The best commercial roof coating services are what we focus on at Parsons Roofing Company, serving Metro Atlanta and the Southeast. Did you know there are several types of elastomeric coatings? Many people assume that all white commercial roof coatings are the same product, but this is not the case. There are several types of coatings that fall under the characterization of “elastomeric,” but in this article, we will examine the differences between the two most common types of elastomeric coatings: Silicone vs Acrylic.
Top 4 Misconceptions of the Best Commercial Roof Coating Methods
#1 Elastomeric coatings are just like paint. Is it the best Commercial Roof Coating?
Many people believe that if you “paint” your roof with these products they will be effective against the elements, but this is false. These products are “coatings,” which require application at specific conditions and millage rates to be effective.
The most common reason for coating failures is an application error. Much of the stigma against roof coatings comes from bad experiences related to poor application standards. The product might have looked good upon completion, but important details were missed or skipped during the application and planning process. Failure to follow the proper procedure will cause the coating to fail as a roof system when exposed to the elements.
#2 The Best Commercial Roof Coating must be Acrylic since it’s used for the same purpose but just cheaper
Both products are effective when used for their intended purpose. Unfortunately, acrylic roof coatings are often applied on roofs that are incompatible with the product’s qualities. The best commercial roof coating comes down to the application of the product and the Roofing Company you choose to coat your roof. At Parsons Roofing Company, we specialize in Commercial Roof Coating and are here to provide the best roof coating for your roof.
Most commercial roofs are too flat, or they have too much ponding water for acrylic coatings to be effective. So, why are acrylic coatings not effective on a flat roof when silicone coatings are?
The chemistry of each product explains this answer. Each product has a solvent that will re-liquify the product after it has cured into a solid state. Silicone coating’s solvent is virgin mineral spirits, while acrylic coating’s solvent is water!
So, if ponding water stays in contact with acrylic roof coatings for a prolonged period, it will eventually emulsify the roof coating back into a liquid state. Therefore, you must have good, positive drainage on a roof before considering an acrylic coating as an option.
#3 Silicone coatings and acrylic coatings last about the same amount of time. So, which is the Best Commercial Roof Coating?
Silicone coatings are the only UV-stable coating on the roofing market. This stability means that the sun’s UV rays do not break down the material over time as it does with acrylic coatings. The best commercial roof coating is starting to lean towards silicone roof coatings.
For example, if you placed a ball of silicone roof coating in the desert next to a ball of acrylic roof coating the silicone coating would be the same size and shape 100 years later. The ball of acrylic would disintegrate into nothing over a short period of time! Why are we even talking about acrylic?
#4 These Commercial Roof Coating products can be applied over any commercial roof.
This is another massive misconception about the two products. An in-depth commercial roof evaluation must be performed before deciding whether it is suitable for a roof coating.
the Best Commercial Roof Coating – The Technical Specs
Let’s start by first looking at the general technical differences between silicone and acrylic roof coatings.
Silicone roof coatings have greater elasticity (200%-500%) than acrylic coatings (40%-70%). What does this mean for your commercial roof, you might ask? Silicone roof coatings can withstand much higher building movement than acrylic coatings. This is especially true on metal roofs, which move about 1/8” per 20’. Again, The best commercial roof coating is becoming more and more clear.
Acrylic roof coatings have better tear resistance. Once silicone coatings begin to tear, they will tear faster than acrylic coatings will. Although, it is harder for tears to occur in silicone because of its elasticity. An almost win for acrylic roof coatings, however, Silicone roof coatings are still in the lead for the best commercial roof coating.
Silicone roof coatings have much higher thermal emittance qualities. Only about 1% of the sun’s energy will penetrate through a silicone coating into the building. Yet another positive reason to choose Silicone roof coatings for your commercial roof.
The Best Commercial Roof Coating – Which One Is Better?
This answer isn’t black and white because a multitude of factors plays a part when choosing the best product for you. In general, acrylic coatings are less costly but have a limited range of roofs that will be effective when applied over.
Silicone coatings have a more extensive range of roofs that they can be used over and will last longer than acrylic coatings. Though, silicone coatings have a higher initial cost. The best commercial roof coating in most cases will be a silicone roof coating.
The best way to find out what your most effective option will be is to have Parsons Roofing Company provide you with a commercial roof evaluation!
