Wondering if re-roofing is good for your leaky roof or should you go for silicone roof coating? Some roofs require re-roofing, but counting on a silicone roof coating will be the best thing for your commercial roofing system. A silicone roof coating can offer you maximum results, whether you have a small, large, low sloped, or flat roof. In this type of coating, a layer of silicone is sprayed or rolled onto a roof surface. It repairs seams, blisters, and cracks and can ultimately provide a high level of protection from weather elements.
Well, before we discuss why silicone roof coating is a better option than re-roofing, let’s quickly check out the issues with re-roofing.
Problems with re-roofing
- It is a temporary solution to the damaged roof or leaky problem. It just covers the current shingle, which makes it difficult to assess the damage underneath it.
- Another issue is that re-roofing does not provide the durability and longevity of the new roofing shingles. Asphalt shingles are made to be installed on a flat surface, and it comes with a 25 to 30 years warranty. If it is used in re-roofing, it won’t last that long.
- Shingles, when installed over existing shingles, create a double layer and result in trapping heat. The excess heat will result in premature deterioration of the shingle, and it will break down quickly. Also, it will not be able to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. This will further increase the home energy as the home’s air conditioning system will have to work overtime.
These were the drawbacks of re-roofing, and that is why people consider its alternative, i.e., coating. Now let us discuss why silicone roof coating is the better option than re-roofing.
Ultimate Benefits of Counting on Silicone Roof Coating
1. A single-coat system
It is usually applied in a single coat because it has a higher solid content when compared with other coatings. Flat and low slope residential and commercial buildings’ roofing systems use this type of coating as it is thick in nature. Though a single coat is enough, two coats can be applied in a few cases, but it is pretty rare. This type of coating offers high durability and performance. Excellent application quality and effectiveness when cured are its specialties.
2. Quick to install
This application is performed in a single coat, so it saves installation time and labor costs. It can seal cracks, blisters, and any minor slope problems during the application process. An experienced professional is needed to install it properly. If installed correctly, it offers optimum efficiency.
3. Flexibility
Silicon coated roofs can withstand cold and hot temperatures. Moreover, the coating can endure dust, dirt, and grime. It can withstand the natural contraction and expansion due to different temperatures. That said, this type of coating has a high tolerance to thermal disturbances. Roofs with silicone coating have a flexible membrane, which allows the silicone to maintain its strength and quality.
4. No need for primers
This is one of the biggest benefits of silicone roof coatings because it makes them affordable compared to other coatings. This type of coating system is directly applied to the existing surface, so there is no need for a primer in most cases. This results in lowering labor costs as well as material costs. Further, it makes the application process easier.
It is vital to note that no case is the same. A few single-ply roofing systems that are installed in less than five years have a filmy residue on the top of their surface. So, primer is required to ensure that silicone coating sticks well to the surface in such roofs.
5. Weather resistant
A silicone roof coating can withstand all, whether it’s hail, rain, scorching hot summers, chilly cold, and snow. It can even resist extreme weather conditions like strong wind and heavy storms. Clearly, this type of coating system augments the life span of the roof.
6. Cost-effective
It reflects heat because of its cool white color, which further helps prevent the roof from overheating. That said, it reduces the amount of air conditioning during summers, which further lowers the cost of the energy bill.
7. Easy to use
Its application process is easier when compared with other coatings. Moreover, such coatings are cured easily in the environment. Meaning, whether it’s hot or cold, silicone coatings will cure fully. Also, it won’t wash off during the fall or spring, and it takes away the stress of repair and replacements. That is why most people prefer this type of coating.
8. Environmentally friendly
This type of coating is safe for the environment because it is solvent-free and has a hundred percent high solid content. Also, it has pretty low VOCs (volatile organic compounds), meaning it is not harmful to humans and the environment.
9. Highly reflective and UV resistant
A silicone roof coating can endure the hardest UV rays. It has a reflective property that makes it resistant to sun rays. These rays cannot interfere with the quality, which is why it does not become hard or brittle.
10. High solid composition
Such coating can provide the highest level of protection to the roof because this type of coating is concentrated with solids. So it has a thick application that makes it perfect for the roof surface. Two layers can also be applied if needed, and the process won’t cost you more labor.
11. Better performance
This type of coating has an impermeable membrane, which resists ponding water. That said, silicone coating will retain its water resistance property for a prolonged amount of time. In fact, silicone coating will last longer when compared with other coatings. It has the best performance, and it is all because of its premium scientific formulation, which makes it cure naturally. Further, it is leak-free, won’t chalk over time, and will maintain its adhesion.
Final words
You can clearly see that there is an array of advantages of silicone roof coating. So, it wins over re-roofing, which has some issues. Now you are aware of what to choose and why to choose for your commercial roofing system.
If you still have any queries, you can reach out to us. We at American High Tech Roof Coating, Inc. are ready to help you. Call 323 423 7424, and our roofing contractor will clear all your doubts and queries.