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Is a Silicone Roof Coating Worth It?

Posted on: August 27th, 2021 by Marc

Is a Silicone Roof Coating Worth It?

Do you have a commercial property that needs a new roof? Having a roof that can last for years and that will need minimal maintenance is important. You may be considering getting a silicone roof coating, but you still aren’t sure whether it is the right choice or not. Is a silicone roof coating worth it? Before making a decision, you should examine some of the main benefits that come from using this type of roofing. It can give you a better idea of whether a silicone roof coating is worth it for you.

The Roof Can Last a Long Time

One of the first questions that people tend to ask regarding different roofing systems is how long they will last. Typically, a silicone roof coating will last about 15 years. In most cases, it could last longer. Of course, it may last less time than this if it is not cared for properly. The better you take care of your roof the longer it can last. This means you won’t have to worry about your commercial roof surface for many years.

Maintenance Is Easy

You will also find that the maintenance of the roof tends to be easy. Most of the time, simply sweeping and hosing down the roof once a year is all you’ll need to do. You could handle this on your own, or you might want to use a roofing contractor for the job. The contractor can also look for any other potential issues that might arise with the roof surface. You can then take care of the roof repairs before the problems get worse.

Easy Installation

Another nice benefit of high solids silicone roofing that makes it worth your time and money is the ease of installation. In some cases, you might not even need to have a primer placed on the roof before the coating is applied. The coatings can be rolled on or sprayed on in most cases. Business owners can apply the coating on their own, as long as they have the tools, the material, and the time. However, it’s generally a better solution to work with a professional roofing contractor to handle it. This ensures that the coating is applied correctly and in less time.

Cures in the Outdoors

Silicone roofing systems will cure in the outdoors without the need for any special preparations. Once the coating is applied, it will start to cure quickly. The heat and moisture in the air can help it cure properly. The amount of time it takes to cure can vary based on the thickness used and the weather. Your roofing contractors can give you a better idea of how long it will take to cure before there can be foot traffic on the roof.

Protects from Leaks and Ponding Water

Flat and low sloped roofs that are often found on commercial properties will often have ponding water problems. This means that the water that hits the roof after rain finds a location to settle and sit. This could eventually cause leaks in the roof if you aren’t using a silicone roof coating. These types of coatings provide an ample amount of protection against the problem of ponding by holding it until it evaporates or drains properly.

If you don’t have one of these types of roof coatings, you will need to have someone remove the standing water each time it rains. A good silicone coating can help you save a lot of money on labor, as well as repair expenses.

Reduce Energy Expenses

This is one of the benefits that many people never even consider. The silicone coatings on commercial roofs will be white and reflective. This provides you with a “cool roof”, which means it can reflect much of the light that hits it. You will not have to use your air conditioning in the business as much because it will stay cooler.

Choose Quality Silicone Roof Coating Material

As you can see from the benefits discussed above, a silicone roof could be a fantastic idea for your commercial roof. Keep in mind that high solids silicone is the preferred maintenance material for flat and low sloped commercial roofs. Additionally, you have to make sure you are using the best silicone coatings for the job. Check out the options available from Volatile Free Inc. to find the coatings that will work well for your commercial roof.

FREE ROOF INSPECTION

How Long Does Silicone Roof Coating Last?

Posted on: August 25th, 2021 by Marc

How Long Does Silicone Roof Coating Last?

how long does silicone roof coating last

When contemplating whether you should get a silicone roof coating for your commercial property, one of the biggest questions that’s likely to come up is how long it will last. After all, you want to make sure you have a roof coating that is durable and can withstand the test of time. You don’t want to have to replace the coating in two or three years.

The answer to this question can vary based on the thickness of the coating and how well you take care of the roof. Typically, moisture cure silicone roof coatings can last for about 15 years. This tends to be the average. This requires that you ensure the roof is properly cared for during that time.

