Does your roof qualify?
| Condition | Silicone candidate? |
|---|---|
| Membrane or metal still attached and mostly sound | Yes |
| Ponding water that dries within a couple of days | Yes. This is where silicone beats water-based coatings |
| Wet insulation in spots | Yes, after the wet areas are cut out and replaced |
| Wet insulation over much of the roof | No. Replace the roof |
| Membrane shrinking, splitting or loose at the deck | Not until it is repaired or replaced |
| Already coated with silicone | Yes. Silicone recoats with silicone |
Tests before the proposal
- Moisture survey: We walk the roof, fly a drone for photos of areas that are hard to reach safely, and run drone thermal (infrared) scans that help show where water has gotten under the surface. We confirm suspect areas with core cuts.
- Adhesion test: small test patches on the existing surface, pulled after curing, to confirm the coating and primer bond. Results decide whether a primer is needed.
- Drainage check: where water ponds, how long it stays, and whether drains, scuppers or tapered insulation should be fixed first.
- Photo report: Every inspection comes with a free digital photo report, so you see what we see.
What a complete silicone scope includes
- Wet insulation and failed membrane cut out and replaced
- Power wash, and primer where the adhesion test or substrate calls for it
- Seams, fasteners, penetrations and flashings reinforced with fabric or flashing-grade material
- Silicone applied to a stated thickness, spot-checked with a wet-mil gauge during application
- Walk pads at equipment, because silicone is slippery when wet
- Manufacturer warranty paperwork, if a system warranty is part of the bid
Thickness and warranty
Coating manufacturers tie the warranty term to the amount of coating applied: more coating, longer available term. The bid should state the dry-film thickness (or gallons per 100 square feet) for the term you are buying, so two bids can be compared like for like. Silicone roof coatings are covered by the ASTM D6694 standard specification; ask for the product data sheet that shows the product meets it.
Silicone vs. acrylic vs. urethane
| Silicone | Acrylic | Urethane | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ponding water | Best | Poor | Good |
| UV and Texas sun | Excellent | Very good | Aliphatic topcoats good; aromatic needs a topcoat |
| Foot traffic and impact | Fair; soft surface | Fair | Best |
| Dirt pickup | Higher over time | Lower | Low |
| Recoat later | Silicone only | Acrylic or silicone | Several options |
| ASTM spec | D6694 | D6083 | D6947 (moisture-cured polyurethane) |
Is coating better than a new roof?
On a qualifying roof, a coating usually costs less and causes less disruption than a tear-off, and the building stays open. On a failing or wet roof it is money wasted. Compare it head to head in our TPO vs. mod bit vs. coating guide, and see commercial roof coatings for the program overview.
Bidder checklist
- Moisture survey method, and how much wet-area replacement is included
- Adhesion test results and primer decision
- Product name, ASTM D6694 data sheet, and dry-mil thickness or coverage rate
- Seam, penetration and flashing reinforcement details
- Warranty type and term, and whose name is on it
- Walk pads and drain work included or excluded
Code sections and product standards are summarized in plain English from the published documents. Your building official and the manufacturer's current specification have the final word.
We're certified with GAF, CertainTeed, Owens Corning, Atlas, Johns Manville, Carlisle, Tropical Roofing Products, Mule-Hide and Enviroshake, and many other roof manufacturers.
Commercial warranty: a workmanship warranty from 10 years up to lifetime, depending on the job, plus both 10-year and 20-year NDL (no-dollar-limit) manufacturer warranties (the price depends on which NDL term you choose). Manufacturer coverage depends on the product and brand, and on the project qualifying for that manufacturer's program. We put the exact warranty for your roof in writing.
Certified, with 30 years installing every major roofing brand, a family roofing business going back 75 years, and over $80 million in completed roofing projects. 5.0 stars on Google at all three of our offices.
Request a free inspection or call (817) 733-9228. Small repairs are welcome too.
