Roof coating is an essential part of protecting your roof from damage caused by weather conditions, insects, and other factors. It also helps prevent water damage and keep your home safe from fire. There are two popular types of roof coatings that people seem to always be deciding in: Silicone vs acrylic roof coating. Both of these are used to protect roofs from the elements, but there are key differences between the two. If you’re in the market for a roof coating, it’s important to know what you’re getting. Acrylic vs Silicone Roof Coating, each have their own benefits and drawbacks. In this blog post, we will go over the differences between acrylic and silicone roof coatings including which is better suited for you.
What is Silicone Roof Coating?
Silicone roof coating is a type of coating that is used to protect roofs from UV rays, rain, snow, hail, and other elements. It is a single layer (applied in one or two coats) of silicone that’s rolled or sprayed on as a liquid to fill in cracks, blisters, and seams. The process adds an extra layer of protection from the elements, even though it doesn’t improve the insulation or the underlying system.
Silicon Roof Coating Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Waterproof – A silicone roof coating can withstand the damaging effects of ponding water because it’s a moisture-cure substance. This means that once applied, any additional rain won’t affect its strength or durability over time
- Extended Roof Life –This coatings create an all-inclusive and durable solution for your homes roof, especially when faced by the harsh weather conditions that come with it. These membranes can withstand everything from wind-driven sand to extreme temperatures without showing any sign of wear or tear on its surface.
- Reduces Energy Expenses – Silicone roof coating can keep facilities cool, which is why they are often referred to as cool roofs. The white color reflects up UV rays, which is good news for energy costs and cooling the building.
Cons:
- Can Get Dirty – Silicone roof coatings make a roof more susceptible to dirt and dust. The accumulation of these substances on the surface slowly damages its reflective properties, which leads to increased heat from sunlight that impacts cooling costs as well as internal building temperatures.
- Slippery Concerns – Another risk from using silicone to coat your commercial roof is when the surface gets wet, it can be more slippery than typical roofs. It can be an additional risk for personnel to care for skylights, roofing issues, and units on the roof.
Ultimately it will be up to you to decide if the benefits of silicone roof coating outweigh the cons. They can be a great way to protect your home or commercial business against elements,
What is Acrylic Roof Coating?
Acrylic elastomeric roof coatings are a liquid-applied monolithic (seamless), fully adhered, and self-adhesive membrane that’s applied to the surface of your home. These types of paints are 5-10 thicker than house paint. The acrylic roof coating is applied directly onto the roof surface using a spray gun and are used to protect roofs from many environmental factors.
Acrylic Roof Coating Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Dirt Resistance – When the roofing system becomes dirty, it diminishes its appeal and limits the value received by building owners. Unlike Silicone, Acrylic roof coatings are exceptionally dirt resistant – maintaining their aesthetic appeal for many years under a variety of weather conditions!
- Cost Efficient – Highly reflective roof coating products are an advantage. Property owners can save money on cooling their property in the summer because the sun’s UV rays have limited impact on the surface material.
- Long Lasting – Unlike most other coatings, acrylic roof coatings don’t need to be reapplied every year like traditional latex roof coatings do. Instead, they’re designed to stay strong throughout their lifespan.
Cons:
- Ponding Water – Acrylic coatings are best suited for certain types of roofs, such as metal or those with adequate drainage. Installing an acrylic coating on a flat roof can be very problematic if the surface does not allow water to flow away easily because then standing puddles will lead to ponding and subsequent damage
- Must be Applied in Warm Weather – There is a certain temperature that acrylic roof coating needs to be applied at. The ideal temperature to work with would be around 50 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer. This ensures that the material stays on the roof.
So Silicone vs Acrylic Roof Coating? Which one should I choose?
The answer depends upon what type of roof you have. If you have a flat roof, you may want to consider installing an acrylic roof coating. It has been proven time after time that this product lasts longer than any other kind of coating available today. However, if you have a pitched roof, you might want to go with a silicone roof coating instead. They offer better protection against hail and wind storms. In addition, these materials last much longer than acrylics. So which one should you choose?
The roofers at All Phase Roofing can help you make the best decision for your home or commercial roof. Call our team today and get started on your next roofing project.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does silicone roof coating last?
Silicone roof coating lasts for about 10 years, depending on the environment. The best way to maintain the longevity of your roof is to keep it clean. If you notice any leaks, call a professional immediately.
What sticks to silicone roof coating?
Silicone roof coatings typically have excellent adhesion properties, allowing them to stick to various surfaces commonly found in roofing systems. They adhere well to materials such as metal, concrete, single-ply membranes like TPO or PVC, and modified bitumen. Proper surface preparation is essential to ensure a strong bond between the silicone coating and the substrate.
Can you put silicone roof coating over acrylic?
the answer is yes, you can put silicone roof coating over acrylic. However, it is important to note that the success of this combination will depend on several factors, such as the condition of the roof, the compatibility of the coatings, and the correct application process. While there are risks involved, with proper planning and execution, this combination can provide a durable, long-lasting roofing solution that protects your home or business from the elements.
Can you paint over silicone roof coating
Yes, you can paint over silicone roof coating. However, you should be careful when doing so because the paint may peel off after a while. If you want to paint over silicone roof coating, you need to use a high quality primer first.
How long does acrylic roof coating last?
Acrylic roof coating lasts for about 10 years, depending on the environment. If you live in a hot climate, you may need to reapply the coating after 5 years.