Caulking & waterproofing
Elastomeric wall coatings in San Diego
Flexible, breathable coatings that protect exterior walls from the weather and bridge small gaps.
Common surfaces
- EIFS panels
- Block and brick
- Precast stone
- Materials prone to cracking and settling
Overview
Weather protection that stretches with the wall
Elastomeric wall coatings are a cost-effective way to protect a wall, or a group of walls, from the weather. They come in a wide range of colors and textures, and they stretch to protect against the weather and fill small gaps.
Elastomeric coatings suit many surfaces, including EIFS panels, block, brick and precast stone. They are especially useful on building materials that tend to crack and settle. The coating forms a flexible, breathable barrier that helps keep water out of walls above ground, which is why many property managers and owners choose it.
Careful application
When we apply elastomeric coatings, we protect the surrounding area and watch for drift: how far coating particles can travel when the wind catches them. This matters most when working at height.
While still wet, most elastomeric coatings clean up with soap and water. Once applied, the surface can be kept clean with a building rinse-down every few years.
Service at a glance
- Best for
- Exterior walls above ground, especially materials that tend to crack and settle
- Surfaces
- EIFS panels, block, brick and precast stone
- Good to know
- A flexible, breathable barrier that helps keep water out, in a wide range of colors and textures
- Service family
- Concrete Caulking/Waterproofing
Coating and caulking
How is an elastomeric coating different from caulking?
They protect different parts of the wall and are often used together. Caulking seals the joints where building elements meet; an elastomeric coating covers the face of the wall between them.
What each one covers
- Caulking: the joints around windows, doors, trim, flashing and wall panels. Most leaks from frames and walls come from deteriorated sealant in these joints.
- Elastomeric coating: the wall surface itself, such as EIFS panels, block, brick or precast stone, where the coating stretches to fill small gaps.
Which caulk goes under the coating?
Joints that will be covered by an elastomeric coating are usually caulked with urethane, because urethane works well with acrylic and urethane paints and coatings. Silicone cannot be painted, so it is usually kept for exposed joints that will not be coated.
See urethane caulking and silicone caulking.
Benefits
Why choose an elastomeric coating
Weather protection
A flexible barrier that helps protect exterior walls above ground from rain and weather.
Bridges small gaps
The coating stretches to fill small gaps and move with the wall.
Colors and textures
A wide range of colors and textures to suit the building.
Before coating
Is the wall ready for an elastomeric coating?
That depends on the wall. The coating fills small gaps on the surface; it does not repair the wall underneath, so the surface and its joints are looked at before any coating is planned.
What is checked first
- The wall material, its condition and any paint or coating already on it
- Joints with failed or deteriorated sealant, which are recaulked before the coating goes on
- Cracks: small gaps the coating can fill, and larger cracks that need repair first
- Any leaks, so the source can be found before the wall is coated
What a coating does not fix
- Cracks caused by settlement or other structural movement; these should be evaluated by the appropriate professional before a coating is planned
- Leaks from failed joints, windows or flashing, which need those joints sealed
- Walls below ground; elastomeric coatings are used on walls above ground
Not sure where water is coming in? Start with waterproofing and leak investigation.
Coating or waterproofing?
An elastomeric coating or a waterproofing project?
An elastomeric coating is one product for the face of above-ground walls. Waterproofing work starts by finding where water is getting in, and can include sealants, coatings, deck coatings and waterproofing systems.
An elastomeric coating fits when
- The walls are sound and need a flexible, protective finish
- The surface tends to develop small cracks, as EIFS, block, brick and precast stone can
- You want a new color or texture across a wall or a group of walls
Start with waterproofing when
- Water is already showing up inside, in drywall, ceiling tiles or around windows
- The source of a leak is not known yet; water testing and infrared imaging help find it
- Decks, balconies or roof decks need a deck coating
See waterproofing.
FAQ
Elastomeric coating questions
Does an elastomeric coating make a wall waterproof?
It forms a flexible, breathable barrier that helps keep water out of walls above ground. It is one part of keeping water out: joints, windows and flashing also need to be sealed, and an existing leak should be traced to its source first.
Can an elastomeric coating cover cracks?
It stretches to fill small gaps and move with the wall. Larger cracks, or cracks caused by settlement or other movement, should be evaluated and repaired before the wall is coated.
How is a coated wall kept clean?
A building rinse-down every few years keeps the surface clean. It is also a good time to look over joints and any new cracks, so problems are caught early.
Areas served
Serving homes and businesses across Southern California
- San Diego County
- Orange County
- Riverside County
- Los Angeles County
Free estimate
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