The thickness of the coating will affect how long it can last. When the coating is applied at 1.5 gal/sq (20 dry mil thickness), most roofing companies will provide a 10-year material warranty. When the thickness level is increased to 2 gal/sq (32 dry mil thickness), the warranty will generally be for about 15 years. This is because the thicker coating can provide added protection.

The length of the warranty can vary based on the company you choose to apply the roofing. Naturally, you will want to check with them about their warranties before hiring them.

How to Make the Silicone Roof Coating Last Longer

If you choose quality elastomeric roof coatings for your business, you want to make sure they can last for as long as possible. You should work with a professional to provide you with the proper annual maintenance for your roof. They can let you know whether any issues need to be addressed in certain areas. Additionally, it is in your best interest to have a roof inspection after any serious weather events that could have impacted your roof surface.

The amount of foot traffic that takes place on the silicone coating could affect the longevity of the coating, as well. Therefore, if you have a roof that may see a lot of foot traffic, you should use a high-quality walk-pad capable of standing up to the use.

Remember the importance of maintenance to longevity. You or your employees can handle some of the maintenance on your own, such as hosing down the roof once a year. However, anything that goes beyond the basic maintenance of cleaning the roof should be done by a roofing contractor.

The contractor can check the roof for any signs of damage and ensure that there is no ponding water that could somehow cause a leak or show signs of a problem beneath the coating.

While silicone roof coatings are excellent at preventing leaks, if something causes damage to the coating, there is a small risk it could still allow for water to get into the building below. Scheduling an inspection annually is a good way to make sure that any potential issues are caught as soon as possible. This will help to make the repairs easier and more affordable.

If you have leaks on your existing roof, you should work with roofing companies to have those leaks repaired before you apply the coating. This helps to improve the integrity of the roof. Additionally, keep in mind that this type of coating is for low sloped roofs rather than high sloped roofs.

Let the Professionals Add the Silicone Roof Coating

If you need a new liquid applied roofing system for your commercial property with a flat roof, be sure to work with professional roofing contractors. The professionals are qualified applicators and have the tools and materials needed to coat a roof properly and quickly. Although there might be the temptation to do it on your own, it can be a lot of work, and you will need to have specialized equipment and experience to do it right.

Often, it will be easier to work with roofing companies. They know how to prepare the roof, add the coating, and make sure it is done correctly.

Use the Best Silicone Coatings

Whether you are going to coat a roof on your own or you are hiring someone to do it for you, make sure you are working with only the best products. Volatile Free Inc. provides a range of options for liquid applied roofing including those based in silicone. Get in touch today to learn more about how the company can help with your commercial roof with the right products.

FREE ROOF INSPECTION

Commercial Roof Coatings: Silicone vs. Acrylic

Posted on: July 28th, 2021 by Marc

Commercial Roof Coatings: Silicone vs. Acrylic

Commercial Roof Coatings Silicone vs Acrylic

What type of commercial roof coating should you choose for your property? The biggest debate for many facility owners and managers seems to be whether they should select silicone or acrylic. What differences exist between these two options, and which one is the best solution? The problem with choosing which one is the “greatest” is that what’s best can vary from one roof and customer to the next.

You see, there are advantages and disadvantages to each of the options. Therefore, you will want to have an overview of each of these types of liquid applied roof coatings. This can allow you to choose the most suitable option for your needs. Begin with the basics.

Silicone Roof Coating

Silicone roof coatings have been around since the 1970s, and they were often used as part of spray polyurethane foam applications. As time progressed, they eventually became a good option for coating a wide range of roofing substrates including metal, built-up roofs, concrete, and more. They are common for commercial roof restoration. Silicone coating is resistant to ponding water, and it provides fantastic UV stability.

Acrylic Roof Coating

Acrylic roof coatings have existed longer than silicone, and they have been a popular option for commercial roof restoration for decades. The products can work well with a range of roofing substrates, just like silicone. These coatings are UV resistant, environmentally friendly, and are simple to work with and clean up. Acrylic coatings work well for many substrates, as mentioned, but they tend to be best-suited for sloped metal roofs, where ponding won’t be a problem.

