Many owners turn to traditional paint when a commercial building needs its exterior walls restored.
It seems like an easy and cost-effective solution, but what happens when the paint chips, fades, or wears down? This is where a high-solids silicone coating offers significant long-term benefits.
At West Roofing Systems, we recently completed a roof restoration project for a client in Willoughby, Ohio.
While on-site, we noticed the building’s exterior block walls were beginning to spald and the paint was severly chipped, with large sections of paint missing altogether.
The building owner mentioned getting quotes from painters to redo the walls. After inspecting the walls’ condition and discussing their needs, we suggested a different route—a high-solids silicone coating.
The Advantages of Silicone Coatings Over Paint
Here are a few reasons why silicone coatings are recommended over traditional paint for commercial wall restoration:
Thicker Application
Traditional paint has a much thinner layer when applied. Despite its appearance, it can’t withstand harsh weather conditions in the long run. A high-quality paint typically has around 50% solids, meaning half of the product is made up of water or solvents that evaporate as it dries.
This leaves a thinner protective layer. In contrast, a high-solids silicone coating is 95% solids, creating a much thicker, more durable, and long-lasting finish.
When installed, the silicone coating offers significantly more protection for the building’s walls, ensuring that it can better resist environmental factors, such as extreme weather, UV rays, and the effects of time.
Durability and Longevity
One of the biggest concerns with paint is its tendency to chip, fade, and wear down over time. Commercial buildings face unpredictable weather, especially in the Midwest, where storms, high winds, and temperature fluctuations from 100 degrees in the Summer to -10 in the Winter are common.
Silicone coatings offer much greater durability. They are not only more resistant to cracking and peeling but also have a longer lifespan.
For instance, per manufacturer specifications, silicone coating systems come with a 10-year warranty—compared to the usual 1-year warranty offered by painters.
Warranty Renewal and Reapplication
The silicone coating’s impressive 10-year warranty is just the start. At the 10-year mark, the coating can be easily renewed.
Even as the coating wears down over time, a simple power wash and reapplication of the silicone – usually 20 mils, renews the 10-year warranty.
The Cost-Effectiveness in the Long Run
While the initial cost of silicone coating is roughly 20% more expensive than paint, the long-term benefits outweigh the upfront investment.
The thicker application and 10-year renewable warranty make silicone a far more cost-effective choice in the long run. Building owners don’t have to worry about reapplying paint every year, and the silicone coating will stand the test of time, reducing maintenance costs.
Real-Life Example: Paisley Farms in Willoughby, Ohio
This project was completed in August 2024.
You can read more about this project where we discuss/show:
- Before and after photos of the walls
- Attaching metal panels to areas of bad deterioration
- The meticulous application of sealants in every crevice and cracks
- How the job was prepared
- Application of the coating
Why Silicone Coating is the Best Choice
While traditional paint may appear cheaper upfront, the long-term benefits of silicone coatings far outweigh the initial cost. With its thicker application, extended warranty, superior durability, and renewability, silicone coatings are a wise investment for commercial property owners who want to protect their buildings and avoid the hassle of constant maintenance.
