Silicone is the highest-performing material in commercial roof waterproofing. Unlike acrylic, polyurethane, or bituminous coatings, 100% silicone does not crack in cold weather, soften in heat, or degrade under permanent ponding water — the three failure conditions that end the life of every other coating type. GacoFlex, manufactured by Gaco and specified by Duratite, is a 100% silicone roof coating system delivering 20+ years of leak-free performance on flat and low-slope commercial roofs across the UK.

The UK commercial roofing market is filled with coating products that promise long life but deliver disappointingly short service. Acrylic coatings are water-based — a fundamental contradiction for a product intended to repel water permanently. Under ponding water, acrylics swell, soften, and eventually re-emulsify, losing adhesion and waterproof integrity within 5–10 years. Polyurethane coatings are more durable but UV-sensitive — they yellow, crack, and chalk on exposed southern aspects within a similar timeframe. Bituminous coatings crack in cold weather (brittle below 5°C) and soften in summer heat, creating sticky surfaces that attract dirt and debris. Elastomeric acrylics perform better but still share the fundamental weakness: they cannot permanently withstand ponding water. On the UK's predominantly flat commercial roofing stock, where drainage is frequently inadequate and ponding is routine, none of these products can deliver the 15–20 year service life they claim. This is why silicone is different — and why GacoFlex carries a genuine 20-year manufacturer warranty that no other coating product matches.
The chemistry is straightforward: silicone is a fully inorganic polymer. It does not absorb water, does not contain water-soluble components, and does not rely on chemical crosslinking that degrades over time. The same molecular structure that makes silicone safe in medical implants, cookware, and aerospace seals makes it permanently suitable for outdoor waterproofing. GacoFlex translates this material science into a practical roof coating system that UK building owners and facilities managers can specify with confidence.
GacoFlex silicone roof coating is applied by airless spray or roller, typically in two coats at 0.75–1.0 litres per square metre per coat, giving a total dry film thickness of 20–30 mils (500–750 microns). The coating bonds to virtually any clean, sound substrate — felt, bitumen, single-ply, metal, concrete, and existing acrylic coatings — without aggressive preparation. Once cured, the membrane is seamless, permanently flexible, and colour-stable. The standard finish is bright white, reflecting up to 85% of solar radiation and significantly reducing heat gain through the roof. This reduces internal temperatures, cuts air conditioning costs, and improves the building's EPC rating. GacoFlex is available in a range of colours for architectural applications where white is not appropriate. The coating is rain-resistant within 1–2 hours of application and fully cured within 24 hours, minimising weather-related installation delays. All GacoFlex applications are carried out by Duratite-approved contractors who have completed manufacturer training and are registered to issue the 20-year warranty.

Three-layer felt roofs on commercial buildings are the most common candidate for silicone overcoating. GacoFlex bonds directly to weathered mineral felt, creating a seamless silicone membrane without stripping the existing layers.
Ageing EPDM, TPO, and PVC single-ply roofs with failing seam welds and delaminating laps. Silicone overcoating restores waterproof integrity without removal of the existing membrane.
Cracked and oxidised mastic asphalt on older flat roofs. GacoFlex silicone stabilises the asphalt surface and provides UV-stable waterproofing over the existing substrate without the risk of hot-work removal.
Torch-on modified bitumen membranes with cracked laps, blistering, or UV degradation. Silicone overcoating extends the life of a modified bitumen roof by 20+ years without requiring torch works.
Exposed concrete roof decks and screed surfaces with cracking and carbonation. GacoFlex penetrates and seals hairline cracks in concrete, providing a flexible membrane that accommodates structural movement.
Flat roofs with partial green roof build-ups where the exposed perimeter and upstands need waterproofing. Silicone coating provides a compatible, root-resistant waterproof layer at details and edges.
The single most important property of GacoFlex silicone: it does not degrade under permanent standing water. On any flat roof where drainage is imperfect — which is most of them — silicone is the only correct specification.
Silicone is inherently UV-stable — it does not yellow, chalk, or crack under solar radiation. The coating looks and performs the same after 20 years of UV exposure as it did on day one.
Maintains full flexibility across the entire UK temperature range and beyond. No brittle cracking in winter frost, no softening in summer heatwaves. The membrane moves with the structure without failure.
