We kicked off this blog series with the question, “What is a Substrate?” Today, we end this series with the question, “What is an Acrylic Roof?”
Acrylic is a lightweight plastic material that has a wide range of uses, from house paint to nail polish. An acrylic roof coating is applied to the roof as a liquid and then hardens as it dries. The coating is designed to provide a seamless shield on the roof.
Like any other substrate, acrylic coatings have advantages and disadvantages. This blog will explain those and detail how PM Silicone can help.
Advantages
One advantage is that acrylic coatings provide some resistance to UV radiation. Minimizing the sun’s impact on the roof surface can lower internal building temperatures and reduce HVAC usage.
Additionally, acrylics are water-based and relatively easy to install. That means crews can get the job done fast and businesses don’t need to pause operations while work is underway. Finally, acrylics can withstand normal expansion and contraction associated with weather changes.
Disadvantages
A major disadvantage is that acrylics cannot handle ponding water. It can result in poor adhesion, blistering, and delamination. For that reason, it’s recommended that acrylics should not be used on roofs that have less than 1/24 slope.
Another disadvantage is that water-based acrylic coatings can only be installed in good weather. Excessive humidity or extreme temperatures will jeopardize installation of an acrylic roof coating. That drastically shortens the window for acrylic coating installations.
Finally, another major setback for acrylic coatings is that they tend to lose mil thickness over time. Normal weathering and other conditions can mean acrylic roof coatings may not be a good solution for building owners in some environments.
How PM Can Help
While acrylics are organic and will break down under ponding water, PM Silicone is inorganic. That means that it’s not water-based and therefore will not break down under ponding water.
Acrylics do provide some resistance to UV radiation. However, silicone coatings are significantly more heat resistant and even prevent fungal growth.
Silicone also beats acrylics when it comes to flexibility. Silicone-to-oxygen bonds are not only stronger than carbon-to-carbon bonds, but they are also much more flexible. The strong binding is the main factor that helps PM Silicone adhere to roof substrates so well. The flexibility is what makes it a great solution for roofs that go through harsh winters and summers.
In conclusion, organic coatings like acrylics have a place in the market, but it should be limited to steep-slope roofs. PM Silicone, with its many advantages, should be the clear choice for a flat or low-slope commercial roof.
To learn more about PM Silicone, please visit pmsilicone.com.
Thanks again for keeping up with our “What is a Substrate?” series.