A Closer Look at Commercial Roof Coatings

Let’s get a closer look at how these two types of products compare across a range of different factors. Understanding the differences between the products and seeing where each excels can help provide you with the information required to make an informed decision.

  • Comparing the Costs

Naturally, finances remain a concern for all business owners who are in need of a commercial roof coating. You want to get great results, but you also want to ensure you are staying within your budget. Simply put, customers attempting to save money will want to opt for acrylic if all other factors are equal. This is because acrylic roof coatings are a more affordable option.

  • Resistance to Ponding

Ponding water causes issues with flat commercial roofs, as it could mean eventual leaks. This is one of the areas where acrylic coatings have a weakness. Acrylic doesn’t hold up to ponding water nearly as readily as a silicone roof coating can do. Therefore, if you have a flat roof where ponding water could potentially become an issue, opting for silicone is the better solution.

  • Application of the Roofing Product

One of the reasons some consumers prefer silicone is because the application can be thick on the first pass. Business owners might find that they need only a single application for their roof, which could be beneficial. However, when compared with acrylic roof coatings, despite needing a second coat in many cases, silicone is simply messier, making the application of the product more difficult. If spraying the material, it requires heavy-duty machines that might not be readily available for some contractors.

On the other hand, acrylic coating applications are speedier and easier in most cases. This remains true whether the material is rolled on or sprayed onto the roof. Cleanup tends to be simpler with acrylic coatings, as well. Still, it does mean that there will need to be more than just one coat.

  • Longevity and Durability

Another commonly asked question when comparing silicone and acrylic commercial roof coating materials is which will last longer and be more durable. It’s important to keep in mind that countless factors will affect the longevity of the products. However, silicone roof coatings typically last longer than acrylics. Although both can safeguard from ultraviolet rays, silicone offers greater protection. As mentioned, it also provides better moisture resistance when dealing with problems like ponding water.

As for durability, silicone does tend to be more durable over time. Because of the longevity and durability advantage that silicone has over acrylic, it could make up for the price difference between the two. Of course, you’ll want to keep in mind that acrylic roof coatings are no slouch when it comes to longevity. When applied correctly, they can last for a decade or more without trouble.

  • Thermal Reflectivity

Have you considered the thermal reflectivity of the roof coatings? Thermal reflectivity can affect how hot the roof gets and the temperature inside the building. You’ll find that both of these options can provide thermal resistance between 80% and 90%. They can both perform quite well in this regard, helping to keep it cooler inside the building. This can reduce the amount spent on keeping the building cool during hot summer months.

Of course, you’ll want to consider that silicone roofs can pick attract small amounts of dirt over time, but this doesn’t reduce the thermal reflectivity. With that said, acrylic coatings could be better in this regard since they tend to stay cleaner longer.

  • Are Commercial Roof Coatings Environmentally Friendly?

What about environmental friendliness? Which of the coatings is a better option? In the past, acrylic was the hands-down choice because it’s water-based and doesn’t have the same level of volatile organic compounds typically found with silicone. However, some of the newer silicone products on the market have low levels of volatile organic compounds, making them far more environmentally friendly than they were in the past. This is particularly true with some of the high-solids silicone coatings available today.

  • Which Looks Better?

The aesthetics of the commercial roof coating are up to you. They have a similar appearance, so the looks are not likely to be a factor in most cases. However, if you have a sloped roof on your commercial property, which is visible, you might have a preference. Acrylic roof coatings tend to have a cleaner overall appearance and they do work well for roofs with slopes. However, acrylic may fade or color shift over time. If you have a flat roof, it’s important to use silicone for its waterproof properties regardless of your viewing angle.

Get in Touch with the Professionals

As you can see, there is a lot to consider when choosing between acrylic and silicone liquid applied roofing for your commercial property. Whether you have already made your decision or you are still unsure of which option is right for you, make it a point to get in touch with us at Volatile Free, Inc. We have a wide selection of solutions that can meet your project needs and surpass your expectations. Take the time to find a solution that resonates with your preferences, your budget, and your needs.

