When it comes to choosing a roof coating for commercial applications, there are many factors to consider. In this article, we'll take a look at how various roof coatings perform in different areas so you can make the best choice for your next commercial roof project!
Why And When Should You Use Roof Coatings?
When appropriate, coatings offer many advantages over roof replacement. From an environmental perspective, coatings can increase energy efficiency, reduce waste, and require fewer resources to manufacture. For the occupants of a building, coatings projects are far less disruptive compared to having a roof torn off and replaced. Coatings can also be far more economical than replacement. Of course, not all roofs are candidates for liquid-applied rejuvenation, so for this article we will only be discussing projects that are.
In general, commercially available coatings will work when applied properly to a well chosen and prepared project. Contractors and specifiers need to understand a products properties when selecting a coating. For example, an acrylic may be a poor choice for a roof with ponding areas and silicone may prove frustrating in a retail environment where the tenants and roof features will change repeatedly.
Of course, there are other factors to consider.
Composition and Environmental Impact
A roof coating’s composition, application process, and longevity all contribute to its environmental footprint, and choosing an eco-friendly option can offer numerous benefits.
Ecodur Roof Coatings are sustainable roof coatings made primarily from castor oil and gypsum, which sets them apart from silicone and acrylic coatings. The formulation is entirely free from harmful solvents and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making them a safer and more eco-friendly choice for applicators, customers, and the environment.
Silicone coatings are synthetic and often contain solvents, which emit some level of VOCs, though they are generally low. While silicone offers excellent weather resistance, it does come with environmental concerns related to these synthetic materials.
Acrylic coatings, typically water-based, have lower VOC emissions compared to silicone but are still not as environmentally friendly as Ecodur’s formula. Acrylic coatings also require regular maintenance and reapplications, increasing the environmental footprint over time.
While all 3 options will offer superior benefits to the environment compared to re-roofing, Ecodur’s sustainable ingredients and VOC-free chemistry make it the clear choice for environmentally conscious clients.
Adhesion
Adhesion is absolutely critical for ensuring a roof coating’s longevity and effectiveness, especially when re-coating is necessary. Without strong adhesion, the coating could peel, crack, or bubble over time, allowing water, dirt, and UV rays to penetrate and damage the roof.
Ecodur Roof Coatings form a direct molecular bond with the roof substrate, providing extreme adhesion and durability. In fact, Ecodur has up to 3x the bonding strength of most conventional roof coatings! Additionally, Ecodur can be applied over itself indefinitely without special prep, simplifying the maintenance and re-coating process, especially for large commercial roofs.
Silicone coatings, while durable, often require primers to adhere properly to various surfaces. Re-coating over an existing silicone layer can also be difficult because of silicone’s molecular structure.
Acrylic coatings typically have decent adhesion but still require a primer for certain surfaces. Moreover, acrylic coatings are known to lose adhesion when exposed to standing water or continuous freeze-thaw cycles, which can lead to cracking and peeling.
Ecodur’s extreme adhesion, ability to bond directly without primers, and lifetime repairability make it the top choice for primerless application.
Ease of Application
It is important for contractors to understand their crew’s strengths and weaknesses. Some coatings require more training to apply correctly than others. If a contractor has a lot of turnover, multi-component coatings which require more training, may be a poor choice. For others, who have invested in training and development, the added benefits of field mixed products can give them a competitive advantage.
Ecodur Roof Coatings require trained professionals to mix Part A and Part B properly in the field. Once mixed, there is a maximum pot life of up to 45 minutes. Because of this, they can be more difficult to work with for new or untrained crews. While primers are generally not required, spray equipment is incompatible with Ecodur, making all projects require manual application. Ecodur can be applied at any thickness and will cure at the same rate regardless of thickness.
Silicone is a versatile material that can be single or dual component, depending on the chemistry and intended use. Overwhelmingly, silicone roof coatings are single component, and require only minimal mixing before application. They can require a variety of primers for bonding to certain materials or for bleed-blocking on asphaltic substrates. Specialty sprayers can be expensive, and cleaning them makes manual application preferable on most smaller application. Silicone roof coatings can generally be applied up to 60 mils, but will cure slowly when thicker. Contractors must consider environmental factors such as humidity when deciding how thick a single pass can be.
Acrylic coatings are generally quite forgiving in the field. No-settle varieties do not require mixing prior to application. Most substrates do not require a primer when applying acrylic coatings. Acrylic coatings can be applied via most paint sprayers, and manual application is generally simple. Contractors must be careful not to apply them too thick, or “mud cracking” is likely.
The advantage here comes down to project conditions and goals, with each product class having strengths and weaknesses.
Water Resistance and Performance in Cold Weather
For commercial roofs in areas with frequent rain, snow, or cold weather, water resistance and cold temperature performance are critical.
Ecodur Roof Coatings are highly resistant to water, even in the presence of ponding. Unlike silicone or acrylic, they can be applied in cold temperatures, making them a versatile choice for regions with harsh winters. Ecodur’s ability to remain flexible in cold conditions also helps resist cracking from thermal expansion and contraction, providing reliable protection even in freezing environments.
*Moisture detection can be difficult in cold climates. Although Ecodur can cure at below freezing temperatures, substrates must be clean, dry, and tight.
Silicone is water-resistant and can withstand ponding water, but it doesn’t perform well in extreme cold. Silicone can become brittle over time, particularly in climates with repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which can eventually lead to cracks.
Acrylic coatings are water-based and vulnerable to standing water, making them unsuitable ponding or areas with consistent precipitation. Additionally, acrylic coatings can only be applied when temperatures are at least 45°F and rising.
Ecodur outperforms both silicone and acrylic in cold weather curing and water resistance, making them the obvious choice for commercial roofs in regions with colder climates and water exposure.
Maintenance and Cost Efficiency
Maintenance frequency and overall cost efficiency are essential considerations for commercial roofs, which need to be cost-effective and reliable.
Ecodur Roof Coatings require minimal maintenance thanks to their durability and resistance to environmental factors. Additionally, Ecodur can always be applied over existing clean and dry Ecodur, making any future repairs a breeze. While it may have a higher upfront cost compared to acrylic, its long lifespan and low maintenance needs make it cost-effective over time.
Silicone coatings are generally low-maintenance but may require more preparation to re-coat or tie in new penetrations. Very few available products are able to bond to existing silicone. This is a very important factor to consider when evaluating system suitability and specifications.
Acrylic coatings are often the most affordable initially but need frequent reapplications, especially in challenging climates. When regular recoating intervals are ignored, acrylic coatings can begin to degrade exponentially. Frequent upkeep can make acrylic coatings more costly in the long run for commercial applications.
Ecodur provides superior value over time with its extended lifespan, minimal maintenance needs, and easy repairability, making it the most cost-effective choice long-term.
Ecodur Roof Coatings: The Best Choice for Commercial Roofers
Because of proven reliability, cost factors, and sustainability, the roof coatings industry is one of the fastest growing sectors in building materials.
Overall, Ecodur Roof Coatings from Castagra stand out as the best choice for commercial roofers seeking durable, environmentally friendly, and high-performing roof coatings. With its sustainable formulation, superior adhesion, excellent water and cold-weather resistance, UV stability, and flexibility, Ecodur offers advantages that silicone and acrylic simply can’t match.
Written by: Jef McCurdy
Technical Director - Castagra
Who Are We?
Castagra is a roof coating manufacturer dedicated to providing sustainable and high-performance coating solutions. Learn more about our products here, or contact our team today to learn more about how we can help you!
