Tank spreader applying silicone roof coating to modified bitumen roof

Silicone roof coatings are perhaps the most popular chemistry type in the roof restoration industry—and for good reason! They make a great solution to restore and protect a wide variety of commercial roofing substrates including metal, modified bitumen, single-ply, EPDM, TPO, built-up roofs, concrete roof decks, and spray polyurethane foam.

When it comes to choosing the best silicone roof coating, there are some important factors to keep in mind. Below, we closely examine some notable silicone roof coating pros and cons.

The Advantages

Ponding Water Resistance

Perhaps the best benefit of a silicone roof coating is its resistance to ponding water. Silicone coatings can endure the damaging effects of ponding water without breaking down because they’re a moisture-cure substance, meaning they will not absorb any additional water after curing.

UV Protection

Silicone roof coatings can reflect up to 80-90% of the sun’s harmful UV rays. This means facility managers and property owners can save thousands of dollars by cutting their facility’s cooling costs during the warm summer months and reducing the HVAC system workloads.

Unlike other chemistries, a silicone coating won’t degrade, chalk, or crack from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. They erode much slower than other elastomeric coatings without becoming too brittle or hard.

Minimizing the sun’s impact on the roof not only helps sustain lower energy costs but also reduces internal building temperatures and prolongs roof life. The pictures above show just how effective a silicone roof coating can be at lowering roof surface temperatures.

Flexibility & Weatherability

Silicone roof coatings create a highly flexible, monolithic, and impermeable membrane capable of withstanding wind-driven sand, oxidation, and extreme temperatures. They are also able to endure the natural expansion and contraction (thermal movement) that occurs in large roof structures.

High Solids Content

Most modern silicone coating formulations have a high-solids content that typically exceeds 90%. This means less coating material is needed during application to achieve the desired dry mil thickness. The ability to apply more coating in a single pass helps save on time and labor costs without compromising workmanship and system integrity.

Environmentally Safe

While all silicone coatings are considered to be environmentally friendly, high-solids formulations, specifically, are the best in this regard. Most of today’s high-solids silicone coatings are solvent-free and contain extremely low volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Most also meet and exceed all state-regulated material safety standards, meaning they are safe for use in all 50 states.

The Disadvantages

Attracts Dirt

Silicone coatings easily attract dirt and other airborne dust particles. Over time, this accumulation of dirt and dust on the roof surface causes the system to slowly lose its reflective properties. This gradual build-up makes the roof more susceptible to heat from the sun, which negatively impacts cooling costs and internal building temperatures.

We recommend pressure washing a silicone coating system 6-12 months after it’s been installed to remove any dirt accumulation. This typically eliminates the problem of dirt accumulation altogether. If asked, most contractors will build this additional step into the scope of work of their proposal.

Challenging to Spray

As with any solvent-based coating, silicone roof coatings can be difficult on hydraulic spray equipment. If the application equipment is not properly cleaned and maintained, problems during the installation process are more likely to occur.

The video below shows silicone coating being spray-applied over various types of roofing substrates.

To learn some essential best practices when working with silicone, click here.

Slippery When Wet

Silicone coatings make surfaces very slippery! If foot traffic is expected, we highly recommend using the American WeatherStar Walk-Path System to clearly mark designated pedestrian traffic areas.

How long do silicone roof coatings last?

Silicone roof coatings are known for their durability and longevity. When properly applied and maintained, silicone coatings can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years or even longer.

The exact lifespan of silicone roof coatings depends on several factors:

Quality of the Silicone Roof Coating

The quality of a silicone roof coating is crucial to the lifespan of the coating itself and its effectiveness in protecting the underlying roof substrate. Here are a few reasons why quality matters:

Silicones are formulated with superior materials and additives that enhance their durability and resistance to various environmental factors. They can withstand exposure to UV radiation, extreme temperatures, moisture, and chemicals without degrading or deteriorating quickly. Inferior quality coatings may be prone to cracking, peeling, or becoming brittle, compromising their ability to provide long-term protection.

Quality coatings are engineered to withstand the effects of harsh weather conditions such as heavy rainfall, hail, wind, and prolonged exposure to sunlight. They maintain their elasticity and flexibility over time, allowing them to expand and contract with the roof’s movement without developing cracks or losing adhesion.

Application Technique of Silicone Coatings

The application technique directly affects the performance, durability, and how long a silicone roof coating will last. A proper and professional application technique ensures proper coverage, adhesion, and seamless application, contributing to the coating’s ability to protect the roof substrate effectively and extend its lifespan.