GacoFlex adheres to felt, bitumen, single-ply, metal, concrete, asphalt, and existing coatings without aggressive preparation. No primer required on most substrates.
Reflects up to 85% of solar radiation, reducing roof surface temperatures by up to 50°C compared to dark-coloured membranes. Significant energy savings and improved EPC ratings.
Issued by GacoFlex (an Amrize brand) — not a contractor warranty. Covers material performance and waterproofing integrity. At end of life, recoat without removal.
See how liquid-applied roof coating compares to traditional roof replacement for commercial and industrial buildings.
| Factor | GacoFlex Coating | Full Roof Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per m² | £40–£90 | £150–£250+ |
| Typical Duration | 5–10 days | 4–8 weeks |
| Business Disruption | None | Significant |
| Scaffold Required | Rarely | Always |
| Manufacturer Warranty | Up to 20 years | 10–15 years typical |
| Ponding Water Resistant | Yes (silicone) | Depends on membrane |
| Existing Roof Removed | No | Yes |
| Waste to Landfill | Minimal | Significant |
| Renewable at End of Life | Yes — recoat over existing | Full replacement again |
See the difference GacoFlex coating systems make on real UK roofs. Every project includes a free survey, detailed specification, and 20-year warranty.




Technical survey of your flat roof — substrate assessment, moisture mapping of waterlogged insulation, photography of all details, and measurement of the total roof area. Written survey report and specification provided.
We specify the exact GacoFlex silicone system for your roof — coverage rate, number of coats, primer requirements, and any structural repairs needed before coating. Fixed-price quotation issued.
Roof surface is pressure-washed, contamination removed, and any failed membrane sections stabilised. Blisters are cut, dried, and re-bonded. Penetrations and upstands are checked and primed as required.
GacoFlex applied in two coats by airless spray or roller. First coat seals the substrate; second coat builds film thickness and provides the UV-stable finish layer. Coverage verified with mil gauge at each coat.
Application records submitted to GacoFlex (an Amrize brand) for warranty registration. Your 20-year manufacturer warranty certificate is issued within 2–4 weeks of job completion.
Trusted by property owners, facilities managers, and building consultants across the UK.
"Duratite coated our 3,000m² warehouse roof in under two weeks. No disruption to our operations and the 20-year warranty gives us complete confidence."
James Morrison — Warehouse Manager, Bristol
"We had persistent leaks at every lap joint on our factory roof. Duratite completed the GacoFlex coating within 10 days. Not a single leak since."
Sarah Williams — Operations Director, Manchester
"Professional outfit from start to finish. Our distribution centre roof is now fully waterproof with a 20-year Gaco warranty."
Mark Thompson — Facilities Manager, Birmingham
Duratite provides silicone roof coating uk services nationwide. We have approved contractors covering every region of England, Wales, and Scotland. Select your nearest city for local information:
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Tell us about your building and we’ll recommend the right system — foam, waterproofing or both — surveyed, specified and quoted at no cost.
GacoFlex S42 is a 96.5% solids silicone roof coating system supplied by Duratite as the exclusive UK distributor. It is engineered to waterproof and restore aged commercial roof substrates — including asphalt, EPDM, GRP, single-ply, asbestos cement and metal — under a 20-year manufacturer-backed product warranty.
GacoFlex S42 is a 96.5% solids silicone roof coating (by weight; 95% by volume). It is manufactured by Amrize (formerly Holcim Building Envelope) and supplied in the UK exclusively through Duratite Building Products Limited. The 96.5% solids formulation delivers minimal shrinkage and high yield — a single 18.9 L pail covers approximately 32 m² at 0.43 mm wet-film thickness (10-year specification), or 16 m² at 0.86 mm WFT (20-year specification).
Independently confirmed performance data on the system includes tensile strength of 450 psi (ASTM D412), elongation at break of 169% at -18°C (ASTM D412), and initial solar reflectance of 0.88 (ASTM C1549). The white finish carries Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) listing and Energy Star listing. The system is UL Listed, holds a published Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), and tests to ASTM D6694 — the silicone roof coating standard.
GacoFlex S42 is fibre-reinforced — it does not require a separate fabric or mesh reinforcement layer. Service temperature range is -45°C to +150°C, covering the full UK ambient and surface-temperature range. VOC content is 37 g/L (EPA Method 24), compliant with UK and EU regulations.
