Elastomeric roof coating has become very well known for its long lifespan on commercial roofs. But people often get confused about exactly how many years it can last because different sources quote very different numbers of years. We are roofing experts, and we’re here to get rid of the confusion and bring clarity to the question…

So exactly how long will elastomeric coating really last on my roof?

Elastomeric roof coating typically lasts 10 or 20 years (sometimes longer) depending on how thick the coating is applied and how well it is maintained.

That’s the simple answer. You may notice other sources quote various ranges between 10-20 years, and some sources quote even longer. Why? Because the exact length of years the coating will last depends on application thickness, how well it is maintained, whether or not it was installed properly, and a number of other factors. Keep reading to learn how to maximize the lifespan of your elastomeric coating and your roof.

10 Year vs 18 Year Warranty

The biggest factor that impacts the lifespan of elastomeric coating is how thick or thin it’s applied. An experienced roofing contractor will be able to help you determine the appropriate thickness for your roof and your needs.

Most contractors will warranty the coating for 10 years when it’s applied at a 20mil thickness (that’s about 0.02 inches or 0.5 millimeters), or 18 years when it’s applied at a 30mil thickness (that’s about 0.03 inches or 0.76 millimeters). It’s generally not recommended to apply it thicker than 30mil.

Be sure to ask your contractor what your warranty options are. Keeping the contractor accountable to a warranty is a great way to make sure they’re extra careful to properly apply the coating to avoid issues down the road.

How Do You Clean and Maintain Elastomeric Coating?

Another factor that impacts its lifespan is maintenance.

One maintenance item you may be able to do yourself is to hose down the roof once a year. Beyond that, additional maintenance is best to be done by a trusted roofing contractor.

A good contractor will be able to do a visual inspection to look for any damage and to make sure that rain water is flowing properly off the roof and into gutters, drains, etc. It’s a good idea to schedule an inspection every year or every couple years, since detecting issues early on can make it possible to fix problems before they get too big. Also consider doing an inspection after a major storm, particularly hail storms.

You may be wondering, if elastomeric coating is so great, why should I bother maintaining it? Simply put, if you can add an extra couple years of life to your coating and your roof, then you can put off the cost of major roof repairs or roof replacement even longer, ultimately saving you more money in the long run.

Will Elastomeric Roof Coating Stop Leaks? (Is It Waterproof?)

Yes indeed! One of the many advantages of elastomeric compared to some other types of roof coatings is that it is indeed waterproof and does help to stop and prevent leaks.

By its very nature, this coating material flexes slightly (instead of breaking) with minor shifts in the roofing. This avoids tears which could result in leaks.

Elastomeric Roof Coating Reviews And Ratings- What Are People Saying?

From the feedback we’ve heard from our own clients, plus the customer reviews we’ve read online at sites like Home Depot, AMES, and others, the general consensus is that people love how effective elastomeric coating is and they like its relatively low price point.

Several reviewers have also pointed out how they really like that it prevents leaking and directs rainwater properly off the roof.

Most of the complaints people bring up are a results of improperly applying the coating, such as applying it too thin or not mixing the solution properly before applying it. Of course you can avoid those problems by hiring an experienced professional.

How Much Does Elastomeric Roof Coating Cost?

The cost to have a roofing professional apply this coating typically ranges from $1,000-$2,000 for residential roofs and from $1,500-$3,000 for commercial buildings that have a much larger surface area.

To get an accurate price, it’s best to ask a local commercial roofing company for a quote. Some companies (including us) offer a free inspection and quote.

Are There Any Elastomeric Roof Coating Contractors Near Me?

Although it’s common for most roofing contractors to offer coating/sealing services, not all do! We recommend starting by looking for a reliable roofing contractor in your area and then ask them about their expertise in applying elastomeric roof coating. Make sure they have experience doing this – you don’t want to be their first experiment!

If you’re in the northwest Pennsylvania region, we’re you’re local trusted roofing contractors! We’re located in Crawford County, Pennsylvania. Please get in touch with us to see how we can help. We can apply all sorts of roof coatings including acrylic elastomeric coatings.

Hopefully this guide has answered your questions surrounding how long elastomeric roof coating can last. If you still have additional questions, please call our team of experts at (814) 724-9812 to see how we can help.