Every commercial facility owner and real estate manager in Colorado will eventually come face-to-face with the same roof decision: completely tear-off the existing roof system or repair it. The old-school procedure is to completely tear off the existing roof system and replace it. In fact, according the Roof Coating Manufacturers Association (RCMA), 2.5 billion square feet of roofs are either replaced or re-coated every year.
Fortunately, humans are an intelligent and ever evolving species [...or cheap and lazy, depending how you look at it] and we've developed fluid-applied restoration options that are less-expensive than a replacement, easier to install, and require to tear-off.
A silicone roof coating is a great option to hit the "reset button" on the life of your existing roof while preventing a costly tear-off. It can be used over over a wide variety of existing roof systems that would otherwise end up in the landfill.
Pros & Cons of Silicone Roof Coatings
PROS
- Can be used on most existing flat roof systems
- Superior performance to ponding water
- One coat application means less tenant disruptions
- Will not degrade from UV exposure
- Can be applied in colder temperatures than most other coatings
- No tear-off saves the landfills
- High reflectivity saves your energy costs
- Great warranty options
CONS
- Higher susceptibility to attract and collect dirt
- Slippery when wet, increasing fall hazard for employees and maintenance personnel
- Solvent-based, making it more difficult to apply (and screw up) for less-experience contractors
- Nothing else will adhere to silicone
- Strict roof eligibility
What Is Silicone Roof Coating?
Silicone is an inorganic synthetic polymer derived Silicon, the 14th element on the periodic table and the second most abundant element in the earth's crust; so, we're not depleting the natural resource any time soon. Because it is inorganic, it is unaffected by the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays, which is biggest enemy to other roofing systems here in Colorado.
Silicone is a high-solids, low-VOC, and elastomeric coating which forms a membrane exhibiting outstanding weathering water resistance for application over itself and other architectural surfaces such as single-ply roofs (TPO, PVC, EPDM, Hypalon), granulated or smooth modified bitumen (mod bit) roofs, smooth built-up asphalt roofs, tar and gravel roofs, metal, spray polyurethane foam (SPF) roofs, and concrete.
Silicone remains flexible over a wide temperature range and has a life expectancy three times longer than organic based coatings.
How Much Does Silicone Roof Coating Cost?
Using silicone coating on flat or low-sloped roofs is a great way to extend the the life of your roof, cut down the cooling costs, and save money by avoiding a costly roof tear-off. A silicone roof coating will cost anywhere between $150 to $400 per square ($1.50 to $4.00 per square foot). There are many variables that will determine the final price quoted to you by a professional roofing contractor, such as: type of existing roof surface, duration of the new roof coating warranty, and the amount of preparation required prior to the coating application. As always, hiring a knowledgeable and experienced contractor may have a higher up-front cost, but will save you time and money in the long run.
With that said, the short-term costs can't be measured without the long-term savings. Cool roofs, like a white silicone roof coating, provide an average yearly net saving of almost $0.50 per square foot. The California Energy Commission concluded that reflective roofs can reduce a building's energy use by 20%.
How Long Do Silicone Roofs Last?
Silicone roof coatings exhibit superior long-term resistance to natural weathering, including: extreme temperatures, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, rain, and snow. Plus, silicone coatings have been formulated to maximize adhesion to most surfaces. The duration of a silicone roof coating will be determined by how thick the coating is applied, or the Dry Film Thickness (DFT). The DFT will be determined by the duration of the roof warranty offered. In a nutshell, the ticker it is, the longer it will last!
What Types Of Roofs Can Be Restored With Silicone?
Silicone roof coatings can be applied to:
- Single-ply Membranes (TPO, PVC, EPDM, Hypalon)
- Granulated or Smooth Modified Bitumen (Mod Bit)
- Smooth Built Up Asphalt
- Tar and Gravel
- Metal
- Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF)
- Concrete
A proper roof evaluation must be performed to determine suitability. Most roofs we see are restoration candidates for a silicone coating. With that said, not all roofs are equal and some require repairs prior to the silicone application. An existing roofing system that is completely saturated with moisture is not a good candidate.
Silicone Roofing Contractors Near Me
Titan Applicators has been serving Colorado commercial building owners and property managers since 2015. Our team is driven to provide advanced and sustainable fluid-applied roofing solutions which deliver long-term value. We are experienced and equipped to provide total facility restoration support in all aspects of a roof's life; meeting a building owner's unique needs.
Contact us today!
