From Roof Rescue to Energy Revolution: The Unbeatable Benefits of Henry Silicone Roof Coatings in the Caribbean

In the Caribbean, our roofs are tested daily. Intense UV rays, torrential downpours, salty sea air, and high humidity push traditional roofing materials to their limits. For property managers, engineers, architects, and developers, keeping buildings protected from water intrusion while also reducing cooling costs has become more than a maintenance task—it's a strategic priority. Enter Henry® Silicone Roof Coating Systems, the game-changer that’s redefining roof restoration and performance in our region.

If you're still relying on outdated bituminous systems (torch-on) or struggling with the limitations of concrete finishes and acrylic coatings, it’s time to reach out to a coatings specialist such as Harris Paints to discover the savings and the more sustainable, and more energy-efficient benefits provided by 100% silicone roof systems.

1. Roof Longevity: A Second Life Without a Full Tear-Off

Let’s face it—roof replacements are messy, disruptive, and expensive. But here’s the good news: Henry Silicone Roof Coating Systems are designed to restore aging roofs, turning a leaking liability into a watertight, high-performance asset.

Unlike acrylics that often require a full system of primers, fabric, and multiple layers, Henry’s silicone coatings deliver a single, seamless membrane that’s flexible, durable, and exceptionally resistant to ponding water. This system can be applied directly over a range of substrates, including weathered torch-on membranes (modified bitumen), built-up roofs (BUR), metal roofs, and existing acrylic systems, reducing the need for costly tear-offs and landfilling.  

The result? You extend your roof’s life by 15–20+ years, at a fraction of the cost of replacement.

2. Weatherproofing that Withstands the Worst Caribbean Storms

Our tropical climate doesn’t take breaks—and neither should your roof. Henry Silicone Systems offer industry-leading waterproofing performance with the most rigorous testing on the market, including an unsurpassed Hydrostatic Resistance (100 psi AATC C 127), Water Leakage Resistance (ASTM D7281, also used for TPO and EPDM systems), and accelerated Weathering testing (QUV, 5000 hours ASTM G154).  Henry’s silicone membranes passed without requiring an additional base layer—a feat that most acrylic coatings can’t achieve without backup.

In fact with the highest Tensile Strength rating on the market for comparable silicones (320psi ASTMD412) and even in storm conditions and torrential downpours, Henry PG988 is the strongest silicone with the highest potential to weather the storm. It provides a seamless, ponding-resistant barrier that repels water even under constant saturation. This means fewer leaks, less downtime, and reassurance during hurricane season.

3. Rain-Ready in Just 15 Minutes: Speed Meets Resilience

Timing is everything, especially during the rainy season. Traditional water-based acrylic coatings need up to 24 hours of clear skies to cure properly. That can be risky with unpredictable Caribbean weather.

Henry’s moisture-cure silicone technology changes the game completely. It begins curing the moment it’s applied and can withstand rainfall in as little as 15 minutes. For contractors and building managers, this means fewer weather delays, faster job completion, and significantly reduced risk of wash-offs or rework.

No other silicone on market has this feature which is ideal for the rainy season experienced in tropical climate.

4. Reflectivity That Saves Energy—and Money

Flat roofs are notorious for absorbing solar heat, driving up indoor temperatures and straining air conditioning systems. Henry Silicone Coatings come on par with the highest initial Solar Reflectance (SRI) and Thermal Emittance (TE) ratings (110 and 90) and retain the HIGHEST AGED SRI TE of ALL silicones on the market even after years of sun exposure (3-year aged SRI and TE ratings of 106 and 90, respectively).

This is possible due to their UNIQUE Dirt Pick Up Resistance (DPUR) Technology which keeps whites brighter, whiter and cleaner for longer than competitive silicones
This isn’t just about keeping buildings cooler—it’s about real energy savings. Numerous studies have shown that reflective roofs can cut cooling loads by 20–30%, which is especially impactful in sun-drenched Caribbean cities.

Bonus: A cooler roof also means less thermal expansion and contraction, reducing stress (a particular cause of cracking in concrete roofs) and extending roof life.

5. Outperforms Acrylics and Torch-On in Key Areas

Let’s break it down with a head-to-head comparison of the three common roof systems:

As the table shows, Henry Silicone stands out as the most comprehensive, cost-effective, and future-proof solution—especially in climates like ours.

Seamless silicone coatings also easily outperform waterproofing additives in concrete such as Xypex which can be prone to cracking in Caribbean extreme daily heat / cooling cycles. Silicone however adds an excellent protective and insulative layer when correctly applied over top, creating a superlative, watertight and heat protected surface, effectively protecting the concrete below from harsh climate variations.

6. UV Resistance: Built to Beat the Heat

Unlike acrylics, which are organic and prone to degradation over time, Henry Silicone coatings are inorganic, making them naturally resistant to UV rays. That means no chalking, cracking, or flaking, even after years under relentless sun exposure.

In fact, silicone’s resilience to solar radiation is one of the main reasons major commercial and industrial property owners across Florida, Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean are shifting from traditional coatings to silicone systems.

7. Sustainability That Pays Off

Modern building owners are demanding sustainable solutions—not just for the planet, but for their bottom line. Henry’s high-solids silicone formulations are extremely low-VOC (≥10g/l), solvent-free, and can dramatically reduce a building’s carbon footprint over time.
By restoring instead of replacing, you’re minimizing landfill waste, avoiding carbon-heavy manufacturing of new materials, and enhancing your building’s green credentials. For hotels, schools, and hospitals with sustainability goals, this can directly contribute to LEED points or ESG metrics.

8. Compatible with Solar Installations

Looking to go solar? Make sure your roof can handle it first.

A deteriorating roof with poor reflectivity can sabotage your solar investment. Henry Silicone Systems provide a durable, reflective base that reduces heat load and complements your solar strategy. Plus, their long life span ensures you won’t have to uninstall panels for roof repairs anytime soon.

Real-World Results

Throughout the market, including in recent projects across Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad, silicone roofing solutions are capturing attention due to their robust properties, flexible options and attractive value proposition both for roof replacement and new roof solutions.  Property managers indicate:

• No leaks after heavy rainfalls, even on aging roofs
• 30%+ reductions in cooling energy usage
• Zero downtime during re-coating applications, thanks to rapid rain-readiness
• Extended roof life by 15 years, saving hundreds of thousands in deferred replacements

Backed by comparable warranty options on the market, unsurpassed waterproofing, rain-readiness, reflectivity, UV resistance, and sustainability, Henry Silicone Roof Coating Systems are the smart choice for many Caribbean roofs. Compared to traditional acrylics, standard or modified concrete systems and bituminous systems, silicone delivers more protection, more savings, and more peace of mind.

Ready to discuss long-term roof protection or need an assessment?

We serve the Caribbean with operations in Antigua, Barbados, Dominica, Guyana, Jamaica
and St Lucia. For more information please contact:

Simon G Cabral, Senior High Performance Manager, Harris Paints – Tel. (868)708-5620. or by email.