Those Users with a flat rooftop desire a silicone roof coating, which seems a good choice. Still, most have queries regarding silicone roof coating problems because they have seen complaints regarding different issues.
Let me explain to you in simple words that any product with multiple beneficial aspects has some flaws, and if wrongly used, it would be considered in that case.
Users who did not acquire the silicone roof coating in the best possible way and compromised on its nature than at that case then suffered multiple problems.
Silicone coating is one of the best coatings, but as we have mentioned, they have some flaws regarding the installation cost and different roof surfaces, which should be considered before opting.
Always compare the differences based upon a similar scenario of an expert professional rather than blindly walking on the non-compatible user review.
Silicone Roof Coating Problems- Quick Solution
Opting for silicone roof coating causes significant problems that might cause hindrance in your way to getting a durable coat.
Silicone coating is usually affected by non-compatible roof type, material, non-compatible surfaces, increased foot traffic, less longevity than other roof coatings, accumulation of dirt, and installation and de-installation cost issues.
Also, silicone coating seems much more prone to tearing and wearing out if not correctly installed.
These are the problems that most user has suffered because of either negligence or wrong selection, so consider these in detail to get a durable coat that lasts longer in the best possible way.
What Problems Occur with Silicon Roof Coating?
Despite the beneficial aspects of a product, each has flaws that need proper handling to use the product in the best, most efficient, and possible way.
A product wrong for one situation could be an excellent option for another; each product has its purpose and usage based on its nature and quality.
So, check out what problems the owners face with silicone coating for their roofs.
Silicone Gets Wear Out with High Foot Traffic
Silicone rooftop seems more prone to more foot traffic, and opting for the product for a heavy foot roof would be a nightmare because silicon would start to tear out before reaching the end-life working warranty.
Another problem is that once the silicone coating gets wet, it becomes so slippery and messy that it may cause slipping to individuals walking on the rooftop.
So, if the rooftop gets subjected to high traffic, the best fix is not to use silicone coating. I’ll go for other compatible layers that suit your rooftop.
Still want to go for silicone coating? The fix would be to limit the roof traffic to make the coating long-lasting.
Non-compatible With All Roof Types
Those complaining about the silicone roof coating don’t mean that the silicone coating has some flaws; that is because of the wrong selection of the roof type.
Not every roof is compatible with a silicone coating. If you use the product for an inclined or pitched roof type, then that’s a wrong decision.
Usually, silicone coatings are perfect for flat roof types.
Despite the roof type and other factors for non-compatibility, Not all materials are efficient for adhering to silicon and selecting the wrong surface or surface material for silicone would lead to poor adhesion and waste energy, money, and time.
If you want to go with silicon despite the adhesion problem, using additional adhesive agents would go fine, but remember that would increase the overall cost for the coating.
We suggest opting for silicon coating for the compatible roof type and material; otherwise, be ready to invest more for the wrong selection.
Less Longevity Compared to Others
Traditional roof coatings can last for 25 years and above, making them an ideal option for coating your roof to keep it safe from environmental stress and issues for a longer time.
However, in the case of silicone coating, the product lasts for around 10 to 15 years based on the silicone coating’s maintenance and quality. The expected life is ten years for silicon coating.
Silicon won’t be a better option for users with high longevity of above 15 years. Opt for traditional ones in that case.
Usually, silicone coating does not require multiple layers; one or two are enough, but the thickness determines how long they will last. Adding additional layers can increase longevity, but that is costly.
Reflectivity Lowers Over Time
Most users complain about the lower reflectivity over time.
The main reason behind such an issue is the tendency of the silicone roof coatings to attract dust, dirt, and other particulates to get attached to the surface and make it darker.
Once the roof surface gets less reflective, the roof is susceptible to high heat from solar energy, causing an abrupt increase in all billing and enhancing overall cost.
When reflectivity gets lower, the reflection of UV light also gets less and causes more harmful effects.
The low reflectivity also seems a crucial factor for the Silicon coating because it might cause damage to the roof coating and increase the overall maintenance cost.
To this problem, we have got you the easiest fix to prevent silicone roof topping from damage over time. To avoid the factors compromising the reflectivity goes for cleaning the roof over time.
