Roof resurfacing for solar install

Based on a brief web search it seems that the majority of sites indicated that silicone is NOT the more durable of the two. Here’s what I found… I’ll let it do the talking.

PDM Rubber Coatings Overview

Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomers, or EPDM, is a synthetic rubber of very high density, that is able to withstand extreme temperature changes. Its flexibility and strength make it ideal for buildings that are exposed to both high heats and extreme cold. Industrial building owners like it for its affordability and easy maintenance. It is also flame retardant, UV resistant, and very easy to install. EPDM is also recyclable, so you don’t have to worry about the coating ending up in a landfill in a few decades when it’s time for a replacement.

Silicone Coatings Overview

Silicone is a flexible rubber that is also very flame retardant and able to withstand high heat. It can actually withstand slightly higher heat than EPDM, which makes it ideal for engineering and automotive locations. However, it is not quite as strong as EPDM, which means that it could be damaged by extr eme weather and environmental concerns more than EPDM might be. However, silicone is also recyclable, and offers plenty of UV resistance as well. Silicone is also less effective against rain because it doesn’t have good acid or alkali resistance.

So What’s the Difference?

For most applications, EPDM rubber coating and silicone coating won’t be much different. Both allow you to protect your roof from environmental factors, both protect your roof from fire, and both are highly flexible in the face of temperature changes. However, if environmental protection is your main concern, EPDM coating is the better choice – it offers more strength against rain, and is less likely to tear in hail or other strong weather.

But silicone is ideal for areas where extremely high temperatures are the biggest concern. For companies that need to do welding or repair work on the roof regularly, a silicone coating may be the better option to protect the roof better. Both options are long-lived and durable for decades, and neither require a ton of maintenance. Whichever option you do choose will last for a long time barring significant environmental concerns.

Guest User | 6 years and 2 months ago

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firsthome | 6 years and 3 months ago

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I am looking to resurface my roof before installing solar panels. I received quotes from three roofers, each suggesting a different approach/material. The first contractor, Premier Roofing came highly recommended by a friend and also seems to be well regarded on this forum. However, if I want to include the roof repair into the financing of the solar project I’d have to choose one of the other two contractors. I’m curious about the pros and cons of each material option, especially with regards to penetrations of the solar rack.

These are the options I got:
1. Installation of white granular surfaced modified bitumen roofing.
2. Carlisle EPDM 060 over 1/2” HD Cover Board – I asked to get an updated quote with white (reflective) surface
3. Rolled on Silicone Membrane (Gaco or Super Silicone brand)

The contractor who proposed rolled silicone claims that it’s the most durable material with a 50 year manufacturer’s warranty, but only provides a workmanship warranty of 2 years. They also claim the roof will be virtually maintenance free – but I read online that it should be r ecoated every 15 years.

The quotes for range from $9,400 for the first option to $13,350 for the silicone roof. Each includes a new steel hatch and two new skylights. I am wondering if the silicone roof is indeed the best option and whether it is worth the 4k premium?