When it comes to protecting and extending the life of your roof, the right coating makes all the difference. Over the years, roof coatings have been gaining attention, especially from flat roof owners.
While you may be familiar with acrylic or silicone coatings, there is another coating that deserves your attention: elastomeric roof coatings. You might have heard about this type, but what exactly is it?
Elastomeric roof coatings are a highly effective yet often overlooked option. Known for its flexibility, durability, and weather resistance, elastomeric coatings offer significant advantages for property owners with flat roofs.
To help you choose the right roof coating for your property, we will cover this topic in detail in the following sections.
What Is an Elastomeric Roof Coating?
Elastomeric roof coatings are liquid-applied and dry to form a seamless, rubber-like membrane. This is not your regular roof coating. A traditional coating will cover the entire roof surface and add an additional layer of protection. An elastomeric coating does all that with the added benefit of flexibility. Elastomeric refers to its elasticity, which means it can expand and contract with temperature fluctuations. This flexibility helps prevent cracks and leaks, as it adapts to your roof’s natural movements.
Elastomeric coatings are typically made from acrylic. However, others use silicone or polyurethane compounds. They differ from standard acrylic coatings in their superior stretching and weatherproofing properties. Once you apply an elastomeric coating, it creates a reflective, watertight barrier that protects your roof from UV rays, rain, and other environmental stressors.
Also Read: Complete Guide to Roof Coatings: Pros, Cons & Types
Why Should You Consider an Elastomeric Roof Coating?
An elastomeric coating can be an excellent addition to your flat roof because of its numerous benefits. Here are some of the pros of elastomeric coatings for roofs:
Superior Waterproofing and Leak Prevention
Elastomeric coatings form a continuous, seamless membrane over your roof, which makes it exceptionally effective at preventing leaks. Unlike traditional coatings or sealants, which may crack over time, elastomeric coatings maintain their flexibility. This means it expands and contracts with the roof, minimizing the risk of cracks or gaps that can allow water infiltration.
If you live in areas with heavy rain or snow such as Wisconsin, this added protection against water damage is a game-changer. It can significantly extend your roof’s lifespan and reduce the need for repairs over the years.
Excellent UV and Reflective Properties
If you’re concerned about keeping your home or commercial property cool during the warmer months, elastomeric roof coatings offer a major advantage. Many products have high solar reflectivity, meaning they reflect a significant portion of the sun’s rays. This helps reduce heat absorption, keeping your property cooler and lowering your energy bills.
By reducing the surface temperature of your roof, elastomeric coatings also help prevent thermal shock, the stress caused by rapid temperature changes, which can lead to roof deterioration over time.
Last Longer Than Other Coatings
Investing in an elastomeric roof coating can save you money in the long run. Here’s why:
- Reduced Maintenance Costs: Because it prevents leaks and minimizes wear and tear, you’ll spend less on repairs.
- Energy Savings: Its reflective properties lower cooling costs.
- Extended Roof Life: It acts as a protective layer, shielding your roof from the elements and prolonging its lifespan by 10 to 20 years when maintained.
Compared to a full roof replacement, applying elastomeric coating is a far more affordable solution that delivers long-term value.
Adaptability to Different Roof Types
Whether you have a flat, low-slope, or metal roof, elastomeric coatings are a versatile option. It adheres well to various roofing materials, including:
- Asphalt (modified bitumen)
- Metal
- Concrete
- Single-ply membranes (TPO, EPDM)
This flexibility makes it an excellent choice for many residential roofs. It also provides extra protection for vulnerable areas, such as seams, flashing, and edges, which are common points of water infiltration.
Environmentally Friendly Option
For environmentally conscious homeowners, elastomeric roof coatings offer a sustainable roofing solution. Its reflective properties reduce energy consumption, which lowers your home’s carbon footprint. Additionally, by extending the life of your existing roof, you reduce waste by avoiding premature tear-offs and replacements.
Many elastomeric coatings are also low-VOC, making them a safer option for you and the environment.
Problems With Elastomeric Roof Coatings
Elastomeric coatings are flexible, durable, and can last for years on your flat roof. However, there are certain issues that you need to know before installing an elastomeric coating.
Improper Application
If the coating is not applied evenly or thick enough, it may not provide proper waterproofing. This is why professional installation is highly recommended.
