Does Elastomeric Paint Trap Moisture?

Elastomeric paint, a high-quality exterior paint, is often the first choice when it comes to painting stucco homes. This paint brings numerous benefits such as flexibility, durability, and an excellent ability to bridge small cracks, making it a superior choice for stucco surfaces that tend to crack over time. However, a common question that often arises is: Does elastomeric paint trap moisture and lead to bubbling? This article aims to address this concern, shedding light on the truth behind this assertion and helping you make an informed decision when choosing the best paint for your stucco home. Stay tuned as we dive into this topic.

1. Flexibility: Elastomeric paint has a unique ability to stretch and contract with the movements of the building, reducing the likelihood of cracking in the stucco.
2. Durability: This type of paint is known for its long-lasting quality, withstanding harsh weather conditions and fading less over time compared to standard exterior paints.
3. Crack Bridging: Elastomeric paint is excellent at bridging small cracks in stucco, thus preventing water intrusion and potential damage to the structure.
4. Water Resistance: Despite misconceptions, elastomeric paint does not trap moisture but rather repels it, offering superior water resistance and protecting the building structure.
5. Aesthetic Appeal: With its smooth and thick finish, elastomeric paint enhances the overall appearance of stucco homes, adding to their aesthetic appeal.

Does Elastomeric Paint Trap Moisture / What Does The Term Perm Rating Mean?

It's important to note that elastomeric paints have a perm rating akin to traditional house paints. The term "perm rating" refers to permeance, a measure of the water vapor flow through a material. This rating is crucial in the paint industry as it indicates how much moisture can pass through the paint layer. A lower perm rating implies less moisture passes through, while a higher rating indicates more. Manufacturers, such as Sherwin Williams, utilize this information to develop paints that strike a balance between preventing water infiltration and allowing trapped moisture to escape. By doing so, these paints can resist water from the outside while not trapping any excess moisture from within, mitigating potential damage to the structure over time.

Why Is Flexibility Important For A House Paint?

Elastomeric paints possess unique properties that set them apart from traditional house paints. Among these, their high elongation and tensile strength, key determinants of a paint's flexibility and strength, are particularly noteworthy. Elongation refers to the ability of the paint film to stretch without breaking or cracking. This property is crucial for paint applied to substrates that experience frequent temperature changes, like exterior walls, as it allows the paint film to expand and contract without losing its integrity. Tensile strength, on the other hand, measures the maximum stress the paint film can withstand before it breaks. A high tensile strength indicates that the paint can endure significant stress without cracking or peeling, an essential quality for paints exposed to harsh environmental conditions. Elastomeric paints, with their high elongation and tensile strength, can effectively bridge cracks and resist peeling or cracking, thus providing superior protection and longevity to your home's exterior. These properties are tested using the Elongation and Tensile Strength Test, which accurately measures a paint's stretchability and strength, guiding homeowners in their choice of the best paint for their stucco homes.

What Is The Best Paint For A Stucco Home?

Elastomeric paints are considered some of the best house paints for stucco homes due to their superior performance characteristics. Firstly, their flexibility allows them to accommodate the subtle, yet constant shifts a building undergoes with temperature and humidity changes, keeping the stucco's integrity intact. Secondly, they are highly durable, capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions and retaining their color longer than traditional paints. Their excellent crack-bridging ability further adds to their appeal, as they can seal minor cracks in stucco, preventing water intrusion that could potentially cause structural damage. Moreover, these paints repel water effectively due to their low perm rating, guarding against moisture penetration from the outside, while also allowing trapped moisture to escape from within. Finally, the thick, smooth finish they provide enhances the aesthetic appeal of stucco homes, making them a preferred choice for homeowners looking to achieve both protection and beauty.

Can I Use Elastomeric Paint On A Home With Wood Siding?

While elastomeric paints are exceptional for stucco surfaces, homeowners with wood siding should consider other high-quality options such as Sherwin Williams Duration or Benjamin Moore Regal Select. Wood surfaces expand and contract with changes in humidity and temperature, a movement that requires a paint that can breathe, allowing moisture to escape from the wood. Sherwin Williams Duration and Benjamin Moore Regal Select are known for their exceptional durability, excellent coverage, and mildew resistance. Their breathable nature allows moisture to escape, reducing the risk of peeling or blistering in the paintwork. Furthermore, these paints offer a smooth finish and are available in a wide variety of colors, allowing homeowners to achieve the desired aesthetic appeal. Therefore, while elastomeric paints are a superior choice for stucco surfaces, Sherwin Williams Duration and Benjamin Moore Regal Select are more suitable for wood siding, offering optimal protection and aesthetics.

What Is The Best Temperature To Apply Elastomeric Paint?

When applying elastomeric paint, temperature plays a crucial role in ensuring proper adhesion and curing. The ideal temperature range for application is between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit (10-32 degrees Celsius). During this range, the paint can dry effectively without compromising its protective properties. It is also important to avoid painting in direct sunlight or on overly humid days as these conditions can impact the drying time and the final appearance of the paint. As for the best time of year, spring and fall typically provide the most conducive weather for painting exteriors. These periods offer moderate temperatures and less rain, providing optimal conditions for elastomeric paint to dry and cure properly.

How Do You Apply An Elastomeric Paint?

To apply elastomeric paint effectively, it's essential to have the right tools and equipment. Typically, using a high-quality airless sprayer with a pump size of at least 1 gallon per minute is recommended. This size ensures adequate power to handle the thickness of elastomeric coatings. The airless tip size should be between .019 and .023 inches, as it allows for a uniform and smooth application. It's equally important to back-roll elastomeric paint on stucco surfaces. Back rolling not only ensures a more even distribution of the paint but also presses the paint into the surface texture, enhancing adhesion and durability. While DIY can be tempting, elastomeric paint application requires precision and expertise. Therefore, hiring a professional house painting service can be a wise decision. Professionals not only guarantee a flawless finish, but they also take care of prep work and clean-up, providing a hassle-free painting experience for homeowners.

Conclusion

In conclusion, elastomeric paint stands out as an exceptional choice for stucco homes, providing high durability, excellent flexibility, and superior waterproofing. Its ability to bridge minor cracks and resist harsh environmental conditions significantly extends the lifespan of stucco surfaces, ensuring your home remains protected and beautiful for years to come. While elastomeric paint may not suit all surfaces, like wood siding, there are other high-quality paint options available that cater to different material characteristics. The key is to select a product that matches your specific needs, taking into account factors such as surface type, environmental conditions, and desired aesthetics. As always, the proper application plays a significant role in the ultimate performance of the paint, so consider seeking professional assistance for the best results.