Contact VFI Today

What Is Silicone Roof Coating?

Posted on: February 18th, 2021 by Marc

What Is Silicone Roof Coating?

what is silicone roof coating

Silicone can be used as a liquid applied roof coating to provide waterproof characteristics and UV stability. Roof substrates of all kinds break down over time and eventually cause roof leaks. These leaks typically cause expensive damage to the building itself, as well as the contents of the building.

As roof substrates age they eventually begin to fail. When this happens, a building owner has three obvious options:

  • Repair the leaks. Repairing leaks can be very challenging. The source of the leak is often very difficult to find and the repair is simply a band-aid approach that offers a short-term solution.
  • Roof replacement. Not only are roof replacements very costly, but the material from the original roof ends up in a landfill. Many building owners are looking for more ecofriendly solutions to the maintenance of their buildings.
  • Maintenance coating. Using silicone as a maintenance coating is a way to offer a long-term solution while being much more cost efficient, and ecofriendly, than a full roof replacement. When done properly, a silicone roof coating offers a new layer of protection that can last for years.

Why does silicone work as a roof coating?

The benefit of silicone as a roof coating comes from its non-carbon nature. Silicone is inherently resistant to bacteria growth and resists degradation from ponding water while still providing breathability for the substrate. This breathability helps to protect the substrate which leads to a longer lifespan.

When is it best to use silicone?

Silicone is used when there are concerns associated with UV stability. Silicone is naturally resistant to ultraviolet rays which cause oxidation and can reduce the life of a roofing substrate. Another benefit of silicone is its ability to withstand indefinite exposure to ponding water. Proper drainage is always necessary on a low slope roof, but the risk of standing water still exists. A silicone roof coating provides a waterproof barrier that protects the roofing structure, which in turn helps to expand the lifespan. And since silicone is resistant to mold and mildew, dirt and grime build-ups can easily be washed off with water.

What are the best silicone products and why?

There are three main types of silicone for the liquid applied roofing industry:

  • High Solids Silicone is the most used silicone roof coating. With the ability to apply by spray, roller, or brush, it offers lower VOC, a glossy finish, and decreased application time due to higher volume solids.
  • Standard Solids Silicone has a higher VOC content, but gives better adhesion and a smoother finish with less roller marks and brush strokes. A lower solid content does mean a lower volume solid, but with the increased adhesion this is the preferred product for recoating other silicone.
  • Silicone Flashing Grade is an extremely thick silicone that is used for flashing or seams when combined with fabric. A high solids content in the mastic allows for minimal shrinkage while maintaining excellent adhesion and flexibility. Adhesion and flexibility are important because they allow the flashing grade to move without cracking and remain fixed to the surface.

How is silicone applied?

Silicone is extremely easy to apply. The first installation method is by brush. This is normally for silicone flashing grade or for application over seams in combination with fabric. The second method is roller applied. Roof silicone is compatible with almost all roof roller types. The third method is spray applied and is usually done with a high-pressure spray rig.

Silicone plays a large role in liquid applied roofing. The advantages as a maintenance coating far outweigh costly roof replacements. The properties of silicone are superior to other fluid applied products like acrylic. And more roofing contractors are realizing the benefit of offering application services to commercial building owners. The choice is simple. Contact us today for a free roof inspection from a VFI authorized roofing contractor in your area.

FREE ROOF INSPECTION

Five Benefits of Precast Concrete Products

Posted on: May 18th, 2020 by Marc

A recent study predicts that the global precast concrete market is expected to reach $130.11 Billion by 2025.

Precast concrete is a construction product that uses a reusable mold during the manufacturing process to form concrete into its desired shape. This method has many benefits over traditional methods.