Despite the dirt and dust build-up, no coating 100% abides the consequences in front of the solar energy for longer terms, and the same is the case for silicone coating.
Degradation in the reflectivity may be seen, but compared to others, it is far better and would be suitable for reflective surfaces for over three years.
Go for proper maintenance and cleaning, not to lower the reflectivity.
Challenging To Install on Roof
The next problem the construction expert must face is silicon being challenging to install on the rooftop. Silicon applied on a rooftop takes time rather than traditional roof coatings.
The elastomeric nature makes them stand in the rain and do not wash off silicone coating.
That seems a positive aspect, but in the case of silicone coating, the application requires expert and professional workers who are highly keen on applying the coat at the desired thickness and clarity that makes the protective coat stand out best.
The expert should be an experienced Silicon coating applicator over various rooftop coating projects.
So, to avoid installation issues, contact a contractor trained in the field; otherwise, a less competent won’t make the coating in the desired manner required for the roof.
Read About: Elastomeric Roof Coating Problems
Wrong Installation
Silicone coating is hard to install, but the expert must be trained in that perspective because the wrong installation makes the layer go to waste, which is true of the expert.
If the export selected is competent in applying a firm and desired thickness, the issue the user doesn’t face the problem.
Any coating that seems wrongly sprayed without the desired nature wastes money and time. Fix the issue by contacting the top professionals with the exact training offered in Silicon coatings.
Silicone Prone to Tearing
On average, silicone coatings are durable but sometimes more prone to damage, causing silicone roof coating problems from hailing, snow, or extreme environmental conditions.
There might be a chance of tearing, like heavy foot traffic, if excess healing occurs on the rooftop. Another chance that the silicone coating would get damaged and seen in that case is extreme ailing.
To prevent it, it is considered the best layer to abide by the hailing and harsh environmental conditions. Maintain the silicone roof coating to endure tearing while keeping the rooftop new.
That silicone roof coating is also prone to damage by dropping sharp objects on the surface because knives or other Sharp tools are harmful gadgets to contact the rooftops.
The repeated silicone coating seems to be the fix or try to go for another other-suitable roof coating if any chance exists.
Silicon Coating Hard to Remove
Silicone coating faces difficulties as that seems messy and is difficult to remove. Once you get done with silicone coating, its removal is a mess.
You can’t get them off quickly. For any other layer, you have removed all the previous silicon coating.
So, it seems very necessary to opt for silicone coating after observing your roof type, surface, and all the factors causing damage to the silicone coating.
A flat rooftop is more susceptible to silicone coating, but remember that once you have gone for silicone coating, there is no way back from there, and you have to invest more to get rid of it.
Any issue with the installation or wrong selection could lead to multiple problems, which would cost you a lot, so save your money and then opt for silicone coating upon better planning.
High Cost
As for the cost of Silicon coatings, they seem more expensive than other elastomeric coatings or traditional coatings.
According to an expert, a silicone coating would cost you around 02- 3.5 Dollars per square foot, which is much more expensive than the acrylic ones, around only half or 01 dollar per square foot.
If your roof type is susceptible to acrylic, then there is no need to go for silicon because they are too costly to handle and install, and the cost is higher.
Silicone coating requires an additional charge for maintenance to overcome the damages. Even if you remove the layer, you would have to pay more than you cost for its installation.
The cost is also high, causing silicone roof coating problems because of the heavy instrument used for its coating.
You may require other spray machines that are highly expensive to get offered for silicone coating.
Conclusion
Did you get through the guide on silicone roof coating problems?
It must have helped you select the silicone coating based on scenarios, roof types, environmental conditions, and materials because each factor impacts it.
Any negligence will cause the silicone coating to get affected by the environment, wear out in time, and demand to invest more with less longevity.
Consult professionals and experts for planning and coating rooftops and surfaces that need coating, as silicone coatings are one of the best coatings that protect your house rooftops.
Arthur is a skilled roof worker with over 10 years of experience in the industry. He started his career as an apprentice and worked his way up to become a foreman.
When he’s not working on roofs, John enjoys with his family or writing posts. He is also a passionate cyclist.