Flat roofing is the most commonly used for industrial and commercial roofing. Silicone roof coatings are one of the most popular types for these roofs, given their chemical makeup. They are great for the restoration of many industrial roofing materials such as modified bitumen, metal, EPDM, TPO, concrete roofing, and built-up roofing. Silicone roof coatings are efficient and beneficial when you need to protect your roof or extend its longevity. When this comes to choosing the best option, there are some important things to consider.

Is Silicone Best For Flat Roofing?

Advantages of Silicone Roof Coating

Resists Water Pooling: One of the greatest benefits of silicone coating is its resistance to pooling water. The chemistry of silicone allows it to endure water pooling without damage. The moisture-cure substance does not absorb water, so will not get worn or weakened with water.
UV Protection: Silicone roof coating can reflect almost 90% of the sun’s UV rays. UV exposure is one of the biggest factors causing roofing breakdown, but with silicone coating, you can prevent this. The chemistry of silicone protects it from getting degraded or cracked under prolonged sunlight exposure. It also helps reduce energy spending as reflecting the sun’s heat away keeps your building naturally cool and reduces HVAC workloads.
Flexibility: Silicone roofing is flexible and highly impermeable. It can withstand extreme temperatures, oxidation, and wind-driven impact. Unlike other roofing materials, silicone also endures temperature changes that cause expansion and contraction, so will not become worn as roofing structures change with rises in temperature.
High Solids Content: Most formulations have a high-solids content (over 90%). You do not need as much during the application process in order to get the desired thickness. When you can apply more with a single pass, this saves time and energy as well as labor costs, without compromising the integrity of the roofing.
Environmentally Friendly: Silicone, in general, is considered to be an environmentally safe material, but high-solids formulations are considered to be even better. These are solvent-free and only contain a very low amount of VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Silicone roof coatings are also approved for use in all 50 states as they meet and exceed state-regulated material safety standards.

Disadvantages of Silicone Roof Coating

Dirt Magnet: Silicone coatings easily attract dirt and other airborne particles. This allows dirt to accumulate over time which reduces the reflective qualities of the roof. Not only is the roof more susceptible to heat damage but energy costs can increase as a result of the roof no longer reflecting heat away as effectively. You can avoid this by washing the roof twice a year with a power washer. In many cases, you can even set up for the installation contractor to schedule this as part of the initial proposal.
Some Application Challenges: Solvent-based coating like silicone roofing can have some challenges with hydraulic spray equipment. If equipment is not properly cleaned or maintained, then you can have application problems.
Slip Hazards: Silicone coating is slippery to walk on, especially when wet. If there are high-traffic areas on your roof, it is best to provide additional safety measures such as a walking path to provide safe areas to walk along.

The performance and sustainability of your roofing are important, so it is important to understand the strengths and weaknesses of any roofing system. Silicone roof coatings are very effective for restoration projects, but you need to consider the pros and cons before making a final decision. If silicone roof coatings are a possible solution for your roofing, please reach out to us today. We will schedule an inspection and consultation so you get the best roofing solution to protect your investment.