An exterior wall coating is one of the most effective ways to protect the investment you’ve made in a property. But with so many types of exterior wall coatings available, deciding which is most suitable for your building can be difficult. That’s why, in this article, we’ll be using our expertise in commercial construction and cladding refurbishment to walk you through some of the different options. From acrylic to silicone, keep reading if you want to make the best choice for your property.
The Different Types Of Exterior Wall Coatings
As is the case with many areas of construction, commercial properties require a very different approach to residential properties when it comes to exterior wall coatings. Aside from following stricter building codes and regulations, commercial properties typically require more durable coatings that create a professional image. As industry-leading commercial cladding replacement contractors, we’ll focus on exterior wall coatings for commercial properties in this article.
- What Are Exterior Wall Coatings?
- Silicone Wall Coatings
- Polyurethane Wall Coatings
- Plastisol Wall Coatings
- Acrylic Wall Coatings
- Elastomeric Coatings
- Masonry Paints
- Powder Coatings
What Are Exterior Wall Coatings?
Before assessing the suitability of each exterior wall coating, it’s important to understand what they are and how they benefit a property. Exterior wall coatings are protective layers applied to the outside of a building. They serve multiple purposes, from enhanced aesthetic appeal to improved long-term durability. These are just a few of the ways they support commercial properties:
- Weatherproofing: Most coatings are formulated to provide exceptional protection against the elements. This includes UV radiation, wind, rain, and temperature fluctuations. They often offer superior waterproofing capabilities, preventing moisture penetration and damage.
- Durability: They are designed to be highly durable, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and repainting.
- Insulation: Some coatings provide insulation properties, helping to regulate internal temperatures and improve energy efficiency.
- Aesthetics: Coatings come in various colours, textures, and finishes, allowing businesses to choose options that reflect their brand identity and enhance curb appeal.
Silicone Wall Coatings
Silicone wall coating is among the most common in the UK due to its exceptional ability to provide protection from water and heat. It’s mainly composed of silicone resin, fillers, and additives to create a thin rubber-like layer that can be applied to a variety of surfaces. At Stark Construct, our silicone wall coating of choice is Liquasil. Its unique silicone technology provides exceptional adhesion and resistance to environmental stressors.
Advantages
- Water Resistance: Silicone is highly hydrophobic:, so it has excellent water-repellent properties. This reduces the risk of damp, mould, and mildew due to less water seeping into the walls. It’s also breathable, so any trapped moisture can escape.
- Durability And Longevity: As they are resistant to UV rays, temperature fluctuations, and weathering, silicone coatings maintain their integrity for a long time, meaning less is spent on maintenance.
- Elasticity: Silicone remains flexible over time, making it practical for surfaces prone to cracking or minor movements.
- Chemical Resistance: It’s highly resistant to chemicals, pollutants, and stains, making it ideal for industrial environments.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Silicone can be produced in a variety of colours and finishes to suit any building.
Disadvantages
- Higher Initial Expense: Silicone coatings are typically more expensive than other coatings in terms of material cost and professional application.
- Adhesion Issues: Silicone coatings may not adhere well to all surfaces without proper priming.
- Non-Paintable: Silicone-coated walls cannot be easily painted over with standard paints, as the surface repels most materials.
- Durability Trade-Offs: While silicone excels in water resistance, it may be less abrasion-resistant than other coatings, making it more prone to wear in high-traffic or impact-prone areas.
Polyurethane Wall Coatings
Polyurethane coatings like Giromax® are specially designed to provide protection from all kinds of environmental stressors. At Stark Construct, we use Giromax® to protect the properties we work on due to its exceptional weather and UV resistance.
Advantages
- Advanced Protection Against Corrosion: Polyurethane products like Giromax® are designed to combat corrosion and degradation caused by environmental factors.
- Environmentally Friendly: Polyurethane solutions are formulated with low VOC (volatile organic compounds), aligning with modern sustainability standards and environmental regulations.
- Specialised Solutions: Giromax® offers tailored products for specific issues, including Girosil Roofcoat, Girosil Gutter RC-G and Delcote systems for wall cladding.
Disadvantages
- Cost: Polyurethane coatings can be more expensive compared to other options, such as acrylic or latex paints.
- Strong Odour: Polyurethane coatings can emit strong odours during application and curing, which may be unpleasant or hazardous in poorly ventilated areas.
- Maintenance: While durable, polyurethane coatings can be challenging to repair if damaged.
Plastisol Wall Coatings
Plastisol coatings are made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), a durable material used in many areas of the construction industry. Plastisol coatings are commonly used to coat metal surfaces as they adhere very well to these services and are highly durable when applied correctly. The Stark Construct team always use HD Sharman plastisol coatings when working on properties with a metal exterior.
Advantages
- Flexibility: Plastisol coatings maintain flexibility, allowing them to accommodate slight structural movements or bending without cracking or peeling.
- Sound Reduction: PVC provides some degree of noise reduction, which can be particularly beneficial in industrial or high-traffic areas.
- Chemical Resistance: Plastisol offers good resistance to chemicals, oils, and solvents, making it suitable for industrial and chemical environments.
Disadvantages
- Brittleness Over Time: With age and environmental exposure, Plastisol coatings may lose flexibility and become brittle, increasing the risk of cracking or chipping.
