We hear contradicting information on elastomeric coatings all the time. Even though they are like any other paint that can be applied to most surfaces and is a breathable that doesn’t mean we do not hear concerns from clients all the time. There are still many people who think elastomeric cannot be applied to stucco for instance.

Elastomerics Coatings were originally developed as a water-proof coating or membrane designed to keep water (rain) from penetrating concrete warehouses in areas that were prone to wind driven rains. The idea was to keep moisture from damaging the contents of the warehouse or building. They were typically very thick coatings applied in two separate coats, the second designed to be pin-hole free to prevent water intrusion. The final dry-film thickness would be 16-20 mils (8-10 times thicker than house paint). The coating was designed to very flexible or elastic to compensate for movement or settling and to bridge any cracks from reappearing.

As time progressed painting contractors began using elastomeric on homes for several reasons. The first being the need for a coating that could create a higher film build to fill in the cracking and checking on weathered wood siding. Painting contractors were aware of the benefits of using elastomeric coatings on concrete and stucco substrates to fill and bridge cracking and the fact that elastomeric coatings were a thick, high viscosity, high film build coating, they were also aware that the cost was thirty to fifty percent higher than the typical house paint not to mention the fact the spread rate – coverage was approximately 100 square feet per gallon compared to 300-400 square feet coverage of a quality house paint which in turn makes it more expensive then traditional acrylic paints.

1. Waterproof
They are among the best coatings used for stucco, poured concrete and masonry surfaces because of their waterproofing properties. You are assured that your house is protected from the rain and water damage from properly-applied elastomeric coatings.

2. Thickness
Elastomeric paint is at least 10 times thicker than conventional paints. It attains greater dry film thickness than ordinary paints at 10 to 20 mils per coat against 2 to 3 mils for paints. The extra thickness translates to added protection to wall surfaces.

3. Flexible
Elastomerics can stretch and fill small gaps in the wall. They are also very tolerant to small substrate movements. They can serve as flexible coatings between cracks. They can also adopt to expansion and contraction of walls during cold and warm weathers.
4. Durable
A single attractive feature of this product is its durability. Manufacturers, in fact, give up to 10-year warranty for elastomeric coatings compared to the usual 2-year warranty for ordinary paints.