Dew and high humidity = Longer drying time

In general, the drying time would be anywhere from 8-24 hours. Hence, it is better to do it on days when the humidity is low.

How Long Does Silicone Coating Last on a Roof?

A silicone roof coating can last a long time. It can last nearly 15 years – 20 years as long as you perform annual maintenance without fail.

Ensure that you inspect after any major weather events.

Can You Spray Silicone Roof Coating?

Roof coatings can be sprayed or rolled out. When sprayed, it offers:

  • More uniform application
  • Smooth look
  • No ponding water
  • Quick application

The constraints of spraying include the unavailability of labor and the absence of training for the same.

Cleaning Silicone Roof Coating

Silicone roof coatings attract dirt and contaminants easier than other roof coatings. They should be cleaned periodically with a pressure wash for a good performance.

Your roofer should offer it as a part of the annual maintenance package.

If you need any information, contact your roofing contractor.

Cost of Silicone Roof Coatings

The cost of the coating systems depends on many factors like:

  • Products
  • Roofing areas
  • Special accommodation

You may be asked to pay around $0.50 to $3 per square foot.

Coming to the product, it costs roughly $10/gallon or less.

How Much Does it Cost to Repair A Silicone Roof?

Repairs are typically less than 25% of the roof.

The repairs cost approximately $0.70 – $1.40 per sq. foot. This includes both labor and materials.

Can I Use Silicone on a Roof to fix a leak?

Any leaking surface can be fixed via:

  • Silicone sealants: A time-consuming process but effective.
  • Silicone membrane: Applied over any existing roofing systems. Creates a waterproof layer that seals leaks.

Stop Leaks with Silicone Coating

Fixing the leaks and preventing future ones are by far the greatest advantages of silicone roof coatings. When applied, the products seal up all the existing leaks, provided the roofing systems are in good shape.

With regular maintenance, the coating system can help prevent future leaks that may happen. Since it is water-resistant, it also prevents ponding water.

Silicone Caulk for Shingle Repairs

Silicone caulk is nothing but a roof sealant product that can be used via a caulk gun. Use it to fix leaks and bent shingles.

  • Place a bead of caulk below the bent shingle. Bend the shingle back into the right place and weigh it down.
  • Fill the cracks with the caulk from underneath and press the shingle back to fill the crack.
  • Seal the separation between the shingles and flashing with the silicone caulk.

2 men applying silicone roof coating

Recoating with Silicone

Silicone can adhere to itself and other surfaces without a need for primer. Hence recoating should not be an issue. As long as it doesn’t need any major repair, you can recoat it as you would do with new roofing.

Reliable Sealant for Flat Roof Surface

Silicone is probably the most suited sealant for flat roofs. The benefits of silicone products range from:

  • Leak protection
  • Aesthetic appeal
  • Highly Sustainable
  • Doesn’t absorb moisture

Best Flat Roof Coating for Commercial Building

A 100% single component elastomeric roof coatings like silicone coatings work for commercial roofing. The new series of silicone products are not water-based and also solvent-free. Hence contain 95% solids, most of which stay on the roof.

You can also use urethane-silicone, which combines both worlds in adherence, UV protection, and moisture resistance.

Recoat Your Flat Roof

Though your silicone should last long, it is advised to recoat it once every 5 years for better performance. The frequency also depends on your local climate.

Recoat Polyurethane Foam Roofing with Silicone

Foam materials need a silicone topcoat to protect them from the sun. Even then, it should be renewed every few years.

It can be sprayed or rolled on the existing foam roof. The solution doesn’t require the existing one to be torn off or replaced.

Brushing silicone roof coating

Other Common Types of Elastomeric Roof Coating

Depending on aesthetics, roof type, weather, etc., the industry roof coatings can be:

  • Acrylic Roof Coatings
  • Asphalt Emulsion
  • Butyl Rubber
  • Urethane Roof Coatings

Silicone Vs. Acrylic

Silicon sealing material performs better than its counterpart and also goes on easily.

Many acrylic sealants on the other hand can be painted which is not the case with silicone. It also has much lesser VOC levels than others.

Best Roof Coating

There is no particular best coating system. The liquid-applied system depends on the building you are trying to restore.

  • Sloping Roof: Acrylic coating
  • Flat Roof: Solvent-based material

Conclusion

The silicone coating is much preferred among other roof coatings due to its ability to withstand all climatic conditions. It is applied via a spray or roll on.

While the roll-on takes time, it doesn’t need any technical expertise. But the spray needs experience before it goes on as smoothly.

Silicone coating adheres on all roofs without any issue. It is also highly efficient and also moisture resistant. It is also waterproof and prevents water damage. Hence best suited for flat roofs.

Annual maintenance and recoating every 5 years help the installed coating to last longer.

More information on silicone roof coating can be found here

 

Silicone roof coating