Applying silicone coatings with the correct coverage and thickness ensures the entire roof surface is adequately protected. If the coating is too thin or with uneven coverage, it may not provide a sufficient barrier against UV radiation, moisture, and other environmental elements. This can lead to premature degradation and reduced lifespan of the coating.

In addition, proper adhesion and bonding of the silicone roof coating to the roof substrate. Poor surface preparation, adequate cleaning, or failure to use appropriate primers can result in poor adhesion, leading to coating delamination, blistering, or peeling. A thorough and professional application technique helps ensure a strong bond between the coating and the roof surface, enhancing longevity.

Climate Conditions

The climate conditions to which a silicone roof coating is exposed significantly impact its lifespan. Climate conditions that involve significant climate variations, such as temperature fluctuations, freeze-thaw cycles, high winds, moisture, and rainfall, can accelerate the weathering process of a silicone roof coating. These variations stress the coating more, causing it to expand and contract more frequently. Choosing a silicone roof coating specifically formulated for the area’s climate conditions can help it withstand temperature extremes and maintain its integrity over time.

Certain environmental factors, such as air pollution, chemical exposure, or saltwater exposure (in coastal areas), can impact the longevity of silicone roof coatings. These factors can cause chemical reactions, staining, or coating degradation. Choosing a silicone roof coating specifically formulated to resist the prevalent environmental factors in a particular area can help ensure its long-term performance and protect the roof substrate effectively.

Silicone Roof Coating Maintenance

Regular inspection and maintenance are essential for maximizing the lifespan of a silicone roof coating. This includes routine cleaning, removing debris, and promptly addressing any damages or areas of concern. Regular inspections allow for early detection of potential issues, such as cracks, blisters, or areas of inadequate adhesion.

It is also worth noting that silicone coatings possess reflective properties that reduce heat absorption and improve energy efficiency. However, dirt, debris, and staining can diminish these reflective qualities over time. Maintenance of the coating’s surface will help maximize its reflectivity, ensuring it continues to contribute to energy savings and the overall sustainability of the building.

Silicone Roof Coatings We Provide

Silicone 410

Silicone 410 is a core component of our Ure-A-Sil and Met-A-Sil Systems. This single-component, solvent-borne, moisture-cure, silicone coating provides roof surfaces with a weather-resistant, highly reflective, and rubber-like membrane capable of withstanding ponding water and providing unsurpassed protection.

Learn more about Silicone 410

High-Solids Silicone 412

High-Solids Silicone 412 is the “high-solids” component for our Ure-A-Sil and Met-A-Sil Systems and is the primary component of our Envir-O-Sil System. It shares most of the same performance characteristics as Silicone 410 but is specifically formulated with a higher solids content. This means it takes less material to achieve the desired dry film thickness.

This product also contains less volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which make it the ideal roof coating for areas regulated by strict environmental standards.

Learn more about High-Solids Silicone 412

Silicone Roof Coating Reviews

It can be challenging to find credible and unbiased reviews on silicone roof coatings. Manufacturers want glowing testimonials regarding their products and American WeatherStar is no exception. While we strongly value the opinions of our contractors, we recognize that they are just that—opinions.

When it comes to getting unbiased information on coating products, there are various third party resources available to help gauge quality and dependability, such as the Cool Roof Rating Council®, Energy Star®, Miami-Dade County, etc. These programs provide measurable data on the various physical properties of coating materials and can help determine a coating’s suitability in a particular roofing environment.

With this in mind, let’s see what some American WeatherStar Platinum Contractors have to say about our silicone roof coating products:

“We’ve worked with American WeatherStar’s silicone products for several years now and they continue to impress. I have yet to find another silicone product that installs and performs as well as theirs.”

Lisa Irby | Thomas Roofing | Mobile, Alabama

“I’ve used both Silicone 410 and High-Solids Silicone 412 for years now. Both are high-quality coatings, and both work as advertised. While I prefer the 412 for its higher solids content, I would most certainly recommend either product to other contractors.”

David Anderson | Southeastern Coatings | Lake City, FL

“In my opinion, the silicone roof coatings from American WeatherStar are some of the best in the industry. I’ve worked with American WeatherStar for over 15 years now and I can honestly say that their coating systems are designed to last.”

David Teufel | Diversified Coatings | Fairhope, Alabama

Conclusion

When it comes to the suitability and performance of a roof coating, it’s important to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the chemistry. Silicone roof coating systems are a highly effective roof restoration solution. There’s a number of key factors to consider when it comes to choosing the best silicone roof coating system for a commercial roofing environment.

Want to know if a silicone roofing system is right for your commercial facility? Click here to schedule a free roof inspection with an American WeatherStar Approved Contractor.