We commonly get asked if a commercial building should use silicone or acrylic and we’ve gone ahead and answered the question on Silicone Vs Acrylic Roof Coatings in this article.
Is the roof of your property leaking? Or is it aging, and you are looking for the best solution? Whatever the reason is, a quick solution would be the use of commercial roof coatings. There is no doubt that numerous types of coatings are available in today’s market. But each of them varies when it comes to the formulations, application methods, and usage.
Silicone roof coatings and acrylic roof coatings are the two most popular coating systems. And both are great options that can solve leakage issues and offer a good lifespan to the roof.
It is indispensable to understand the differences between both so that you can pick the right one for your roof. Also, choosing the best option depends on the three most important factors, such as the present roofing system, roofing condition, and temperature. Once you figure this out, it’ll become easy for you to select the one that suits your commercial roofing restoration needs. Also, a professional roof coating contractor can help you in this regard.
Another thing to understand is that both silicone roof coating and acrylic roof coating have certain advantages, disadvantages, and limitations. Well, first thing first. These coatings are expensive, have energy-saving benefits, and enhance the life of an aging commercial roof membrane. But still, there are some major differences between these two, which we have elaborated on in this post.
Below is the ultimate list of comparisons between silicone roof coating systems and acrylic roof coating systems. We have compared them on the following factors:
- The shine of the coating
- Coat application
- Environmental safety
- Pounding water
- Cost
Let’s now move on to the detailed overview.
Silicone Vs. Acrylic Roof Coatings
1. The shine of the coating
Silicone roof coating: This type of coating is composed of high solid dispersion of hundred percent silicones. It looks great in the first week after the coat, and gradually it accumulates dust and grime over it. Due to this, after a few years, it starts appearing yellow. Meaning it loses its reflectivity over time, and its aesthetic appeal does not look that good. Moreover, it becomes slippery when wet, so you need to install a walk-pad if it is a high-traffic area.
Acrylic roof coating: It also appears beautiful in the first week, and the best part is-it retains its sheen for more years when compared with a silicone coating. So, it does not lose its reflective property, which results in saving AC costs as it will keep your property cooler. Also, it has high resistance to weather changes and solar radiation.
2. Coat application
Silicone roof coating: It can be applied at a faster pace, but it usually requires a second coat. It does seal the cracks and seams, which is one of its excellent qualities. It can also be applied by using rollers, but it becomes a difficult task because it is thick and sticky. It requires heavy-duty equipment, and maintenance is high as these products need a solvent clean-up, like mineral spirits, which is pretty toxic. Also, this type of coating cannot be done on high moisture days. So summers and hot days are perfect if you want to get silicone roof coating because ideal curing takes place in warm weather.
Acrylic roof coating: It rolls out smoothly and can be applied in one or more coats. This type of coating should not be used when the weather is cold or freezing. It cannot be applied on rainy days as well. This is because high humidity interferes with its curing process. Just like a silicone coat, it should also be applied during low humidity or warm weather. The good thing about acrylic coating is that it can be sprayed using basic sprayer equipment and requires basic water clean-up.
3. Pounding water
Silicone roof coating: This type of coating guards against harmful ultraviolet rays in the scorching summers. It has better resistance and does not get brittle or hard. It is a key player when it comes to the pounding water as it can withstand it for the long term. It has high stability and performance. It can withstand harsh environments and can resist oxidation.
Acrylic roof coating: It cannot withstand ponding water because of its water base makeup, where silicone has a strong chemical makeup. The acrylic coating is good for flat roofs with good drainage. If the roof has poor drainage, then it can be applied with fabric embedded for the best performance.
4. Environmental safety
When it comes to environmental safety, acrylic roof coating wins the argument. This is because acrylic coatings can be replaced with water, whereas chemical solvent is needed in silicone application clean-up. Further, the acrylic coating has about three times lower levels of volatile organic compounds when compared with a silicone roof coating. Volatile organic compounds or VOCs are usually found in spray-applied coatings, and they are harmful to the coated environment and human health too.
5. Cost
Silicone roof coating is very expensive. When compared with an acrylic roof coating, its average cost is more than two to three times. Those who can have specific requirements go with silicone. Well, currently, more suppliers are entering the silicone market. Due to the increase in competition, there is a considerable decrease in silicon’s price, but it has also led to a decrease in the quality and it is apparent in the low-cost products.
Conclusion
Both of these roof coatings are the best on their own. Some may choose silicone as it is far better than acrylic. But again, in some cases, acrylic roof coating will fit in the best. In a nutshell, a silicone roof coating is a superior system. However, it all depends on your budget and your specific commercial roofing restoration requirements. If you are still confused and thinking about whether you should go for silicone roof coating or acrylic roof coating, then you can reach out to us. At American High Tech Roof Coating, Inc, we will take away this stress and offer you the best roof coating option. Contact us today!