What is elastomeric paint and would it be good for my stucco house in Burnaby?

Elastomeric paint is a thick, rubberised coating that can stretch up to 300-500% of its original size without cracking. It's specifically designed to bridge hairline cracks in stucco, concrete, and masonry — making it an excellent choice for stucco homes throughout Metro Vancouver and Burnaby.

Stucco naturally develops hairline cracks over time due to building settlement and our freeze-thaw cycles. Regular paint simply cracks along with the stucco, but elastomeric paint stretches over these gaps, creating a continuous waterproof membrane. Given Vancouver's heavy rainfall, this waterproofing ability is particularly valuable. Moisture penetrating through stucco cracks is one of the leading causes of wall rot and mould problems in BC homes.

Elastomeric coatings are applied much thicker than standard paint — typically 10-20 times the film thickness of regular latex. They're usually rolled or sprayed on in two heavy coats. The result is a durable, flexible shell that protects your stucco for 10-15 years compared to 5-7 years for standard exterior paint.

The cost is higher: expect to pay $65 to $110 per gallon for quality elastomeric paint, and professional application for a typical Burnaby stucco home runs $8,000 to $15,000 depending on square footage and prep work needed. However, the longer lifespan and crack-bridging properties often make it more economical over time.

One important note: elastomeric paint traps moisture, so your stucco must be in sound structural condition before application. Have a qualified painter inspect your stucco for any underlying moisture issues before proceeding with an elastomeric coating.

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