Stumped on which roof coating to choose for your house? Acrylic and silicone are two of the most common. What’s the better bet? Here we go over their most important differences to aid in your decision-making:
- Acrylic –…
- Silicone –…
You want the meat and potatoes on the front end? Here ya go, bon appetit!
-Silicone does way better at tolerating ponding and is good over single ply or modified bitumen roofing.
-Acrylic performs well on metal roofing & non-ponding substrates in high sun regions.
BY THE WAY:
- Nothing matters more than having a pull test done & confirmed before the coating is installed.
- Prepping the substrate to receive the coating. Substrates must be in good enough condition to actually be restored. So a brittle useless single ply probably isn’t the best coating candidate. Typically a 10-15 Year old roof is right in the correct range.
- Moisture must be addressed & may compromise the integrity of the coating installation right out of the gate. If addressed properly, this will determine the actual life span of your coating install.
Acrylic and silicone coatings are both great for roof protection. To figure out which is best, look at the differences. Both offer great water and environmental protection.
- Acrylic is cheaper and great for flat or low-sloped roofs. But, it isn’t as flexible as silicone.
- Silicone is awesome for areas with extreme weather. It can handle ponding water and intense temperatures. But, it shouldn’t be used for any roof with a slope greater than 2:12 ratio.
Advantages of Acrylic Roof Coating
Acrylic roof coatings are becoming more popular in roofing restoration. Unlike silicone roof coatings, acrylic coatings have great elasticity. This makes them perfect for covering concrete, single plys and modified bitumen substrates that can expand or contract.
Acrylic coatings are waterproof and resistant to blistering, cracking and slight ponding. They can be used on all types of roofs like metal, tile, shingle and PVC. Plus, they can even be applied in cold places like the Arctic Circle. However, regular maintenance is needed to keep the product functioning properly.
Disadvantages of Acrylic Roof Coating
Acrylic roof coatings have advantages, but they come with some drawbacks too. A main one is their vulnerability to UV radiation and weathering. Over time the sun’s rays can make the coating brittle and cracked, affecting its ability to protect the roof from water damage. Heat and cold can also cause deterioration and warping.
Acrylic roof coatings are flammable when they come in contact with open flames or direct sunlight. So, extra care must be taken when using it on a flat or wooden surface. Inhaling the fumes of burning acrylic can be hazardous.
Regular maintenance is needed to keep acrylic roof coatings in good condition for a long time. Depending on the type of coating, it may need extra preparation and cleaning before and after application to prevent cracking or fading from age or sun exposure:
- Extra preparation and cleaning before application.
- Extra cleaning after application.
- Prevent cracking.
- Prevent fading from age or sun exposure.
Advantages of Silicone Roof Coating
Silicone roof coating is ideal for protecting surfaces due to its waterproofing abilities. It resists UV rays, chemicals and extreme temperatures. Here are the advantages:
- Strong adhesion: Silicone bonds strongly with surfaces like metal, galvanized steel, concrete and asphalt roofs. This makes it tough against weather.
- Weather-resistant: Unlike other coatings, silicone stays flexible and continues to bond for years. This makes it reliable.
- Heat reduction: Silicone’s reflective properties reduce solar heat absorbed. This saves energy bills.
- Cost-effective: Silicone requires fewer coats than acrylics, so money and time spent on coating applications are less.
Disadvantages of Silicone Roof Coating
Silicone roof coatings are popular. They offer good water resistance, UV light resistance and thermal insulation. But there’re some drawbacks.
Prep work is more needed than with other coatings. The substrate must be clean and free from contamination. Else, delamination and adhesion failure may occur.
Silicone isn’t ideal near areas with harsh chemicals or solvents. It can become tacky, create a sticky feeling when touched and emit odors. It may also perform worse in cold temperatures.
Choose the right type of silicone for your situation. Consider climate exposure, protection for building materials, labor and material costs etc. There are benefits to using silicone, but drawbacks too. Think before investing in it.
Comparison of Acrylic and Silicone Roof Coating
Acrylic and silicone are the two main types of roof coatings in use today. Each has its own unique characteristics, benefits and drawbacks. So, before buying a roofing product, it is important to know the differences.
- Acrylic coatings are a popular choice. They offer good adhesion and can be applied at lower temperatures. They don’t provide much waterproofing though, so they are recommended for roofs that experience only light rain or snow.
- Silicone coatings provide better waterproof protection, but are more expensive and have temperature limitations for application. They can withstand heavy downpours and long-term rain or snow. So, they are ideal for wetter climates that get large amounts of rainfall or snowfall.
In conclusion, both acrylic and silicone coatings have their pros and cons. Choose one based on your climate and roofing needs. Acrylic is initially cheaper, but if your climate requires something stronger and more durable, then silicone is the better option.
Conclusion
To sum up, both acrylic and silicone roof coatings have various advantages in terms of roof system protection and upkeep. Acrylic is the most common roof coating material due to its affordability, convenience and better environmental impact. It is ideal for places that don’t need much protection from nature’s elements. Silicone, on the other hand, is a robust and long lasting substance which can guard roofs from extreme temperatures, ultraviolet radiation, water damage and chemical exposure.
This option is pricey compared to other materials but provides exceptional protection against severe elements in more difficult conditions. Ultimately, it is important to take into account both your budget and the environment when selecting the most suitable roof coating solution for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Acrylic and silicone roof coatings differ and are similar. This can help you make an informed decision. Here are some common questions:
- What is the difference?
Acrylic is water-based and silicone is chemical-based. Acrylic is cheaper but silicone has better weathering protection. - Are they energy efficient?
Yes. Both reflect sunlight to reduce energy use in warm climates. Acrylic may be more reflective. - Which is better for flat roofs?
Silicone. It forms a waterproof barrier on low-slope surfaces. Acrylic works best on pitched surfaces. - Are they hazardous to apply?
Silicone is non-toxic and easier to apply. Acrylic may require masks and eye protection. Both should be applied in well ventilated areas, with safety gear as recommended.