Posts tagged ‘silicone roof coating’

What Is Silicone Roof Coating?

Posted on: January 4th, 2020 by Marc

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

How Long Does Silicone Roof Coating Last?

Posted on: January 2nd, 2020 by Marc

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

Is a Silicone Roof Coating Worth It?

Posted on: January 1st, 2020 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