elastomercoating

Elastomer coating, or elastomeric coating, refers to a family of coating materials based on elastomeric polymers that cure to a flexible, rubber-like film. These coatings are designed to accommodate substrate movement and thermal expansion without cracking, providing durable protection against water intrusion, weathering, and abrasion. Common chemistries include silicone, polyurethane, polyurea, acrylic elastomers, and epoxy modified with elastomeric modifiers. Formulations may be water-based, solvent-based, or moisture-curing.

Key properties include high elongation (often several hundred percent), low modulus, good water impermeability, and resistance to UV and certain chemicals, depending on the system. They typically form seamless membranes that can bridge existing cracks and deflect further movement.

Applications span building envelopes and infrastructure, including roofing membranes, exterior walls, foundations and basements waterproofing, tanks and pipelines, bridges, and marine structures. They are applied by spray, brush, or roller, with spray methods common for polyurea and polyurethane systems. Surface preparation is critical, often requiring cleaning, degreasing, and profile creation; temperature and humidity affect cure.

Advantages include crack-bridging capability, rapid cure for some systems, and long service life with minimal maintenance when properly applied. Limitations involve higher material cost, sensitivity to substrate preparation, and, for some formulations, UV degradation requiring topcoats. VOC content and odor can be considerations in occupied buildings.

Elastomer coatings are selected based on service environment, required elasticity, and substrate compatibility, with product datasheets guiding application and cure conditions.