It Saves Money

Traditionally concrete has been cast using steel or wood molds that take a long time to build, increasing labor costs. Most of the time these molds are used once and then discarded. Precast molds are commonly made from rubber and can be used hundreds of times before being replaced.

Versatility 

With multiple types of rubber, shore hardness and pot life options precast concrete products can be used in multiple applications. These applications include but are not limited to architectural concrete, cast veneer, stone, flexible form liners, sound walls, retaining walls and many more!

Control

Precast concrete pieces that are poured off-site are able to be manufactured in controlled environments, limiting the effects of bad weather and producing a more consistent product.

Aesthetics

Precast concrete products are more than just functional, they can be decorative too. These products can be molded into different configurations and shapes that can enhance your building project. Some design elements that can be incorporated into precast concrete products are stone patterns, masonry patterns, arches, cornices and many more!

Efficiency 

Products made using precast methods arrive on the job site ready to be installed. This eliminates the need to order raw materials, eliminates the time to set up forms and lowers labor cost.

Volatile Free, Inc. ® has noticed an increased demand for precast concrete products from its customer base and has created the 3100 Series line of rubbers to service those needs.

If your company is involved in precast concrete make sure to stop by booth S12453 at the World of Concrete. Not attending World of Concrete? No problem you can still request more information and samples of our 3100 Series by calling 800-307-9218.

Determining Shore Hardness of Rubbers & Plastics

Posted on: May 18th, 2020 by Marc

Shore Hardness is the resistance a material has to indentation. Determining a materials Shore Hardness requires the use of a durometer, which is a device that measures the depth of an indentation in the material by creating force through a presser foot.

In order for people to have a point of reference on how hard a material is different shore hardness scales have been created. There are 12 different Shore Hardness scales depending on the type of material that is being measured.

When dealing with rubbers and plastics two scales are used. The A Shore Hardness scale is used to measure flexible rubbers commonly used in molds. Hard rubbers, semi-rigid plastics and hard plastics are measured using the D Shore Hardness Scale.

Both of these scales have ranges from 0-100. The lower the Shore Hardness is on the scale the softer and more flexible the material will be. As you increase upwards on the scale materials become stiffer and less flexible.

When selecting a rubber or plastic to use for your mold making needs there are a couple of things that should be taken into consideration.

How delicate is the item that you’re molding. 

If you’re making a mold of an item that has sharp undercuts, thin parts or protrusions it is recommended to use a material that provides greater flexibility and stretches easily. This will insure that you’re able to extract your model from the mold without it breaking.

How much detail is needed for your project.

When using rubbers and plastics detail is directly related to the hardness of the material that you’re using. The harder a material is the greater casting detail it will provide. For example, if you were making a mold for a stone back splash you would want to use a harder material to pick up textural detail within the rocks.

Abrasion Resistance

Abrasion resistance refers to a materials ability to withstand any method of wearing down or rubbing away by means of friction. This point should be taken into consideration if you are planning to use a rubber or plastic mold for construction applications. Some of these application would include architectural precast concrete, cast veneer and flexible form liners. In construction applications you want your material to provide enough flexibility, while being durable and insuring a long useful life.

Have an upcoming project? Have questions or need assistance selecting the right material for your job? Give us a call at 800-307-9218. Our team of technical experts and sales representatives are happy to help!

Benefits of Liquid Applied Roof Coatings

Posted on: May 18th, 2020 by Marc

Nothing lasts forever. At some point a building owner or property manager will have to confront the issue of fixing a failing roof.

When a roof starts to fail, most people immediately think their only option is to fix the problem by tearing off the roof completely and replacing it with a conventional roofing system.  A roof tear off and replacement can be extremely costly and is one of the biggest capital expenditures that building owners and property manager’s face.

Multiple studies have been conducted on complete roof replacements, with the costs ranging from $3.50 to in excess of $6.50 per square foot. If we take the average dimensions of a 10,000 square foot roof that replacement could range from $35,000 to $65,000.

