When protecting a medical facility, like a hospital or skilled nursing facility, in Southern California’s climate, selecting the right roof coating matters. Two of the most commonly used systems, silicone coating and acrylic coating, offer distinct advantages, but their performance can vary greatly depending on the roof’s slope, drainage, and exposure to sunlight.
Understanding the pros and cons of each material, along with the importance of regular roof maintenance, can help building owners get the best return on investment from their roofing system.
Call 213-466-0074 today to schedule consultation regarding your hospital or other medical facility roofing concerns.
Coatings Comparison
Acrylic Isn’t Always a Fit for Hospital Roofing
Acrylic coatings are often praised for their affordability and solar reflectivity. They’re water based, easy to install, and ideal for sloped roofs with efficient drainage. However, acrylics are not suited for roofs that experience frequent ponding water, a common issue in many commercial buildings with flat or low slope designs. As this is a common design for medical facilities, the issue needs to be addressed.
When water is allowed to sit on an acrylic coated surface for extended periods, it causes the material to deteriorate. The coating begins to soften, peel, and eventually breaks down. The chemical makeup of acrylics allows them to reabsorb moisture in a way that resembles how dried paint becomes a gel again when rehydrated. In these cases, the coating may appear intact from a distance but is compromised beneath the surface, leading to cracking, bubbling, and exposure of the membrane below.
In short, while acrylic can be an excellent choice in the right conditions, it’s not ideal for flat roofs in Southern California where drainage may be inconsistent or minimal.
Silicone: Built for Harsh Conditions and Standing Water
Silicone coatings are hydrophobic, meaning they actively repel water. This quality makes them an excellent choice for roofs with poor drainage or frequent ponding, a reality for many hospitals or other medical facilities in urban and coastal regions of Southern California.
Silicone coatings don’t reabsorb water and won’t break down when submerged. In areas where standing water is unavoidable, the coating can be reinforced with added thickness or support. This creates a durable, flexible barrier that performs well even during periods of intense UV exposure and heat, conditions that are all too common across Southern California.
While the upfront cost of silicone may be higher than acrylic, its resistance to water related failure can lead to significant long term savings.
The Role of Routine Roof Maintenance
Even with the right coating system, routine maintenance is crucial for performance and longevity. A customized maintenance plan should be tailored to the unique features of your building. Roof slope, drainage points, mechanical systems, and local climate all play a role in how often your roof should be inspected.
In Southern California, it’s not enough to get on the roof once or twice a year. With sun exposure, seasonal debris, and occasional rainfall all affect your coating, inspections and minor touch ups should occur on a more frequent basis.
A professional maintenance plan from Shark Commercial Roofing Systems will detect early signs of wear, reinforce vulnerable areas, and ensure that small issues don’t evolve into costly problems.
To learn more about special hospital roofing issues, call 213-466-0074 and speak with an expert today.
FAQ
Why does acrylic fail on flat roofs?
Acrylics break down when exposed to ponding water. On flat roofs without proper drainage, the coating softens, peels, and cracks, leading to system failure.
Is silicone worth the higher cost?
Yes, especially on roofs with drainage issues. Silicone resists standing water and UV damage, reducing long term repair and recoating expenses.