What differentiates silicone from other roof coatings?

A Brief Look Into Restorative Roof Coating Alternatives

Opting to fix a leaking roof or restore one that is past its prime can be quite the task. The sheer amount of information and number of options can make the process understandably overwhelming.

While each roof requires an individual assessment, roof coatings are quickly becoming a go-to solution for many roofing projects, and for good reason—these liquid roofing products can restore the weatherproofing on an existing roof without the need for a costly replacement.

Silicone roof coatings, in particular, stand out as a premier choice for many building owners who are looking for an effective, low-cost, long term solution to roof challenges.

What makes silicone roof coatings so, unique you might ask?

The Benefits of Silicone Roof Coatings

Not all roof coatings are created equal. In fact, silicone roof coatings have many unique characteristics that can benefit you and your building.

• Non-sacrificial
• One-coat application
• Withstand ponding water conditions
• Extremely weather-resistant
• Can be installed when it’s too cold to apply other technologies

Sounds great, right?

If you’re unfamiliar with some of the terms above, don’t worry—we’re here to break them down for you.

Sacrificial Coatings

Most roof coatings are carbon-based, making them “sacrificial” in nature. Due to their chemical composition, sacrificial coatings break down when exposed to the elements. Layer after layer, year after year, these coatings slowly wash away.

For sacrificial coatings—which include acrylics, polyurethanes, and epoxy—to be effective, they must be applied at a specific thickness based on the amount of material that will wear away in a year. This way, enough film will endure the elements to last the warranty period of the coating.

The molecular structure of silicone roof coatings produces a unique rubber polymer matrix upon cure. This gives the coating fantastic elasticity and flexibility.

This silicone composition also makes the film inert, meaning it does not break down over time. For this reason, silicone coatings are called non-sacrificial. Once silicone roof coatings are applied, they will remain the same thickness indefinitely.

The One-Application Advantage

The more work is done on a building’s roof, the more opportunity there is to disrupt the occupants below. The length of time a contractor takes to complete a job influences not only the cost of the project but also the possibility of disturbance.

In order to minimize the number of pinholes or blisters that could occur during application, other products require multiple coats and dry times between coats. The added time of these dry times—which can range from hours to days—extends the time it takes to complete the roofing projects tremendously.

High solids silicone can be applied at any thickness without blistering or pin holing, allowing it to be in a single thick coat. This minimizes the time a contractor must spend on the installation, reducing the disruption experienced by occupants of the building.

Ponding? No Problem!

Acrylics and polyurethanes are trusted and proven technologies in applications where there is sufficient roof slope. However, these products are not designed to be used in ponding conditions.

Ponding occurs when undulations in the roof cause water to collect in a pool on the roof surface. The definition of a ponding condition is water that is ¼ inch deep and lasts for at least 72 hours. Silicone coating has an advantage over other products because it does not break down under water.

Coatings other than silicone will absorb water in ponding situations. The absorption of water into these films can make them soften, crack, and/or lose adhesion to the roof.

Silicone coatings are different. Once silicone cures, it does not absorb liquid. This ensures that, when properly applied, it will withstand ponding water and continue to function properly.

Weather-Resistance

When exposed to UV radiation from the sun, to water, or to cyclical thermal stress over time, many roof coatings will lose the ability to stretch and adhere and may even tear and curl.

Silicone is different.

Silicone has been tested in weather conditions year-round for over 30 years to demonstrate that long exposure to the elements causes almost no loss of elasticity or flexibility. So, not only will it remain adhered to the roof, but it will also not fail due to normal weather conditions.

Everest – Your Go-To Roofing Experts

Silicone coatings are different from other roof coatings. Their unique attributes set them apart as a smart choice when deciding the kind of roof coating you will utilize. Since their introduction in 1965, silicone roof coatings have proven to be extraordinarily reliable.

At Everest, we specialize in the best roof coatings on the market today, including silicone roof coatings. No matter what your roofing project demands, we’re here to help. Reach out to speak to a roofing expert today and receive a free consultation!