Unless you own a machine that prints money, those figures are pretty scary. Up until recently many people were not familiar with liquid applied roof coatings. These coatings can provide building owners and property managers another solution to deal with failing/leaking roofs.

The main types of liquid applied roof coatings are silicone’s and acrylics. Each of these coatings provides its own unique benefits, but for the purpose of this article we will be focusing on liquid applied coatings in a general sense.

Cost Savings

A major benefit of liquid applied coatings is their cost savings. Compared to other roofing methods liquid applied coatings on average can reduce the cost of a roof retrofit  up to one half when compared to traditional methods. Referring back to the example above, a 10,000 square foot roof coating installation would range from $1.75 and up per square foot with acrylic coatings to $2.50 per square foot with silicone coatings based on the system.  The total retrofit cost savings based on these figures would range between $17,500 to $25,000, a significant savings.

Provides a Seamless Membrane

The more penetrations or seams in your roof system, the greater the potential for water to infiltrate your structure. Liquid applied roof coatings are sprayed or rolled onto a roof’s surface, are self-flashing and provide a seamless monolithic membrane. Unlike other roofing methods, liquid applied coating systems do not require additional materials to flash around penetrations in the roof. Liquid coatings can be applied around any hard to reach area.

Time & Labor

Unlike traditional roof systems, liquid applied coatings do not require the roof to be torn off. Instead the coatings are applied directly over the existing roof substrate. This eliminates the removal of old materials from the job-site, excess waste deposited in landfills and fee’s associated with the old roof’s disposal.

Exposure & Convenience

Traditional methods of roof replacement require the roof to be taken off before the new one can be installed. Because liquid applied coatings can be installed over the existing roof system, building owners to do not have to worry about exposing the inside of their building to the elements. Tenants of the building can also remain in the structure while the coating process takes place. There is no need to close down during the re-roofing process or move expensive equipment into storage facilities.

Energy Savings

Many liquid applied roof coatings are CRRC (Cool Roof Rating Council) rated. A cool roof is designed to absorb less heat and reflect more sunlight than traditional roofs. A CRRC rated roof provides many benefits to a building such as reduced energy bills, improved indoor comfort and decreased roof temperatures that can lead to early aging and failure.

Cool roofs also benefit the environment and the surrounding areas that they are built in. Local air temperatures can be reduced limiting the effect of urban heat islands.

Sustainable & Renewable

Liquid applied coating systems are sustainable and can be re-coated multiple times offering your building another 5 to 10 years of protection. Less materials are used in liquid applied coatings meaning when the project is done, materials headed for the landfill are reduced.

Conclusion

Liquid applied coatings provide multiple benefits to building owners. If you would like to learn how VFI’s products can benefit you give our technical experts a call at 1-800-307-9218.

Different Types of Concrete Stamps Require Different Materials

Posted on: May 18th, 2020 by Marc

Concrete stamps can take a basic concrete project and bring it to the next level. These stamps are used to enhance a surface and make it look decorative by providing a textured detail imitating stone, brick, wood and much more. They are most often used to create decorative walkways, courtyards, patios, decks and on decorative vertical concrete applications.

Most stamps are made out of urethane rubbers as this material provides a range of Shore Hardness options, while remaining flexible and providing maximum abrasion resistance.

Producing stamps can be expensive, that’s why it’s important to understand how to pick the correct rubber for your needs. Stamps come in numerous types and flexibilities ranging from floppy to rigid. Three common types of stamps are stamp rollers, texturing skins and concrete mats.

Stamp rollers are used as imprinting tools on large scale projects, on slab corners and boarders where detail is not as critical. These stamps are popular with contractors because of their ease of use and can cover a lot of ground quickly.

It’s important to have an understanding of what to look for in regards to the type of rubber your stamp roller is made out of. Rollers work best when the concrete is still very soft. Because of the roller application, a harder durometer rubber is needed to imprint detail quickly. VFI would recommend our 3170 or 3180, for this application. This will help to insure maximum detail will be transferred to your project’s surface.

