Are you looking for ways to improve the quality and lifespan of your flat roofing system in New Jersey? If yes, then one of the best ways to do it, as you might have heard, is by applying a layer of coating on your roof.
Roof coatings protect your flat roof by adding a thin layer on top of your current roofing material. A silicone coating is one of the best roof coatings on the market. But before you install one you must be wondering, how long does a silicone roof coating last?
On average, the lifespan of silicone roof coating is about 15 to 20 years, but it can last even longer if you apply the coating properly and the weather conditions are favorable.
However, as you know, things are not as simple as they seem, and that applies to roof coatings as well. How long the coating lasts will depend on a variety of factors, and we’ll talk about them, along with some of the best products you can use in the later sections.
Why Is A Silicone Roof Coating Worth It?
There are several types of coatings available on the market, with some of the most popular ones being acrylic and polyurethane. And while all of these are very popular, silicone stands out for its lifespan. Here’s why:
Silicone: The Key Ingredient
Silicone roof coatings are made from silicone (a man-made compound), which is a special kind of chemical or polymer made from natural silicon, oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen.
Silicone is really great for roofs because it’s very flexible, can handle very hot and very cold temperatures, and is great at keeping water out. All of these qualities make it a great choice for making your roof last a long time and keeping your home or office safe and dry.
Effective Polymerization Process
Silicone polymers are what make the coating durable. When making silicone coatings for roofs, an important process called polymerization happens where small molecules, or parts of silicone, are linked together to create longer chains. These chains make it possible to have a flexible structure. This also helps the coating adapt to changes in temperature without breaking or losing its effectiveness or flexibility.
Greater UV Resistance
Silicone roof coatings are a special type of coating that can protect your roof from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Its special chemical structure and the presence of siloxane bonds help to prevent UV radiation from damaging the roof’s underlying layers. This is why silicone-coated roofs can last for years without showing any significant signs of wear and tear.
Factors Affecting How Long Silicone Roof Coatings Will Last
At the start of this blog post, we mentioned the fact that silicone roof coatings can last for up to 20 years, but not every coating will. The overall lifespan can be affected by the following points:
The Quality Of Installation
The lifespan and effectiveness of a silicone coating on a roof greatly depend on the quality of its installation. To ensure optimal results, it is crucial to pay close attention to surface preparation, application techniques, and details during the installation process.
This is why we always recommend homeowners hire a professional roofing company for silicone roof coating applications. Skilled roofers in New Jersey use appropriate equipment and techniques to apply the coating evenly and consistently on your flat roof.
Weather Conditions In Your Area
The weather conditions that your roof faces throughout the year can affect how long the protective silicone coating lasts. This plays a more crucial role in states like New Jersey where changes in temperature, heavy rain, strong winds, and hail can all cause the coating to wear out faster than usual.
Sun Exposure
Silicone coatings are UV resistant but constant, intense sunlight can cause them to chalk up and slowly erode over time. Buildings in very hot, sunny climates may need to have a recoat applied sooner than those in milder areas.
Foot Traffic
The amount of foot traffic on the roof is another factor to consider. If there is heavy foot traffic from maintenance crews, equipment installations, or other reasons, be aware that this can cause premature wear and tear on the silicone membrane. Areas with high foot traffic will deteriorate faster than untouched sections of the roof.
Best Silicone Roof Coating Products On The Market
As we have seen, one of the most crucial ways of improving the overall performance of your flat roof and increasing the lifespan of your silicone coating is by using high-quality products. So what products does this include? As a roofing company with years of experience in installing flat roof coatings, here are some of the top products you’ll find on the market.
- GacoFlex™ Silicone Roof Coating
- Henry Pro-Grade® 988 Silicone White Roof Coating
- Rust-Oleum 980 Silicone Roof Coating
To know more about the features of these coatings, and some other top silicone roof coating products, you can read our blog post on: 9 Best Silicone Roof Coatings: Reviews & 2023 Buyer’s Guide
How Do You Ensure That Your Silicone-Coated Roof Lasts Longer?
No one wants to spend money on a product that does not live up to its lifespan. Follow these tips to make sure that you get the best from your silicone roof coating.
Regular Maintenance
Small practices go a long way. Roof inspections, cleaning, and recoating (with a top coat) as needed can increase the lifespan of your roof. A well-maintained silicone roof coating can potentially last over 20 years.
Call Us For a Silicone Roof Coating Application & Reinforce Your Roof!
If you want to extend the lifespan of your roof, it’s important to apply a flat roof coating. And if you’re specifically interested in a silicone roof coating, the team at Northkit Roofing can assist you with that.
Aside from coating application, we also offer flat roof repair and replacement services.
To get started, please contact us at (973) 396-7416 to speak with one
