MuleHide Silicone Roof Coatings
A silicone roof coating is a liquid applied layer that cures into one seamless, waterproof skin over your existing flat roof. As a MuleHide certified contractor, we apply MuleHide silicone coatings across Pittsburgh on flat roofs, commercial buildings and box gutters that are worn but still dry underneath, with no tear off.
- MuleHide certified
- MuleHide silicone
- No tear off
- Box gutters
- Free written estimates
- PA HIC# PA174918
How a Silicone Roof Coating Goes On
A coating is only as good as the roof and the prep under it. Every silicone coating we apply follows these four steps.
1. Inspection
We find wet insulation and soft spots, then repair them first.
2. Cleaning
Dirt, debris and chalky residue are washed off the old roof.
3. Seams Sealed
Seams, flashing and drains are reinforced before the top coat.
4. Silicone
MuleHide silicone goes on as one seamless, waterproof layer.
Silicone and Flat Roofs in Pittsburgh
Silicone is one of several flat roof systems we install, so we can tell you honestly whether a roof should be coated, repaired or replaced. On a Bellevue home we sealed the box gutters with silicone while we put on a new roof. Here is recent low slope work.
- Silicone box gutters, Bellevue
- MuleHide silicone coatings
- Roof recoated in one day
- Redo plus a silicone coated roof
- 2 ply system, Observatory Hill
- Mirror and Glass .060 EPDM
Why We Use MuleHide Silicone
A silicone coating can add years to a flat roof that's worn but still dry, and we're MuleHide certified to apply it.
No Tear Off
The coating goes over your existing roof, so there's no tear off or debris pile.
Seamless Layer
Silicone cures into one continuous layer, with no seams to let water in.
MuleHide Certified
Certified for MuleHide flat roofing, including MuleHide silicone roof coatings.
Standing Water
Silicone holds up to ponding water better than many other liquid roof coatings.
What Our Flat Roof Customers Say
Request a Free Estimate
Silicone Roof Coating FAQ
Straight answers to what Pittsburgh homeowners and building owners ask us most about silicone roof coatings.
What is a silicone roof coating?
A silicone roof coating is a liquid rolled or sprayed onto an existing flat or low slope roof, where it cures into a seamless, rubbery layer. It seals worn seams and small cracks, stands up to sunlight, and white silicone reflects summer heat. We apply MuleHide silicone to roofs that are aging but still sound. Read more about the benefits of a white silicone coating.
How is a silicone coating different from a new flat roof?
A new roof replaces everything down to the deck. A coating keeps the old roof in place and seals its surface, with no tear off, which only works when the roof is dry underneath. Silicone has trade offs: it's slippery when wet, it holds dirt, and later recoats have to be silicone. Compare roof coatings and roof replacement, or see commercial roof replacement.
How long does a silicone roof coating last?
It depends mostly on how thick the silicone is applied and the condition of the roof under it. Manufacturers rate their systems by thickness, and thicker systems are usually backed by longer warranties. Foot traffic, clogged drains and skipped repairs shorten its life. When a coating wears, a sound roof can often be cleaned and recoated instead of torn off.
Can silicone go over an EPDM or metal roof?
Usually, yes. Silicone can go over EPDM rubber, modified bitumen, built up roofs and metal when the surface is sound and properly prepared. Rubber is cleaned and often primed so the coating bonds. On metal, loose fasteners are tightened and seams and rust spots are treated first. If you have a rubber roof, also see our EPDM rubber roofing page.
Can a silicone coating handle ponding water?
Silicone holds up to standing water better than many other roof coatings, which is one reason it's popular on flat roofs. It doesn't cure poor drainage, though. Water that sits for days adds weight and usually points to a low spot, a sagging deck or a blocked drain, so we check drainage before we coat. Learn how roofing systems handle ponding water.
Can silicone seal leaking box gutters?
Often, yes. Box gutters are built into the roof edge of many older Pittsburgh homes, and a worn lining lets water into the soffit and walls. If the gutter is still solid, it's cleaned, holes are patched and the channel is sealed with silicone, as we did on a Bellevue home. Rotted gutters need rebuilding first. See our residential roof repair service.
Does a silicone roof coating come with a warranty?
Coating warranties depend on the product, how thick it's applied and the roof under it, so they vary from job to job. As a MuleHide certified contractor, we apply MuleHide silicone, and we explain the coverage for your roof with your written estimate. One customer noted in his review that Ryan gave a warranty on his silicone coating.
What affects the cost of a silicone roof coating?
We price every coating after a free inspection. The main factors are the size of the roof and how easy it's to reach, how much wet or damaged material must be cut out, the seams, vents and drains to reinforce, how thick the coating goes on, and any box gutters included. We also offer financing. Read is commercial roof coating worth the investment.
When is a roof too far gone to coat?
A coating seals the surface. It can't fix what is underneath. If the insulation holds water, the deck is soft, or the membrane is split or blistered across most of the roof, coating over it only traps the problem. Small wet sections can be replaced first, but widespread damage calls for a new roof. Our commercial roof repair team will tell you which you need.
Can silicone be applied in the winter?
Silicone needs a clean, dry roof and the temperature range the manufacturer sets, so we don't coat on rainy, frosty or very cold days. We work all winter, so if a flat roof leaks in January we stop the leak first and schedule the coating for the right weather. Read about getting a commercial roof ready for winter.
Is a silicone coating only for commercial buildings?
No. Silicone is common on commercial buildings and apartment roofs, but it also works on homes with flat or low slope sections, such as rowhouse rear roofs, porch roofs, additions and box gutters. A home roof is usually smaller, with more walls and edges to seal. The rule is the same for both: the roof has to be dry and sound first.
Do you apply silicone roof coatings in my area?
Yes. We apply silicone coatings and repair flat roofs throughout Pittsburgh and the North Hills, with recent low slope work in Bellevue, Observatory Hill, Mt. Washington, Glenshaw and McKees Rocks. We also serve nearby communities including Cheswick, Harmar, Leetsdale and Canonsburg. Request a free estimate, and we'll tell you whether a coating makes sense.
Compare Other Roofing Materials
Not sure a coating is right for your roof? See the other roofing materials we install and repair across Pittsburgh.