Texturing skins are used in vertical and decorative applications where flexibility would be necessary. These stamps are usually thin to reduce weight and make them more maneuverable on the job-site. Semi-rigid rubbers are used to allow the stamp to be more pliable and capture the curvature of a structure. These skins work best on surfaces with undulations, sloped areas and in flare ups like driveway aprons. VFI-3150 and 3160 provide the perfect amount of flexibility for challenging applications while still providing great casting detail.

Concrete mats are rigid and extremely firm. These mats are very large, and most of the time will have handles to help contractors lift and move them into place. The rigidity of concrete mats will help to leave a highly detailed impression. The polyurethane used in these stamps will range from a Shore A Hardness of 80 or higher (VFI-3180). Interested in making your own concrete stamps? VFI has Technical Service Representatives willing to answer all of your stamping questions. Contact the VFI team at 1-800-307-9218.

Stop Metal Roof Leaks Once And For All

Posted on: May 18th, 2020 by Marc

SEALGUARD VFI-990 Silicone be applied to a metal roof.

Metal Roofing is one of the fastest growing segments in the roofing industry. Most metal roof manufacturers offer warranties of 40-50 years. Structurally these roofs will last for that time period, however most will fail and begin to leak before then.

These failures usually occur due to poor craftsmanship and improper maintenance of the roof. Common issues that building owners experience with metal roofs are:

  • Failure at the seams: This can be caused by the metal panels being formed incorrectly, improper installation and failure of the sealant or butyl tape. Thermal shock as well as overloading can lead to separation or deflection of the seams.  All of these can lead to water and debris penetrating your structure.
  • Fastener back-out: As the temperature swings, metal roof panels expand and contract causing shear force on the fastener. Shear is accomplished when two adjacent parts of the fastener are pushed in opposite directions to their contact surface. Eventually, this force will cause the fastener to back-out prematurely leaving a hole in the roof and the metal panel unsecure. Washers used to create a seal beneath the fastener can age, harden, become brittle and crack leading to roof leaks at the fastener point.
  • Rust leading to roof failure: Metal panels can rust prematurely if they are damaged during installation. If a screw is used with the incorrect drill point, little metal shavings called, pigtails are created. These pigtails are hot and can melt their way into the paint system and protective coating, exposing the metal panel to the elements. Hail can damage the factory finish of the metal panel causing rust or premature degradation of the surface.
  • Deterioration of flashings: Flashing is a material that guides precipitation off of a roof. It plays a critical role in maintaining a roofs integrity. Flashing is installed anywhere a roof joins another structure such as skylights, roof vents, pipe penetrations and chimneys. If a roof system’s flashing fails, multiple problems can occur including water damage, causing it to begin to rot and further structural damage down the line. If water comes in contact with a ceiling wall building owners run the risk of mold developing.

After continuous repairs that never seem to work, most building owners grow tired of throwing money at the problem and replace the roof entirely, which is no small expense and disruptive to every day activity.

Liquid applied roof coatings provide building owners a cost saving solution compared to a full roof replacement.  By applying a Silicone or Acrylic roof coating system, a roof can perform properly, prolonging its life for another 10-15 years with continued sustainability available with a future reapplication of the coating system. A majority of leaks on metal roofs are the result of failures at the seams, fasteners or flashing. VFI’s liquid applied roof coatings will seal your roof and eliminate leaks.

Our coating solutions are:

  • 100% Seamless
  • Encapsulate fasteners, a main area of concern for water penetration.
  • Liquid applied coatings are elastomeric meaning no gaps in the roof surface.
  • Stops and prevents rust.
  • Self-Flashing

If you have a building with a metal roof and are tired of costly roof repairs contact us. Our knowledgeable experts will assist you in seeing if your roof is a good candidate for liquid applied coatings.

Acrylic vs. Silicone: A Better Understanding

Posted on: May 18th, 2020 by Marc

Understanding the differences between different roof coatings can be confusing. Today numerous liquid coating options exists, each having their own strengths and weaknesses. Two of the most popular coating options are acrylics and silicones.

