Whether you’re starting from scratch or already have some familiarity with elastomeric roof coatings, here is your tell-all guide on the worthiest solution for your business or house’s protection.

WHAT IS ELASTOMERIC ROOF COATING?

Elastomeric coatings are liquids that are nearly 10 times thicker than standard paint, but can be applied the same way. These coatings are waterproof and contain more solids than standard paint, which allows them to be more flexible and durable than their traditional paint counter-parts. Elastomeric coatings are used for exterior projects like concrete, stucco, and masonry walls, as well as low-slope roofs.

WHY SHOULD I USE ELASTOMERIC COATINGS?

Elastomeric coatings are waterproof and can be layered to seal small cracks and holes. These coatings also help prevent UV damage from the sun’s harsh rays, which could cause the need for costly roof repair and replacement in the future. Depending on the color of your coating, a white elastomeric roof coating can aid in cooling a building by reflecting the sun’s light, or a grey one could aid in heating the building in the winter months. Elastomeric coatings are great additions to both commercial/industrial and residential buildings.

HOW LONG DOES ELASTOMERIC COATING LAST?

Simply put, elastomeric roof coatings can last between 10 and 20 years, depending on the initial application thickness. For the longest life possible, it’s recommended that the roof undergoes an annual inspection and maintenance. Roof coating inspectors will look for early signs of impactful damage from intense winds and storms, debris, and foot traffic. Minor repairs are easily conducted by elastomeric coating contractors and can preserve the roof’s immaculate condition for up to 20 years.

HOW MUCH DOES ELASTOMERIC COATING COST?

Elastomeric coatings can cost anywhere from $14-65 dollars per gallon, depending on the type of material desired. Although elastomeric coatings are applied like paint, it’s highly recommended that customers enlist professional elastomeric coating contractors to do the labor on any large projects as the installation requires expertise, knowledge, and safety precautions. Therefore, it’s important to factor in labor costs as well as cost per gallon when planning a roofing project.

HOW DO I CLEAN ELASTOMERIC COATING?

It’s essential but simple to make sure that the elastomeric coating is taken care of between annual inspections. Cleaning the roof is a great way to ensure there is no stray debris to damage the seal. “Chalk” is the powdery substance caused when the elastomeric coating is exposed to harsh UV rays, mildew, and mold. Though this residue is natural, it can become potentially damaging if it builds up. For large or small roofs, a power washer makes quick work of cleaning the area quickly and effectively, especially when mixed with a TSP, or trisodium phosphate, solution.

WHAT IS THE BEST ELASTOMERIC ROOF COATING?

Elastomeric coatings are not “one-size-fits-all.” There are many varieties and formulas, and each lends itself to different environments and surfaces. The four common types of elastomeric coatings are butyl, acrylic, polyurethane, and silicone.

BUTYL

Butyl is created with isobutylene, which is refined into butyl rubber before being made into a liquid for elastomeric coatings. Butyl rubber is impermeable to air, boasts excellent flexibility, and can even withstand ponding on low-slope roofs. However, the creation and disposal of butyl are harsh on the environment, so some contractors prefer to use other types of elastomeric coatings.

ACRYLIC

Acrylic elastomeric coatings, like our product: AC58, are highly durable and better used on roofs with better drainage, as they do not withstand ponding as well as other types of elastomeric coating. Acrylic coatings have a high amount of solids and are more reflective than their counterparts, making them a better choice for extreme UV climates. Many acrylic coatings also include potent biocides that deter mildew and mold growth.

POLYURETHANE

Polyurethane, or urethane, coatings are incredibly durable compared to the other elastomeric coatings. This durability lends itself well to roofs with higher-than-average foot traffic, and also means that these coatings remain tough against ponding. Plus, polyurethane coatings can withstand the expansion and contraction of roofs as the temperature changes. The only warning for polyurethane coating is that it does not play well with DIYers; since these coatings are xylene-based, they are harsh on installation equipment and can be difficult to spray.

SILICONE

Silicone coatings, including our product: SI92, boast a solids percentage of nearly 90%, if not higher, meaning that contractors use less material to achieve the desired thickness. This high solids content also allows silicone elastomeric coatings to be highly UV resistant and withstand ponding. Silicone coatings also erode at a much slower rate than other elastomeric coatings, meaning they last longer. The downside? Silicone coatings demand the most maintenance, as they attract dirt easily and will lose reflectivity if not washed periodically. The silicone coating can also be very slippery when wet and is prone to tearing (but adding roofing granules into your system can solve this problem.)

WHAT NEXT?

Rugged Coatings is the place to go for unique expertise and excellent customer service. If you think you or your business could benefit from an elastomeric roof coating installation, reach out for specific pricing information and to help you find contractors in your area that use the highest-quality elastomeric coatings.