What Is an Elastomeric Coating?
Elastomeric coatings are liquid-applied roofing materials that cure into seamless, flexible, and rubber-like membranes. These coatings can be stretched to at least twice their original size (100% elongation) while returning to their original form without damage or distortion.
Elastomeric coatings (systems) are used to restore a variety of commercial roofing materials, including:
- Built-up roof (BUR)
- Modified bitumen (mod bit)
- TPO
- PVC
- EPDM
- Spray polyurethane foam (SPF)
- Concrete
Elastomeric coatings form a thick (approximately 10x thicker than paint) yet flexible membrane that is easy to apply and highly adaptable to various atmospheric conditions. These coatings add an extra layer of waterproofing and UV protection to existing roof surfaces, prolonging service life and restoring performance.
Most elastomeric coatings can also be tinted to various colors and exhibit excellent long-term color retention. This attribute can help maintain the appearance of roof surfaces and mask signs of superficial damage, aging, rust and corrosion, and general wear and tear.
The Benefits of Elastomeric Coating
- Waterproofing: Elastomeric coating systems can bond hairline cracks on roof surfaces, providing a watertight seal. Most solvent-based coating systems are even warranted to withstand ponding water conditions (more on this below).
- Resists thermal movement: Once cured, elastomeric coatings bond aggressively to roofing substrates, providing a durable, flexible membrane capable of accommodating the natural expansion and contraction (thermal movement) of roof structures.
- Seamless (monolithic): Most roofing systems have a lot of seams and penetrations, which are highly susceptible to water intrusion over time. Elastomeric coatings are applied in bonded layers to provide a completely seamless and self-flashing membrane.
- Reduces energy costs: Elastomeric coatings offer exceptional thermal reflectivity and UV performance. Think of them as "sunscreen" for your roof. They effectively reduce heat flow on roof surfaces, resulting in average energy savings of up to 40%.
- Prolongs service life: A well-maintained roof can be coated (and recoated), adding 10-20 years of serviceable life—depending on the type and thickness of the coating application.
- Prevents rust & corrosion: Elastomeric membranes protect metal roof surfaces against the damaging effects of rust and corrosion.
- Environmentally sustainable: Compared to replacement, elastomeric roofing systems are more environmentally sustainable. Roof tear-offs contribute massive amounts of waste to landfills yearly, while coating systems produce little to no waste.
- Long-lasting & renewable: Most coating systems are warranted (labor and material to last anywhere from 5 to 25 years—some even go as high as 50 years. Once the warranty expires, more coating can be applied, and a new warranty issued. This process can repeat itself so long as the roof is coatable.
- Cost-effective: Elastomeric roofing systems cost about half as much as a full-on replacement and are far less disruptive to business. The cost associated with elastomeric systems depends on roof size, roof construction, membrane condition, coating type, warranty requirements, installation method, etc.