Acrylic roof coatings are a popular choice for commercial buildings across the UK to enhance both the appearance and the durability of roofs. Nothing lasts forever, though, and an acrylic roof coating does have an end to its predicted lifespan. The exact length of this will depend on the quality of the coating, the climate conditions, the type of roof surface, how well the coating was applied, and regular maintenance and repairs.
An acrylic coating is a protective layer that can be applied to a commercial roof. The coating provides protection to the roof from UV rays, water, and weathering. It is highly flexible, which means that it will expand and contract without cracking, and can withstand temperature fluctuations that other coatings can't.
Silicone and acrylic roof coatings serve the same purpose. They are designed to protect roofs from UV rays, weather, water, and other elements. However, they do have some key differences.
An acrylic roof coating is water-based, whereas a silicone roof coating is solvent-based. This difference has several implications for their performance and durability.
Because acrylic roof coatings are water-based, they do shed, and will slowly lose their thickness over time. This shortens their lifespan compared to silicone roof coatings.
Both acrylic and silicone are reflective coatings. This means they bounce harmful UV rays away from the roof to protect it. However, acrylic roof coatings generally perform better.
Both materials are initially transparent to UV rays, so they don't absorb any radiation and degrade. Acrylic stays transparent because of its shedding, whereas silicone loses its transparency as it accumulates material, leaving it vulnerable to UV damage.
Because it is UV-resistant, an acrylic roof coating will also help save money on energy costs because it prevents the sun's rays from raising the internal building temperatures.
One of the major benefits of both silicone and acrylic roof coatings is their flexibility. Buildings naturally expand and contract due to temperature fluctuations, and any roof coating needs to be flexible to prevent cracking.
On average, you can expect an acrylic roof coating to last 10-20 years. Traditional flat roofing systems with their original coating in place will last 15-20 years, so by adding an acrylic roof coating, you can extend their lifespan by a decade or two.
Under some circumstances, an acrylic roof coating can even last past the 20-year mark.
In contrast, a silicone roof coating will last an average of 15-20 years or more. The lower estimate is higher than that of an acrylic roof coating, so you would have a slightly higher chance of a longer-lasting roof, but the average overall is highly similar.
Check this out "How Long does silicone roof coating last".
Several factors can influence how long an acrylic roof coating will last.
Different acrylic formulations can vary in their quality. Higher-quality products typically use premium ingredients that can enhance the coating's durability. This will often include UV-resistant additives and thicker applications that make them resistant to wear and tear.
Ask your roofing contractor to recommend trusted high-quality brands for your roof coating.
The UK is notoriously changeable in its weather conditions, and this can impact the longevity of any roof coatings you apply.
Although acrylic roof coatings are flexible, the constant cycle of weather fluctuations that cause building materials to expand and contract will still put pressure on the coating. It can cause micro-cracks which, over time, will lead to larger sections of damage.
The UK also sees substantial rainfall, and this moisture can degrade roofing materials. This is especially the case if roof drainage isn't sufficient to prevent pooling.
One of the major factors that influence how long an acrylic roof coating lasts is the quality of the application. For example, the roofing substrate needs to be properly prepared and primed for good adhesion.
The coating thickness also matters. Providing two or more layers provides better protection and longevity.
Acrylic coatings should be applied during favourable weather conditions for optimal drying and adhesion. Applying in wet or very cold weather can result in a weaker bond and a shorter lifespan.
There are steps you can take to give your acrylic roof coating an extended life. The most important of these is proper maintenance and repair.
Regular maintenance will prevent damage to your acrylic roof coating and should include:
If you want to extend your roof's lifespan by adding an acrylic roof coating, we can help. Our team of experienced technicians will professionally apply a high-quality acrylic coating that will stand the test of time. We will also help you to maintain your coating and keep it in good condition for as long as possible.
