GACO Silicone Coatings 101: What is a Silicone Coating for a Roof?

Coatings in the commercial roofing industry have gotten a bad rap over the past 30 years, and often for good reason. However, over the past decade, things have shifted dramatically here in Metro Detroit—specifically because of silicone coatings. GACO has been a leading innovator in this space, and as a contractor recognized with Elevate Master Contractor Status—placing us in the top 1% nationally—we only align with the best.

So, what is a silicone coating? At its core, it’s a liquid membrane applied directly to an existing flat or low-slope commercial roofing system, such as EPDM, PVC, or TPO. When properly applied and fully cured, it becomes a brand-new, seamless roofing system complete with a manufacturer warranty. This can extend the life of your existing roof by over 20 years, delaying the massive capital investment of a complete tear-off and saving facility owners hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The Metro Detroit Advantage: Silicone vs. Acrylic

For commercial properties across the Tri-County area, silicone is key because it is moisture-cured. Michigan is a high-humidity state; surprisingly, this ambient moisture actually helps silicone coatings cure almost instantly during application.

The other leading system on the market is acrylic, which is air-cured. In Metro Detroit’s hot, damp summers, acrylics can take days to cure, inviting debris, installation issues, and wash-offs. Furthermore, data from the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) notes that silicone-coated roofs show exceptional resistance to ponding water even after a decade, whereas acrylics degrade when subjected to standing water.

The “Dirty Secret” of Roof Coatings

At Four Seasons Kanga Roof, we run our business on the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) with a clear mission: Proving there is a better way to serve our team, clients, and the community through the roofing industry. Part of that is total transparency.

The dirty secret in the coating industry is that if the product is applied improperly, the manufacturer’s warranty is void. This can leave the building owner holding the proverbial bag, after paying a contractor to install this coating to their roof. To ensure you get the protection you deserve, three strict rules must be followed:

• Verify the Substrate: The coating must be installed on a viable, structurally sound roofing system. Not all low-slope applications are appropriate candidates.
• Meticulous Preparation: The existing surface and all details must be properly cleaned. This is the most frequently skipped step by cut-rate contractors, leading to catastrophic coating failures. We ensure excellence here through our in-house training simulator, meaning our crews are thoroughly prepped before ever stepping on your property.
• Use the Right Components: A complete installation requires specific ancillary components (primers, seam tapes, flashings) designed by the manufacturer. Mixing and matching brands like GAF, Carlyle, or CertainTeed products with a GACO system can compromise the integrity and void your warranty.

Our preferred system is GACO. In the accompanying video, Doug Lorkowski breaks down exactly how we use GACO’s approved components to secure full-system warranties of up to 25 years.

We believe in long-term relationships, which is why we offer our Apples to Apples Guarantee and comprehensive Exterior Maintenance Programs. As Mark Lane recently shared in a Google Review, “Excellent service and client advocacy… You can trust this company for honest and good quality service!”  We don’t take shortcuts, and our BBB Torch Award for ethics proves it.

If you want to know if a silicone coating system is right for your building, reach out to our team at 586-566-0308 or book your inspection using our straightforward pricing guide online at https://kanga-roof.com/schedule-inspection-now/.