Commercial property managers in Connecticut are no strangers to roof leaks, surface cracks, and ponding water on low-slope or flat roofing systems. Standard patch jobs and short-term repairs might offer a temporary fix, but they rarely hold up for long—especially in a climate that experiences year-round weather extremes.
If your goal is to extend roof life, reduce maintenance costs, and prevent recurring issues, elastomeric roof coating offers a longer-lasting solution. More than just a surface treatment, it forms a flexible, seamless barrier that protects commercial roofing systems from heat, UV rays, moisture, and more.
Here’s why elastomeric roof coating is a smart investment for Connecticut’s commercial buildings.
What Is Elastomeric Roof Coating?
Elastomeric roof coating is a liquid-applied membrane that cures into a rubber-like barrier over existing roof surfaces. It’s designed to expand and contract with temperature changes without cracking, peeling, or losing adhesion.
This type of coating is commonly used on commercial buildings with flat or low-slope roofs and is compatible with a wide range of substrates, including metal, modified bitumen, EPDM, and built-up roofing systems.
Durability That Beats Quick Fixes
Traditional roof patches or sealants may provide short-term relief, but they often fail under the stress of seasonal temperature shifts. In Connecticut, freeze-thaw cycles can cause rigid materials to crack or split, forcing building managers to deal with the same issue repeatedly.
Elastomeric roof coating, on the other hand, offers long-term durability. Its ability to stretch and recover allows it to maintain a watertight seal even during drastic weather changes. Once applied, the coating protects against UV radiation, standing water, thermal movement, and surface wear.
When maintained properly, a professionally applied elastomeric system can last 10 to 20 years and be recoated for even longer performance.
Seamless Waterproofing for Flat Roofs
Flat commercial roofs are vulnerable to leaks, especially where seams or mechanical fasteners exist. Elastomeric coatings solve this problem by creating a continuous, monolithic surface that seals small cracks, bridges gaps, and fills pinholes.
Unlike piecemeal repairs, this seamless barrier reduces the chance of water intrusion and improves the roof’s resistance to ponding water which is common after snowmelt or heavy rain in New England.
A quality elastomeric coating helps extend the service life of an aging roof while preventing the need for costly tear-offs or full replacements.
Energy Savings and Reflective Benefits
White or light-colored elastomeric roof coatings are highly reflective, helping commercial buildings reduce rooftop heat gain. During Connecticut’s warmer months, this leads to cooler indoor temperatures and lower air conditioning costs.
Reflective coatings are often classified as “cool roofs” and recognized by organizations like ENERGY STAR® for their ability to support energy efficiency goals. They also reduce strain on HVAC systems, which extends equipment life and helps manage utility expenses.
Minimal Disruption and Fast Installation
Installing elastomeric roof coating is less invasive than traditional roofing projects. The coating is applied directly over an existing surface, often without the need for demolition or major downtime.
This makes it a practical solution for commercial properties like offices, schools, retail centers, or healthcare facilities, where disruption to daily operations must be kept to a minimum. Depending on roof size and conditions, most applications can be completed in just a few days.
Lower Maintenance Costs for Property Managers
Once installed, elastomeric roof coating requires very little ongoing maintenance. Annual inspections and basic cleaning are typically enough to keep the surface performing well. The coating resists dirt, mold, and mildew buildup while maintaining flexibility over time.
Because the material is UV- and weather-resistant, it breaks down more slowly than traditional coatings or membranes. This reduces the need for frequent service calls and allows property managers to better predict repair budgets.
Compatible With Most Commercial Roof Systems
One of the biggest advantages of elastomeric roof coating is its versatility. It can be used on:
- Metal roofs
- Modified bitumen systems
- EPDM rubber roofs
- TPO membranes
- Built-up roofing (BUR)
This flexibility allows property managers to apply the coating over an aging roof instead of investing in full replacement. In many cases, this also means avoiding the cost of landfill disposal and reducing material waste. This is an added environmental benefit.
For an overview of coating compatibility, the Cool Roof Rating Council provides helpful resources on different types of cool roof coatings and how they contribute to roof longevity and performance.
Ideal for Connecticut’s Weather Conditions
Connecticut buildings face cold winters, wet springs, and hot summers—all of which take a toll on roof systems. Elastomeric coatings perform well across these conditions, maintaining adhesion and flexibility even in subfreezing temperatures.
The system is especially beneficial for roofs that experience ponding or thermal movement. Instead of cracking or splitting, the coating stretches and returns to shape, reducing the risk of leaks or structural damage.
This performance makes it an ideal option for older roofs that need added protection but aren’t ready for full replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Elastomeric Roof Coating
How long does elastomeric roof coating last?
Most elastomeric coatings last between 10 to 20 years, depending on the product and application. Recoating can extend lifespan further without full replacement.
Can elastomeric roof coating be applied over an existing roof?
Yes. It’s designed to go over existing roof materials like EPDM, metal, or modified bitumen. The surface must be clean and structurally sound for the coating to adhere properly.
Is elastomeric roof coating energy-efficient?
Absolutely. Reflective coatings reduce rooftop heat gain, which helps lower cooling costs and reduces HVAC workload in summer.
Does elastomeric coating stop leaks?
Yes, it forms a seamless, watertight barrier that helps prevent and stop minor leaks. It’s important to address any structural damage first before coating application.
Contact Eagle Rivet Roof Service Corporation Today
If you’re managing a commercial building in Connecticut and facing ongoing roof issues, elastomeric roof coating could be the long-term solution you’ve been looking for. It extends roof life, cuts maintenance costs, and reduces energy use—all without the expense of a full replacement.
Eagle Rivet Roof Service Corporation specializes in elastomeric roof coatings for commercial and industrial properties throughout Connecticut. Our team can assess your roof’s condition and recommend the best solution to extend its service life and protect your investment.
Contact us today to schedule a roof inspection or learn more about how elastomeric roof coating can protect your building year-round.
David Nietch graduated from Central Connecticut State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Organization. He has a strong background in positions which require experienced operation and project management as well as a strong attention to detail. David has a profound knowledge of concepts, competitive products, practices and process dealing with the roofing market. David excels at building highly effective working relationships with clients, technicians, managers and vendors.
