Silicone vs. Elastomeric Roof Coating
Silicone roof coatings are popular nationally, but The Roof Store defaults to elastomeric and polyurethane systems for most South Florida roofs — and that's a deliberate engineering choice, not a cost shortcut. Here's the honest breakdown of when each formulation wins.
Two Coating Chemistries, Different Strengths
Silicone and elastomeric coatings are both liquid-applied, waterproof, and UV-stable — but they behave very differently in South Florida's environment. Silicone's biggest strength is resistance to standing, ponding water, which makes it the right call for certain commercial flat roofs. But for the flexibility, color range, and hurricane performance most South Florida homes and businesses need, elastomeric and polyurethane systems are the better all-around choice.
We manufacture all three formulation grades — elastomeric, polyurethane, and silicone — and specify the right one for your roof after a manufacturer's inspection. See our full breakdown of formulation grades on the Roof Systems page.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Silicone | Elastomeric / Polyurethane |
|---|---|---|
| Ponding water resistance | Excellent — best-in-class | Good, not recommended for standing water |
| Flexibility across temperature swings | Good | Excellent — engineered for wide swings |
| Color options | Limited — white, gray, tan | 3,000+ colors, fully custom |
| Hurricane wind-uplift testing | Not independently rated | TAS-106 Dade County rated (Roof Shield) |
| Dirt pickup over time | Higher — surface stays tacky | Lower — cures to a firmer, cleaner finish |
| Recoat / recoatability | Difficult — needs full solvent-wash prep | Straightforward maintenance recoats |
| Best application | Commercial flat roofs w/ ponding water | Tile, metal & flat residential/commercial roofs |
| Typical warranty (our systems) | Up to 50-year (Grade 3 formulation) | Standard–enhanced (Grade 1–2 formulation) |
Why We Default to Elastomeric for Most Florida Roofs
Six reasons elastomeric and polyurethane outperform silicone for the majority of roofs we service.
The One Case Silicone Wins: Ponding Water
If your commercial flat roof holds more than ½ inch of standing water for extended periods, silicone is the only formulation we recommend. It's the most durable coating ingredient available for that specific scenario, and our Grade 3 silicone carries up to a 50-year product warranty. Outside of ponding water conditions, our elastomeric and polyurethane systems are the better long-term investment.
Common Questions
QIs silicone or elastomeric roof coating better?
It depends on the roof. For most Florida homes and standard commercial roofs, elastomeric or polyurethane coatings outperform silicone — they flex better across our extreme temperature swings, come in far more colors, and (in our Roof Shield system) carry independent hurricane wind-uplift certification that silicone products don't have. Silicone's one clear advantage is ponding water resistance, so we reserve it for commercial flat roofs that hold standing water.
QWhy doesn't The Roof Store recommend silicone for most roofs?
Silicone coatings stay tacky longer, which attracts more dirt and pollen over time, and they're difficult to recoat later — recoating requires an aggressive solvent wash that many contractors skip, leading to adhesion failures. Elastomeric and polyurethane systems are easier to maintain and better suited to Florida's UV intensity and heat.
QWhen would you use silicone instead of elastomeric?
Silicone is the right call specifically for commercial flat roofs with negative slope or standing water deeper than ½ inch, where its superior ponding-water resistance outperforms elastomeric or polyurethane. Outside of that scenario, our elastomeric and polyurethane systems are the better long-term choice for Florida roofs.
QDo your silicone coatings still carry a strong warranty?
Yes. Our Grade 3 silicone formulation carries up to a 50-year product warranty — the highest in our product line — and is used specifically where ponding water demands silicone's performance.
QCan I get an elastomeric coating in a dark color without it fading?
Yes. Our Smart Shield system uses BASF Cool Pigment Technology, which increases Total Solar Reflectance by 32% even in dark colors like charcoal and brown — something most silicone products can't replicate given their limited color range.
Not Sure Which Formulation Your Roof Needs?
Our manufacturer's inspection will determine the right formulation — elastomeric, polyurethane, or silicone — for your specific roof, goals, and budget.
Serving Broward, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, and Monroe Counties · Licensed & Insured · A+ BBB Rated since 1994