Elastomeric coatings in Syracuse, NY

Elastomeric coatings in Syracuse

Elastomeric coatings are a specialized exterior finish that goes beyond standard paint, designed to bridge hairline cracks and create a waterproof barrier on masonry, stucco, and concrete surfaces common in Syracuse’s older homes and commercial buildings. The work begins with a thorough inspection of the substrate—checking for existing cracks, efflorescence, or loose material that could compromise adhesion. Any damaged areas are scraped, wire-brushed, or power-washed clean, and cracks wider than 1/16 inch are filled with a compatible caulk or patching compound before the coating is applied. Unlike traditional paint, elastomeric coatings are applied in a thick film—often two coats at a minimum—using a heavy-nap roller or airless sprayer, depending on the surface texture and access challenges. The coating cures to form a flexible, rubber-like membrane that expands and contracts with temperature swings, which is critical for Syracuse’s freeze-thaw cycles that can cause rigid paints to crack and peel within a single winter.

For Syracuse properties, elastomeric coatings are not a cosmetic upgrade—they are a structural defense. The city’s aging brick and block walls, particularly on buildings constructed before 1950, often have microscopic fissures that allow moisture to seep in, freeze, and spall the surface. A properly applied elastomeric system fills these gaps while still allowing trapped vapor to escape, preventing blistering and delamination that traps water behind the coating. This matters most on south- and west-facing walls that take the brunt of lake-effect snow and rain, and on basement or foundation walls where hydrostatic pressure can push moisture through porous concrete. Expect the coating to last 10 to 15 years when applied correctly, but only if the surface is sound and the manufacturer’s dry-film thickness—typically 15 to 20 mils per coat—is achieved. Skimping on coverage or applying over damp surfaces in Syracuse’s humid summers will void the warranty and lead to premature failure.

Areas We Cover in Syracuse

We apply elastomeric coatings throughout Syracuse and its surrounding neighborhoods, including Armory Square, Brighton, DeWitt Acres, DeWittshire, Downtown, and Eastwood. Our crews regularly work on properties near landmarks such as 601 Tully (the historic building at the corner of Tully and West Onondaga Streets), the Great New York State Fairgrounds, the Jamesville Community Museum, and the Onondaga Historical Association Museum & Research Center. Whether your property is a century-old brick storefront on South Salina Street or a mid-century concrete block home in DeWittshire, we can assess the substrate and recommend the correct elastomeric system for your specific exposure and wall construction.

What to Expect

• Surface preparation: Power washing, scraping loose paint, and patching cracks wider than 1/16 inch. No coating is applied over damp or frozen surfaces.
• Priming: A masonry primer is used on bare concrete or highly porous surfaces to ensure uniform absorption and adhesion.
• Application: Two coats of 100% acrylic elastomeric coating, applied by roller or sprayer, with careful masking of windows, trim, and adjacent siding.
• Cure time: Minimum 24 hours between coats, and 72 hours before exposure to heavy rain or freezing temperatures.
• Inspection: A final walk-through to check for pinholes, thin spots, or missed areas around penetrations like vents and hose bibs.

Get Your Free Estimate

If your Syracuse property has cracked or spalling masonry, or you are tired of repainting every few years due to peeling, call Exterior Painting Syracuse today to schedule a free on-site evaluation. We will measure your wall area, check for moisture issues, and provide a written quote for a full elastomeric coating system—no pressure, just honest advice on whether this solution fits your building’s needs.