The right information can make selecting the correct coating easier. By knowing the strengths, weaknesses and limitations of each you will be able to make an informed decision on which will protect and extend your roofs life for years to come.

Acrylic Roof Coatings

Benefits

Acrylic roof coatings are an excellent restoration solution to many types of substrates including metal, modified bitumen, built-up, single-ply and spray polyurethane foam. These coatings offer many benefits such as cost effectiveness, high reflectivity, UV resistant properties and ease of installation.

Cost Effectiveness

Acrylic roof coatings are extremely cost-effective, hence their popularity. These coatings installed usually run between $0.20 -0.75 per square foot. Property Managers and building owners can save thousands of dollars when installing this type of coating system.

 Reflective & UV Resistant

Building owners can save money during the summer months by reducing their cooling costs, thanks to acrylic coatings highly reflective and UV resistant properties. Not only do building owners get to reap the benefits of an acrylic coating, the environment and surround area that they are built in do too! Surrounding air temperatures can be reduced, limiting the affect of urban heat islands.

Ease of Installation

One of the biggest attributes of acrylic roof coatings are their ease of use. These coatings can be sprayed or rolled onto a roof’s existing substrate. No tear off is necessary, allowing day-to-day operations to take place and limiting disturbances to building owners.

Limitations

There is no such thing as perfect, the same can be said about acrylic roof coatings. While acrylic coatings give multiple benefits it is important to discuss their limitations to insure your roof is a good candidate.

Ponding Water

Acrylic coatings can provide your roof with many long lasting benefits, but ponding water remains an issue. These coatings are water-based and lack performance when exposed to ponding water for prolonged periods.

If exposed for a long period the coating can become brittle and delaminate from the roof. Before applying an acrylic coating make sure to consult a specialist who can determine if the roofs structure will encounter problems with ponding water.

Cold Temperature Applications

Acrylic coatings should not be applied in extreme cold. Because these coatings are water based they can lose performance when the temperature drops below 50 degrees. Cold temperatures will slow down the dry time and make it harder for the coating to properly adhere to the roof.

Silicone Roof Coatings

Benefits

Silicone roof coatings are highly regarded and for good reason. They are extremely UV stable, provided a high level of flexibility and durability and are made from high solids. Silicone can coat many substrates including metal, modified bitumen, built-up, single-ply and spray polyurethane foam.

Excellent UV Stability

Silicone coatings are highly reflective and can reflect up to 90% of the sun’s harmful UV rays. Most silicone coatings are CRRC (Cool Roof Rating Council) approved. In many climates cool roofs can reduce the cooling load of a building, providing owners and occupants many benefits. These benefits include increased occupant comfort, reduced air conditioning use and decreased maintenance costs.

Extreme Durability & Flexibility  

Silicone coatings provide seamless membranes that can withstand wind-driven rain and sand, oxidation and extreme temperatures. Unlike acrylics, silicone is a moisture cure substance and his highly effective on protecting structures from ponding water.

High Solids

As a high solid component silicone requires less material to reach a desired film thickness when coating a roof. This allows applicators to apply more coating in a single pass saving time and labor.

Limitations

It is just as important to understand the limitations of silicone in order to insure you are getting the most out of your liquid applied roof coating.

Dirt

Dust and dirt are easily attracted to silicone roof coatings. If building owners or property managers fail to routinely maintain the roof and keep them clean, the coating system can lose its reflective properties. This in turn can negatively impact cooling costs and increase internal building temperatures.

 Slippery When Wet

Silicone can become slippery when wet do to its water resistant properties. VFI would recommend using VFI- Walk Pad in safety yellow to insure maximum slip protection in highly foot trafficked areas on silicone coated roofs.

Conclusion Acrylic and silicone coatings are great options for roof restoration. In order to determine which product is right for your roof contact us. A VFI representative will help you make the proper selection.

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