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Part of maintaining and extending the life of commercial buildings involves ensuring the roofing is intact and performing as it should. When it comes to silicone roofing in Florida, our team has helped building owners extend the life of their building’s roof warranty, as well as roof longevity.
The Classic team restores single-ply membrane roof systems by applying a silicone restoration membrane, also known as SRM, over the current roof. The savings by employing an SRM can be as high as 50 percent, compared to the cost of re-roofing. This saves facility owners and managers thousands of dollars in roof repairs. That’s because they completely avoid the costs of tearing off the roof, and then rebuilding.
Our clients are typically building owners or facility managers who realize that their roof warranty is coming to an end, but their roof system is in good shape. The application of the silicone restoration membrane provides a new warranty as well as longevity for the building.
Building codes classify an SRM as a maintenance product. Per building code, if a building has two roofs installed, one on top of another, an SRM can be installed and still meet the building code. Another advantage is fast installation: An SRM can be installed 50 percent faster than a conventional teardown and rebuild.
CLASSIC ROOFING – FAMILY OWNED AND SERVING THE COMMUNITY FOR OVER 20 YEARS
The Process of Silicone Roofing in Florida
To determine if your building is a good candidate for an SRM system, some discovery is performed by our team on your roof.
- Infrared roof moisture inspection is the first step: It’s a scan using thermal imaging technology to determine the right course of action for your roof. Infrared walk-on roof inspections with marking paint are the preferred method. Temperature differentials indicate if there is water penetration and insulation damage.
- Cost is determined by the usual variables, including square footage, amount of repair needed, amount of roof penetrations/projections and how many coats of SRMs are needed. Generally, an SRM costs from $2 to $4 a square foot. The biggest cost savings is that one doesn’t have to do a tear-off and rebuild the roof.
- The longer the warranty, the more coats of silicone membranes are applied.
- The risk of not getting your roof inspected can lead to expensive repairs or a complete roof replacement.
If the infrared scan reveals more than 25 percent of your roof square footage is damaged by water penetration, then it’s not repairable. The repairs would be too costly. - A representative from the SRM manufacturer may visit the job site before, during and after to ensure correct installation and that you are happy with the SRM.
Ideal Candidate for SRM
Silicone restoration membrane is a good choice for your roof if:
- An infrared scan shows minimal leaks.
- The existing membrane is in excellent condition.
- Minimal repairs are needed.
- You’re looking to extend the life of a roof that doesn’t leak.
- You want the opportunity to obtain a new warranty.
- You’d like to save on the cost of removing and rebuilding a roof.
Silicone Roofing Installation Steps
- Inspect the roof.
- Prime the roof.
- For time-sensitive projects, vacuum trucks can help dry the roof faster, while separating water from particles.
- All leaks and damages are repaired with new materials.
- Existing membrane is reinforced at seams.
- Silicone is sprayed or rolled on, usually a base coat, then two additional layers.
Once the project is complete, the results are lasting: Warranties vary by manufacturer, but most offer 20-year warranties. A properly maintained SRM can be restored in 15 years, with just one coat.
Safety
- Because of off-gassing from the silicone, installers have to be equipped with respirators.
- Any air intake systems on the roof should be closed during installation.
- Silicone can be slippery when wet, so caution is needed.
Energy Benefits
Changing the color of the roof can be key to controlling future energy costs of the facility. The surface temperatures of a black EPDM (ethylene propylene diene
terpolymer) roof can reach as high as 200 degrees in the summer. A white or light gray SRM can reduce surface temperatures by 60 degrees. Reflectivity reduces energy costs, as well as directing light and heat into the environment.
Protect Your Investment With Silicone Roofing in Florida
As the current weather conditions confirm, one can’t be without a roof warranty for your commercial building in St. Petersburg, Tampa Bay, Clearwater and Fort Myers. It’s time to protect your investment. Contact the team at Classic Roofing & Construction by calling 727-329-8023 in Tampa or 239-932-5225 in Fort Myers, or by clicking to get a free estimate.