Temperature Sensitivity During Application
Elastomeric coatings are generally acrylic-based. Acrylic elastomeric coatings need specific temperature and weather conditions for proper curing. Applying it in extremely cold or humid conditions can affect its adhesion and durability.
Limited Compatibility with Some Roof Types
Although versatile, elastomeric coatings may not adhere well to certain roofing materials, especially tar and gravel roofs or most pitched roofs. In many cases it also requires a primer or base coat first.
Can You Paint Over Elastomeric Roof Coating?
Elastomeric roof coatings are usually white, and for some flat roof owners, that might not be a great choice. Many people wonder if they can paint their roof after it has been coated. Yes, you can paint over elastomeric roof coatings. Unlike silicone roof coatings, which generally do not bond well with paints, elastomeric coatings allow you to customize the color of your flat roof.
However, it requires the right type of paint and preparation. It’s important to use 100% acrylic paint designed for exterior surfaces.
Keep in mind that painting over an elastomeric coating can reduce its flexibility and waterproofing effectiveness. If you’re considering adding color or making aesthetic changes, it’s best to consult with our professional roofing team to avoid compromising the coating’s performance and flexibility.
How to Apply an Elastomeric Roof Coating
Applying elastomeric roof coatings might seem straightforward, but it requires expertise and precision for proper adhesion and coverage. The process typically involves the following steps:
Surface Preparation:
Clean the roof thoroughly to remove dirt, debris, and any existing coatings. Roof cleaning is essential to ensure that the coating sticks to your flat roof.
Repairing Cracks and Seams:
Any cracks, holes, or seams should be properly sealed before applying the coating. This is done to ensure that the flat roof is level.
Base Coat Application:
This is not always necessary but some flat roofs do require a base coat before you apply an elastomeric coating. This is done to make sure the coating adheres properly.
Coating Application:
You can apply the coating using tools like rollers, brushes, or sprayers in multiple layers for complete coverage. Usually, two layers of the coating are applied for the best protection.
Is Applying an Elastomeric Coating a DIY Project?
While it may be tempting to tackle this as a DIY project, hiring a professional roofing company for coating application ensures that your new elastomeric coating is applied correctly and evenly. This not only enhances its performance but also extends its lifespan, giving you the best return on your investment.
Covering the entire roof, even the corners, applying the base coat, and using a brush or roller can be difficult if you do not have previous experience.
How Does an Elastomeric Roof Coating Compare to Acrylic and Silicone?
While acrylic and silicone coatings are widely recognized, elastomeric coatings have distinct advantages that make them a compelling alternative.
| Feature | Elastomeric Coating | Acrylic Coating | Silicone Coating |
| Elasticity | Highly elastic, ideal for temperature fluctuations | Moderate flexibility | Highly flexible |
| Water Resistance | Excellent | Moderate | Superior (best for ponding water) |
| Durability | Long-lasting with proper maintenance | Prone to cracking over time | Resistant to UV degradation |
| Reflectivity | High reflectivity | High reflectivity | Moderate to high reflectivity |
| Cost | Moderate | Affordable | Higher cost |
Elastomeric coatings offer the best of both worlds in terms of durability and flexibility, making them an ideal choice for residential roofing projects, especially when compared with traditional acrylic alternatives.
Is an Elastomeric Roof Coating Right for You?
If you’re considering a roof coating project, elastomeric coatings are worth consideration. It’s particularly suitable if you want:
- Superior waterproofing and leak protection.
- Enhanced energy efficiency through heat reflection.
- Long-term roof preservation without the cost of a full replacement.
- A cost-effective solution that reduces future maintenance expenses.
Elastomeric coatings are also a smart option if you live in areas with changing weather conditions, as their flexibility protects against cracking caused by temperature shifts.
Protect Your Roof with an Elastomeric Coating
Choosing the right coating for your roof is an important decision that impacts your flat roof’s longevity, energy efficiency, and maintenance costs. Elastomeric roof coatings offer unmatched flexibility, waterproofing, and durability, making them a reliable choice over normal coatings.
At Prestige Roofing LLC, we specialize in applying high-quality elastomeric coatings designed to extend the life of your roof. Contact us today at (920) 791-0414 for a consultation and discover how we can take care of your flat roof in Wisconsin.