Flat Roof Coating: How You Can Save Money

Rufus WestSilicone Roof Coatings

At West Roofing Systems, we’ve been restoring commercial roof systems to working order while saving facility owners and managers thousands of dollars in repairs and roof replacements.

If your commercial flat roof is in fair working condition, you can install a silicone restoration membrane to extend the life of your roof and renew your warranty.

What Are Roof Coatings?

A Silicone Restoration Membrane is a versatile and self-flashing silicone membrane material perfect for economic roof renewal. After the existing roof is clean and repaired, the silicone coating is sprayed on, sealing any imperfections and adding a waterproof layer on your commercial roof.

The process of installing a silicone restoration membrane is relatively straightforward:

  1.  An infrared inspection is performed to see if there are any wet areas of insulation under the membrane.
  2.  After any saturated areas have been removed and replaced, the entire roof surface is power washed clean to remove any contaminants.
  3.  The seams of the membrane are then reinforced with a self-adhesive tape or mesh and coating.
  4.  The silicone coating membrane is sprayed on or roller applied over the entire surface of the roof creating a seamless membrane.
  5.  After the silicone coating membrane has been completed, a final inspection will be performed by a third-party or the manufacturer’s representative to verify that all the necessary repairs were performed correctly and that the silicone is applied accurately. When the repairs and silicone membrane coating are approved, the warranty is issued.

Read More: Cost of Silicone Restoration Membrane for a Commercial Roof

Types of Roof Coatings

Silicone

A silicone restoration membrane in Peachtree Corners, Georgia.

A silicone restoration membrane in Peachtree Corners, Georgia.

Silicone roof coating is elastomeric and made of silicone polymers. It’s known for the great weatherability and UV resistance to protect the roof system underneath. The reflective properties of the bright white silicone contribute to the ‘Cool Roof’ name and provide energy savings for the facility.

The silicone material is preferred for areas with drastic seasonal changes because the elasticity allows normal expansion and contraction with the building structure.

Read More: Silicone Restoration Membrane: Installation and Performance 

Acrylic

Acrylic roof coating is a water-based coating made with acrylic resin. If you are looking for a custom color roof coating, acrylic gives you that ability. The elastomeric qualities expand and contract with the roof while forming a seamless seal.

Since the coating is water-based, it has a narrow temperature window for the application (50º F or higher) and slow cure time (7 days) can make it difficult to schedule your project.

See More: Silicone Vs. Acrylic Commercial Roof Coatings [Infographic]

Urethane

Urethane roof coating is a solvent-based coating that is becoming more popular on the roofing market. There are two types of urethane roof coatings: aromatic and aliphatic. These coatings have an excellent tensile strength to protect high-stress areas (walkways, penetrations, flashings, etc.)

Butyl

Butyl roof coating is solvent-based and serves as an excellent vapor barrier. The superior elongation and high tensile strength make it very durable without cracking. The high volatile organic content is not environmentally friendly and means that it can’t be used in low VOC states.

How Roof Coatings Save You Money

Single-Ply Membrane Roofing - Cleveland, OhioMany facility owners choose to restore their commercial roofs rather than replace them when the warranty comes to expire. This is a smart choice that can save them money, create energy savings and renew their warranty coverage.

One of the top benefits of a Silicone Restoration Membrane is the cost savings. As long as the existing roof substrate is dry and stable, no roof removal is required. In this case, we make preventative repairs to the existing system and install a brand-new silicone coating that acts as a waterproof roof system over the current substrate.

Whether your roof is flat or pitched, an SRM can handle any type of roof, including those with skylights, vents, HVAC units, and drainage systems. Our experienced project managers and applicators bring decades of roofing experience to each job. West Roofing Systems knows when to repair or replace a roof, giving you options that ensure the best solution at the best price.

The best way to find out if your facility is eligible for a roof coating is to schedule for a contractor to evaluate your existing roof system. They will be able to recommend the best solution for your facility needs.

Silicone Restoration Membranes are an eco-friendly, cost-effective, alternative to replace your commercial roofing facility. Contact West Roofing Systems today to talk to our expert staff about your future SRM system.

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Rufus West