A typical UK GacoFlex S42 installation begins with a substrate adhesion test, followed by surface cleaning with GacoWash and high-pressure rinsing. Seams, penetrations, fasteners and cracks are detailed with GacoFlex SF42 silicone seam sealant or GacoPatch repair compound. On asphalt or modified-bitumen substrates, GacoFlex A4271 Bleed Trap Base Coat is applied first to prevent oil migration through the silicone topcoat.
GacoFlex S42 itself is applied at a minimum 2.25 gallons per 100 sq ft to achieve a 34-mil dry film thickness. For 10-year warranty specification this is delivered as a single coat at 0.43 mm WFT; for 20-year specification, a two-coat system at 0.86 mm WFT total. Different-coloured base and top coats (typically white then grey) verify total coverage visually and prevent sag on sloped surfaces.
Specification documents, datasheets and warranty schedules are supplied with every Duratite quote, alongside the project method statement and risk assessment. Duratite is the UK product authority — Duratite Building Products Limited issues manufacturer statements directly on its own letterhead for warranty and handover purposes.
GacoFlex S42 carries a 20-year manufacturer-backed product warranty when applied to the 0.86 mm two-coat specification. The warranty is issued by Duratite Building Products Limited (Co. No. 15897144; VAT 475375459). Where Duratite Projects Limited (Co. No. 09789966; VAT 232318243) performs the installation, a separate workmanship warranty is issued alongside.
The warranty is manufacturer-backed —. The product is supported by a published Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), UL Listed status, CRRC cool-roof listing, Energy Star listing, and ASTM D6694 test data (the silicone roof coating standard).
Pricing depends on substrate condition, access difficulty and total project area. Every project quote includes free site survey, substrate adhesion testing, and a fixed written specification. Call 01208 832 602 for a quote response or request a free survey online.
Is GacoFlex S42 suitable for ponding water?
Yes. The silicone chemistry is engineered for ponding-water resistance. This is one of the primary reasons silicone is specified over acrylic systems on UK commercial roofs.
Can S42 be installed over existing asphalt, felt, metal or asbestos cement roofs?
Yes. The system is approved for application over aged Built-Up Asphalt, Modified Bitumen (SBS/APP), EPDM and TPO single-ply membranes, PVC and Hypalon, GRP / fibreglass, asbestos cement and fibre cement roof sheets, and corrugated or standing-seam metal roofs. Substrate suitability is confirmed by adhesion testing during the free survey.
What is the published solar reflectance value for the white S42?
Initial solar reflectance is 0.88 (ASTM C1549), placing the white finish in the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) listed range.
What's the service temperature range?
-45°C to +150°C, covering the full UK ambient and surface-temperature range without softening or losing adhesion.
Is GacoFlex S42 BBA certified?
No. GacoFlex products are not BBA certified — they rely on UL Listed status, CRRC listing, Energy Star listing, ASTM D6694 test data, and a published EPD. (Our group company ThermoHoldings Ltd holds BBA Agrément Certificates 23/6963 and 23/6845, covering Enverge Nexseal LE and Sucraseal spray foam in domestic buildings — different products.)
How does the warranty work — what's covered and for how long?
The system carries a 20-year manufacturer-backed product warranty issued by Duratite Building Products Limited when applied at the 0.86 mm two-coat specification. Where Duratite Projects Limited performs the installation, a separate workmanship warranty is issued alongside.
Does S42 need a separate fabric or mesh reinforcement layer?
No. GacoFlex S42 is fibre-reinforced — it does not require a separate scrim or fleece. Detail-coats at seams, fasteners and penetrations use GacoFlex SF42 silicone seam sealant or GacoPatch repair compound.
How do I book a free survey?
Call 01208 832 602 or request a free site survey through duratite.co.uk. A trained Duratite specialist will visit the property, perform substrate adhesion testing, photograph the existing condition, and produce a written specification + fixed quote.
Duratite supplies Silicone Roof Coating systems — installed through our approved installer network — on commercial, industrial, agricultural and institutional buildings in every UK commercial centre. Pick your nearest city for local pricing, lead times and service detail — or call 01208 832 602 if you don't see your town listed (we cover the whole UK from our Bodmin HQ).
Our approved installer network delivers GacoFlex S42 silicone roof coatings in 533 UK towns and cities. If you're not on the list, we'll travel.
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