Acrylic vs. Silicone Roof
Coating: Which Saves More Energy on the Emerald Coast?
On Florida’s Gulf Coast,
silicone typically runs
about 20 %–30 % more per square foot than acrylic but lasts
5+ extra years, reflects slightly more UV, and resists ponding water.
Acrylic is less expensive up-front and easier to apply on sloped metal roofs. Choose silicone for flat, ponding-prone decks; acrylic for pitched or budget-sensitive projects.
(Costs and lifespans are 2025 Florida averages—actual pricing varies by roof size and condition;
request an on-site quote for exact numbers for your exterior painting.)
Why Roof Coating Matters on the Gulf Coast
- 90 °F summer highs drive attic temps well above 130 °F.
- Salt-laden air corrodes metal fasteners and stains porous asphalt.
- Afternoon storms leave flat roofs damp; trapped water accelerates membrane failure.
A reflective coating can lower roof-surface temperature by
up to 40 °F and trim
10 %–15 % off peak-season electric bills.
What Is an Acrylic Roof Coating?
Water-based elastomeric paint that cures into a flexible, UV-reflective film.
• Best for metal, modified-bitumen, and pitched asphalt roofs.
• Applied in two coats at roughly 1½ gal / 100 ft².
• Typical solar reflectance:
≈ 80 % initial,
≈ 72 % after 3 years.
• Real-world Florida life span:
10–12 years with maintenance wash.
What Is a Silicone Roof Coating?
Solvent-based silicone polymer that cures into a seamless, waterproof sheet.
• Ideal for flat or low-slope roofs where water ponds more than 48 hours.
• One self-leveling coat at about 1½ gal / 100 ft².
• Solar reflectance:
≈ 85 % initial,
≈ 80 % after 3 years.
• Real-world Florida life span:
15–18 years; can be re-coated without primer.
