What is a freeze-thaw cycle (and how is it affecting your roof)?
While the term may sound complicated at first glance, the freeze-thaw cycle is something you probably learned about in middle school science. Under its simplest definition, it’s the freezing and thawing of water during the winter months. In much of the United States, freeze-thaw cycles can be prevalent for upwards of four months.
Why does this matter for your roof?
The answer starts with ponding water – a common cause of deteriorating and compromised roofs. As water ponds, it can create damage by seeping into existing cracks, tears, or faulty seams in your roofing membrane. While this is a big problem on its own, the freeze-thaw cycle creates even bigger issues.
We know water expands as it freezes. If water seeps into cracks or seams and then freezes, these penetrations will become even more worn and get bigger. As part of this vicious cycle, when the ice melts and returns to liquid water, you will likely see even heavier leaking as the water drips through the much larger penetrations. Meanwhile, cycle after cycle, the vulnerabilities in your roof will grow more severe. The expanding and contracting will inevitably lead to major issues for your facility.
To detect whether or not freeze-thaw cycles are affecting your roof, this helpful blog identifies three signs of freeze-thaw cycle issues.
How can PM Silicone help?
Our silicone has great elasticity. This means it can expand and contract with the freeze-thaw cycles without ripping or breaking down.
Our silicone also has tremendous thermal stability. It is still functional even in very high or very low temperatures. One study suggests silicone roof coatings are even functional from -100 degrees to 250 degrees Celsius. PM Silicone will hold up in the harshest winters or hottest summers.
Finally, PM Silicone creates a seamless membrane on roofs. This means that seams, tears, and cracks will be a thing of the past. Our silicone is liquid applied so all penetrations on the roof will be completely restored after it’s coated with PM Silicone.
To learn more about the technical benefits of our silicone products, you can view the technical data sheets online!
Thanks for reading! You can learn more about the benefits of PM Silicone here: pmsilicone.com
