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If you own a building in the Sunshine State, you’re no stranger to the fact that the climate conditions can be pretty tough. Storms, heavy rains, and humidity are just a few of the things that your roof has to endure year-round. In such a challenging climate, making the right choices for your commercial roof is crucial.
One step you can take is to install a high-quality roofing material on your flat roof, including EPDM, PVC, or TPO. However, for more all-around protection, you can install a high-quality roof coating. There are several types of roof coatings available, such as acrylic, elastomeric, and silicone. Today we will talk about the most popular choice: silicone roof coatings. So let’s get started.
What Is A Silicone Roof Coating?
If you’re a business owner looking for an effective way to protect your roof in Florida’s challenging climate, you’ve probably come across the term silicone roof coating. But what is it and how has it become so popular?
A silicone roof coating is a highly durable, protective layer applied to your existing roofing system. It’s made from a blend of silicone-based polymers, resins, and solvents. When professionally applied, it forms a seamless, rubber-like membrane over your roof’s surface. This coating is engineered to withstand the harshest weather conditions and provide a range of benefits for homeowners.
Is A Silicone Roof Coating Worth It?
Silicone roof coatings have taken the industry by storm, and they have helped enhance the flat roofing systems of many building owners in Tampa. In the section below, we will talk about the benefits of adding a silicone coating to your roof.
Protection Against Leaks And Standing Water
Ponding water is one of the most common and long-standing problems of flat roof structures. Since flat roofs do not have the same drainage ability as pitched roofs, standing water can be a regular occurrence. This issue also serves as a gateway to roof leaks and other forms of damage.
Unlike other roof coatings that may develop weak spots or leaks when faced with pooling water, silicone remains strong. It prevents water from infiltrating your roofing system’s structure, protecting it from moisture-related damage.
This resistance against ponding water is not only essential for maintaining the integrity of your roofing system but also for preventing potential interior water damage.
Weather Resistance
Florida is known for its unpredictable and often extreme weather. From intense heat to heavy rain, wind, and even hurricanes, your roof faces constant challenges.
A silicone roof coating acts as a protective shield, keeping your roof safe from the elements. Not only does it protect against ponding water, but it can also endure temperature fluctuations, resist fading, and provide outstanding waterproofing abilities.
Silicone’s exceptional flexibility allows it to expand and contract with temperature changes without cracking or deteriorating, a common issue with traditional flat roofing materials.
Defense Against UV Rays
The relentless Florida sun can cause your roof to deteriorate over time due to UV exposure. Silicone roof coatings reflect the sun’s rays away from your roof, preventing damage and helping to maintain its structural integrity. This reflective quality not only preserves the aesthetics of your roof but also extends its lifespan.
UV rays can lead to the breakdown of roofing materials, resulting in cracks, peeling, and discoloration. Silicone’s UV resistance ensures that your roof remains in excellent condition, reducing the need for costly repairs and replacements.
Energy Efficiency
Florida’s scorching temperatures can lead to soaring energy bills as you struggle to keep your commercial space cool. A silicone roof coating plays a significant role in enhancing the energy efficiency of your business. It acts as a reflective barrier, keeping the sun’s rays away and preventing excessive heat from infiltrating your workspace.
By reducing the heat absorbed by your roof, a silicone coating lessens the workload on your air conditioning system. This translates to substantial energy savings over time. Your commercial property will remain comfortable, creating a productive work environment for everyone inside.
Increases The Lifespan Of Your Roof
Whether you are a homeowner or a building manager, you are likely to be aware of the fact that roofing projects, such as flat roof replacement and repairs, can be quite costly. Silicone roof coatings can help combat this by extending the lifespan of your commercial roofing system.
Silicone’s flexibility allows it to move with your roof, reducing the risk of cracks and leaks. With regular inspections and routine maintenance, a silicone coating can add a few more years to your current roofing system.
Stops Mold And Mildew Growth
Mold and mildew are a nuisance, and these types of fungus not only compromise the air quality within your living space but can also damage your roofing structure.
Luckily, if you install roof coatings, especially silicone coatings, you can prevent this problem. Most of the coatings available on the market are dust and mildew-resistant, offering additional protection for your roofing system. By eliminating excess moisture, the conditions that foster mold and mildew growth are significantly reduced.
The smooth, seamless surface of silicone makes it nearly impossible for these unwanted invaders to take hold. This not only preserves the aesthetics of your roof but also safeguards your health and well-being.
The Best Silicone Roof Coatings On The Market
Now that we’ve gone over what a silicone roof coating is and its essential attributes, it’s time to explore available products. Knowing which option is best for your needs can be challenging, especially when faced with the variety of choices on the market.
In the next section, we will explore the three best products that not only enhance the longevity of your roof but also provide superior protection against the Sunshine State’s challenging climate.
#1 Pro-Grade® 988 Silicone White Roof Coating by Henry
When we talk about roof coatings, Henry is probably the first name that will come to your mind. The brand is a pioneer when it comes to roof coatings and has been a prominent name for years.
The Henry Pro-Grade 988 silicone roof coating is the best in the business. This solvent-free coating for flat roofs employs cutting-edge 100% silicone moisture-cure technology. You can use it on almost all types of commercial flat roofs. It boasts a high solid content, ensuring robust and lasting protection for your roof. This product also stands out because it becomes rain-safe just 15 minutes after application, making it exceptionally convenient. Plus, this silicone roof coating offers permanent resistance against ponding water, ensuring your roof stays protected even in the most challenging weather conditions.
#2 100% Silicone Roof Coating by Mule-Hide
This silicone roof coating is crafted exclusively from silicone, composed of a single-part formula. It forms a robust barrier known for its resilience against wear, standing water, and all types of weather. This Mule-Hide roof coating can be installed over multiple types of surfaces such as PVC, TPO, and built-up roofs.
This versatile roofing solution offers a range of benefits and comes in a variety of standard colors. Application is a breeze, as it can be applied using a sprayer, roller, or brush.
|Thanks to its moisture-cure properties, it forms a durable barrier that’s resistant to periodic ponding water. And if you need to re-coat for added protection or touch-ups, you can do so in just a few hours, making it a convenient choice for all roofing projects.
#3 GacoFlex S42 Series
The GacoFlex S42 silicone roof coating is a highly durable and weather-resistant roofing product. One of its notable features is its ability to cover a large surface area with a small amount of product. It also is able to withstand permanent ponding water without cracking, bubbling, or degrading. This makes it an ideal choice for roofs in areas with high amounts of rainfall.
When correctly applied, the GacoFlex S42 coating creates a seamless, weather-tight seal that effectively protects the underlying materials from degradation due to UV rays and severe weather. It also provides a long-lasting and cost-effective option for homeowners and property owners looking to extend the life of their roofs.
Want To Give Your Flat Roof Some Much Needed Protection?
In today’s blog post, we looked at silicone roof coatings and their benefits, and even included some of the best silicone roof coating products currently available on the market.
If you are also impressed by the power of silicone roof coatings and want to add one over your flat roofing system, contact the team of SouthShore Roofing & Exteriors.
We offer the best commercial roofing services in Tampa and the surrounding areas of Florida. Business owners in Tampa trust us and our work, so give us a call today at (813) 400-3329 to learn more!
