Elastomeric & Stucco Coating in Longmont, Colorado
Waterproof and protect your stucco with flexible coatings built for Colorado's freeze-thaw cycles
Why Longmont Homes Need Expert Elastomeric & Stucco Coating
Longmont homes include Historic brick homes, mid-century ranches, newer South Longmont developments — each requiring a tailored approach to elastomeric & stucco coating.
Longmont gets significant hail. Plan exterior work for late August through October after storm season.
Elastomeric & Stucco Coating Overview
Denver experiences 100+ freeze-thaw cycles per year. Water enters stucco through cracks, freezes and expands up to 9% in volume, and progressively widens the crack. This is the single biggest reason for stucco failure along the Colorado Front Range. Elastomeric coatings prevent water entry while remaining breathable enough to allow interior moisture to escape.
Colorado's Front Range has thousands of stucco-clad communities from the 1990s-2010s building boom. Many used one-coat stucco systems over OSB sheathing -- a system known for moisture problems. Before applying elastomeric, it is critical to verify there is no trapped moisture behind the stucco and to resolve all moisture sources first.
Read our complete Elastomeric & Stucco Coating guide for more details on materials, costs, and tips.
Our Process
Stucco Condition Assessment
Classify all cracks by severity: hairline (cosmetic), small (1/16-1/8 inch), medium (1/8-1/4 inch requires investigation), large (over 1/4 inch likely structural). Check for delamination with tap test. Measure moisture content.
Moisture Source Identification
Identify and resolve all moisture sources before coating: failed caulk, damaged flashing, gutter failures, sprinklers hitting stucco, soil against walls. Elastomeric will not fix underlying moisture problems -- it will trap them.
Small Crack Repair
Clean cracks with wire brush. Apply elastomeric crack filler. For cracks 1/16 to 1/4 inch, widen with cold chisel, insert backer rod if deep, and fill with elastomeric caulk. Allow 24-48 hours cure.
Large Damage Repair
Remove all loose stucco to sound substrate. Install new metal lath if needed. Apply scratch coat, brown coat, and finish coat matching existing texture. Allow 28-day cure before coating.
Surface Cleaning
Pressure wash at 1,500-2,500 PSI. Apply bleach solution for mold and mildew. Allow 24-48 hours drying. Stucco must be completely dry (below 12% moisture) before elastomeric application.
Masking and Protection
Mask all windows, doors, trim, and fixtures. Elastomeric is extremely thick and very difficult to remove from unintended surfaces once cured. Protect landscaping and walkways.
Priming
Apply alkali-resistant masonry primer compatible with the elastomeric system. Essential on new repairs, unpainted stucco, and surfaces with efflorescence. Follow manufacturer primer recommendation.
First Coat Application
Apply at 10-12 mils wet film thickness per coat -- significantly heavier than standard paint. Coverage: 50-75 sq ft per gallon (vs. 300-400 for standard paint). Maintain a wet edge.
Curing Between Coats
Allow 4-8 hours cure. In cooler Denver temperatures below 60 degrees F, extend to 8-12 hours. Do not apply if rain is expected within 24 hours.
Second Coat Application
Apply second coat at same thickness. Two coats minimum achieves 15-25 mils dry film thickness for crack-bridging and waterproofing. Some specs require three coats for 25-35 mils.
Detail and Transition Work
Cut in at trim, windows, doors. Coat soffits, stucco returns, and parapet walls. Ensure continuous coverage at all corners and foundation-to-grade transition.
Quality Control
Measure dry film thickness with coating gauge. Verify minimum DFT meets specification. Check for pinholes that compromise waterproofing. Touch up thin areas.
Cleanup and Documentation
Remove masking while coating is still slightly flexible. Clean overspray immediately. Provide product specs, DFT measurements, warranty, and maintenance schedule. Expected service life: 8-15 years.
Elastomeric & Stucco Coating Tips for Longmont
Freeze-thaw is the primary enemy
Denver experiences 100+ freeze-thaw cycles per year. Water in stucco cracks freezes and expands 9%, progressively widening cracks. Elastomeric with 200%+ elongation bridges these cracks. Standard paint (2-5% elongation) cannot. For Colorado stucco, elastomeric is a necessity.
Application temperature window is tight
Surface temperature must be 50-90 degrees F during application AND for 24 hours after. Denver's spring/fall pattern of 65 degrees daytime and 35 overnight is problematic. The reliable window is May 15 through September 30.
South-facing stucco gets double punishment
South-facing walls get maximum UV AND thermal cycling. Surface temperatures can reach 140+ degrees F in summer and drop 100 degrees overnight. Elastomeric flexes with this cycling. Apply to south/west elevations first if budget requires phasing.
Vapor permeability is critical
While elastomeric waterproofs the exterior, it must remain breathable to allow interior moisture to escape. In Colorado, vapor drive is outward in winter. Using non-breathable products or too many coats traps moisture causing hidden damage. Verify product perm rating is 8+.
Our Service Area
Elastomeric & Stucco Coating FAQ
What is the difference between elastomeric coating and regular paint?
How long does elastomeric coating last in Denver?
Can it be applied over existing paint?
Will it hide my stucco texture?
Is it worth the extra cost for Colorado stucco?
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