A fresh coat of exterior paint can revitalize a building’s appearance, boosting curb appeal by making a home or business look brighter, more inviting, and more attractive. It can allow homeowners to update their style, transforming a dull, outdated look into a more modern, appealing facade. However, over time, exposure to the elements can cause a new paint job to fade, blister, crack, or peel.
It can be disheartening to see your once vibrant home start to deteriorate. Elastomeric coatings provide a smart solution by forming a strong, flexible layer designed to act as a barrier against harsh weather conditions, protecting your exterior paint and investment. In this post, we’re going to discuss elastomeric coatings and why you should consider them for your home or business’ exterior.
What are Elastomeric Coatings?
Elastomeric coatings are flexible, extremely durable, liquid-applied materials composed of elastomeric polymers such as silicones, acrylics, or urethanes. These materials allow the coatings to stretch and contract with temperature changes without losing their integrity. When cured, elastomeric coatings form a rubber-like membrane, offering a waterproof barrier that protects your exterior paint from cracking or peeling. They are designed to protect various surfaces, including roofs, stucco, concrete, and masonry, from moisture, harsh weather, and temperature fluctuations.
What Does Exposure to The Elements Do To Exterior Paint?
Most exterior paint is made specifically to withstand some weather conditions. However, prolonged exposure to the elements can cause it to fade, chalk, peel, or crack. Let’s elaborate:
- Sunlight – Harsh UV rays from the sun can break down pigments in paint, causing it to fade and lose its color. This is known as photodegradation.
- Moisture – Rain and moisture can penetrate cracks and gaps in the paint film, leading to water damage, blistering, peeling, or mold growth.
- Temperature Fluctuations – Extreme temperature changes cause materials to expand and contract, leading to cracking or peeling of exterior paint.
- Chalking – Over time, the top layer of paint can degrade, forming a powdery residue known as chalking.
Elastomeric coatings are designed to protect paint from the elements by forming a flexible, waterproof barrier that bridges cracks and prevents moisture penetration. They also resist UV damage and extreme temperatures, extending the lifespan of the paint and underlying surface.
Benefits of Elastomeric Coatings?
Elastomeric coatings are highly effective in commercial, industrial, and residential settings. It is very versatile and can be applied to a wide range of surfaces, including wood, stucco, masonry, brick, and concrete. Its flexible nature makes it ideal for both new constructions and older buildings. Let’s take a closer look at the many benefits of elastomeric coatings:
- Waterproof Protection – Elastomeric coatings form a seamless, waterproof barrier that prevents moisture buildup and water infiltration, reducing the risk of water damage, leaks, and mold growth. They are designed to withstand the impact of heavy, wind-driven rains, which can damage exterior paint.
- Durability and Longevity – Elastomeric coatings offer long-term durability. Their flexibility allows them to expand and contract with temperature changes and structural shifts, preventing cracks and ensuring long-term performance. They are resistant to UV damage, chemical exposure, and harsh weather conditions. This resistance to environmental stress helps maintain the building’s integrity for extended periods.
- Energy Efficient – Elastomeric coatings contribute to a building’s energy efficiency by reducing heat gain and improving thermal performance. The thickness and reflective properties of elastomeric coatings can help keep buildings cool in hot weather by reflecting sunlight away from the surface and help keep buildings warmer in the winter by reducing heat loss through the roof or walls. By drastically improving the energy efficiency of whatever building they are applied to, elastomeric coatings allow HVAC systems to operate more efficiently, resulting in lower monthly energy bills and a more comfortable indoor environment. Lower energy consumption translates to a smaller carbon footprint and a more sustainable building.
- Enhanced Aesthetics – Elastomeric coatings create a smooth, uniform finish, enhancing the visual appeal of a surface. They help protect your exterior paint from damage, fading, and wear and tear, maintaining your building’s aesthetic appeal.
- Long-Term Cost Savings – While the initial cost of elastomeric coatings may be higher than traditional paint, the long-term savings are significant. Most paints require frequent touch-ups, repaints, and other maintenance needs. These costs quickly add up over time. Elastomeric coatings can significantly extend the lifespan of building materials (particularly on roofs), reduce energy consumption, and minimize frequent paint reapplications. Its ability to protect surfaces from damage helps minimize repair expenses over time.
Elastomeric coatings offer many benefits to both homeowners or commercial property owners. These coatings are extremely durable, protecting your building from water damage, UV rays, and other harsh weather conditions.
For more information about elastomeric coatings or for a free estimate on your painting project, contact us today at Perry Wellington Painting and Decorating. Serving Winnipeg and surrounding areas for over a decade, our expert team will be happy to answer any questions you may have!