How long does an elastomeric roof coating last?

You can expect an elastomeric roof coating to last 5 to 20 years, with an average of 10 years. Although elastomeric coatings are often used to extend the life of mobile home and low-slope/flat residential roofs, they are more commonly applied to large commercial roofs. The big spread in lifespan is due to the different formulations of the products and thickness of application, with residential formulas being less expensive and not as long-lasting. Go to our blog post What is the stuff you paint an old mobile home metal roof with to extend its life? to learn more.

    Here’s a bar graph that compares the estimated lifespan of elastomeric coatings with other roof components.
     Go to our blog post What is the average lifespan of the parts of a house? for rating of other house components. To understand the basis, potential use, and limitations of lifespan ratings, see How accurate are the average life expectancy ratings of home components? Are they actually useful? 

 Links to a collection of some of ourother blog posts about “FLAT ROOFS (LOW SLOPE)":

• What causes bubble-like blisters in a built-up and gravel roof?  

• Why does it cost so much more to replace a steep roof than a low slope roof? 

• What is "ponding" on a flat roof?

• Why is there no attic access hatch in the house?

• What is the difference between roll roofing and modified bitumen? 

• What is the purpose of the gravel on a flat tar roof? 

• Can metal roofing be used on a low slope/pitch roof? 

• What is a TPO roof? 

• Does a gravel roof need maintenance? 

• What is the average life expectancy an EPDM roof? 

•  I'm buying a '50s modern house with a "gravel" roof. Is the roof going to be a problem? 

• Is "ponding" (standing puddles of water) normal on flat roof?

• What is an EPDM roof?

• Why are most roofs slanted instead of flat? 

• What is a low slope roof?

     Visit our ROOF AND ATTIC page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles. 

NOTE: These life expectancies are based on data provided by InterNACHI, NAHB, FannieMae, and our own professional experience. Because of the numerous variables that can affect a lifespan, they should be used as rough guidelines only, and not relied upon as a warranty or guarantee of future performance.