Veteran roofers know one of the main questions they hear from a building owner is, “How long will the roof last?” The answer to this question varies based on whichever substrate you are selling, but for silicone, the short answer is, “A very long time.” This blog delves into the science of silicone and answers the question, “How Long Does Silicone Roof Coating Last?”
Long Life
It’s well known that silicone roof systems can offer 20-year warranties, but how long will a PM silicone roof restoration really last? Although silicone is not eternal, the lifespans can span far longer than 20 years if applied correctly.
“That’s the beauty of it,” PM Director of Research & Quality TJ Flick said of silicone. Silicone roof coatings only lose roughly a half-mil each year – that’s 0.0001 of an inch – in the most harsh environments due to erosion. With normal weather patterns, the milage loss will be even less. Given the extreme resilience of silicone, it’s no surprise we see properly-installed roofs lasting decades.
Why So Strong?
Silicone roof coatings’ longevity is largely attributed to their chemical composition, particularly their inorganic backbone. This sets them apart from many other roofing materials. This is why PM silicone roof coatings can offer such robust warranties.
PM silicone coatings’ inorganic qualities provide significant advantages. Unlike organic compounds like urethanes (which degrade much faster under UV exposure and harsh weather conditions), the inorganic structure of silicone is more resilient. This means silicone coatings are less likely to crack, peel, or degrade over time, ensuring a longer lifespan.
Silicone’s inorganic nature also enhances the coatings’ resistance to moisture and ponding water. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for flat roofs, where water accumulation can lead to severe damage. With a silicone coating, you can rest assured that your roof is well-protected against leaks and structural deterioration.
When to Re-coat?
After decades of wear and tear, silicone will eventually begin to break down some. Although minimal, you could want to re-coat silicone near the end of its warranty life to ensure a watertight surface. More often than not, however, you’ll re-coat a silicone roof due to changes to the roof.
New vents or other new penetrations can be hard on any roof. When installing new vents, lights, etc., it’s important to re-coat the silicone with silicone to re-create the coatings’ seamless membrane.
Regular foot traffic can also negatively impact the integrity of a silicone roof coating. That’s why we recommend PM’s Pro-Grip Walkway System, which provides a greater resistance to wear and tear. That will help protect your roof and extend its life.
Additionally, birds and rodents can damage commercial roofs as they chew through roof substrates to find insects, crack open nuts, etc. To fight this problem, PM recommends our Wildlife-Deterrent Silicone. It can stop animal damage in its tracks and protect your roof for years to come.
Both the PG-700 walkway system and BX-3200 systems can be coated over existing PM silicone when needed. Whether extending a warranty life or updating a silicone roof, PM silicone can be coated with more silicone as needed.
Conclusion
Like any man-made material, silicone roof coatings will wear down eventually. However, it’s incredibly tough and can handle extreme or normal conditions without falling apart quickly. It’s also a fact that silicone’s degradation rate is significantly slower compared to many other materials. By choosing the right product and maintaining it properly, you can enjoy a reliable and long-lasting roof.
If you have any questions, you can find your local Regional Manager here.
Thanks for reading.