- Environmental Concerns: PVC is derived from non-renewable resources and may release harmful substances like dioxins if not disposed of properly
- Limited Colour Retention:Plastisol coatings may not retain their original colour vibrancy as well as other coatings, particularly in areas with high UV exposure.
Acrylic Wall Coatings
Acrylic wall coatings are water-based coatings made from acrylic resins. They’re highly durable and extremely versatile, making them a popular choice for commercial properties in all industries. Businesses operating in mild climates, like the UK, often opt for acrylic wall coatings as extreme waterproofing isn’t necessary.
Advantages
- Versatility: Acrylic coatings can be applied to various surfaces, including concrete, wood, and previously painted walls.
- Durability: While they may not be as water-resistant as silicone coatings, acrylic coatings still provide very good protection from the elements.
- Cost-Effective: Offers a good balance between performance and affordability, making it an economical choice for many residential and commercial projects.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Available in a variety of colours, textures, and finishes (e.g., matte, satin, gloss), providing flexibility for decorative and design purposes.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal upkeep, with easy cleaning using soap and water in most cases.
- Eco-Friendly Options: Many acrylic coatings are low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or VOC-free, making them environmentally friendly and safer for indoor use.
Disadvantages
- Longevity: Acrylic coatings may not last as long as silicone in harsh environments with extreme weather.
- Susceptibility To Staining: Acrylic coatings can accumulate dirt and stains more easily, particularly in polluted or dusty environments, requiring regular cleaning to maintain their appearance.
- Colour Fading: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause the colour of acrylic coatings to fade over time, especially in vibrant or darker shades.
Elastomeric Coatings
Elastomeric coatings are approximately 10 times thicker than standard paints, specially formulated to offer enhanced protection and bridge the gap between hairline cracks. They can create a continuous waterproof barrier that lasts for many years. They’re often used on low-slope or flat roofs and can be applied over existing roofing systems.
Advantages
- Effective Waterproofing: Elastomeric coatings form a continuous, thick barrier that effectively prevents water infiltration. This makes them ideal for areas exposed to heavy rainfall and high humidity.
- Flexibility: They expand and contract as the temperature fluctuates, helping prevent temperature-related damage to the surface below.
- Energy Efficiency: Some elastomeric coatings have reflective properties that can help to reduce heat absorption and lower cooling costs.
- Chemical Resistance: Elastomeric coatings are resistant to chemicals, pollutants, and abrasion. This makes them suitable for industrial environments.
Disadvantages
- Cost: Elastomeric coatings are typically more expensive than traditional paints and other coating types. The application process may require specialised equipment and trained professionals, adding to the overall cost.
- Adhesion: Elastomeric coatings may not be suitable for all surfaces. For example, they might not adhere well to certain types of metal or previously coated surfaces without proper preparation.
- Breathability: While elastomeric coatings are breathable to some extent, they may still trap moisture if not applied correctly. This can lead to issues like bubbling or mould growth underneath the coating.
Masonry Paints
Masonry paints are specialised paints designed specifically to protect the appearance of masonry surfaces like brick, concrete and stone. These paints are formulated to withstand the unique challenges associated with porous, uneven, and weather-exposed masonry materials.
Advantages
- Designed For Masonry Surfaces: Masonry paints are specifically formulated for porous, rough, and uneven surfaces. They adhere better to masonry materials compared to general-purpose paints or coatings.
- Durability: They’re highly resistant to cracking, peeling, and flaking, providing long-lasting protection from the elements with minimal maintenance.
- Enhanced Thermal Performance: Some masonry paints include insulating properties, helping to improve energy efficiency by reducing heat transfer through walls.
- Resistance To Environmental Pollutants: Masonry paints are often formulated to resist staining and damage from dirt, pollution, and industrial fallout.
- Specialised Formulations: Masonry paints come in various types, such as lime-based paints for historic buildings, elastomeric paints for crack-bridging, and silicone-based paints for maximum water resistance.
Disadvantages
- Less Suitable For Non-Masonry Surfaces: While excellent for brick, stone, and concrete, masonry paints do not adhere well to non-masonry materials like metal, wood, or plastic.
- Aesthetic Limitations: Masonry paints place more emphasis on functionality than aesthetics. So, they may lack the high-end textures offered by other types of coating.
- Breathability: Many masonry paints are less breathable than coatings like silicon. This may lead to trapped moisture and more frequent maintenance.
- Cost Considerations: High-quality or specialised masonry paints can be expensive when compared to other coating methods.
Powder Coatings
Powder coatings are applied as a free-flowing, dry powder rather than a liquid. The powder is typically applied electrostatically and cured under heat or ultraviolet light to form a hard, durable finish. They are usually made from thermosetting or thermoplastic polymers.
Advantages
- Environmental Benefits: Powder coatings don’t require solvents, so they emit fewer VOCs.
- Uniform Finish: The electrostatic application process ensures an even, consistent finish.
- Cost-Effective: While initial costs may be higher, power coatings often require less maintenance and have a longer lifespan, reducing long-term costs.
- Structurally Strong: Powder coatings are highly resistant to chipping, scratching, and corrosion, making them ideal for surfaces exposed to harsh conditions.
Disadvantages
- Waste Management: Although powder coatings produce fewer VOCs, the overspray must be collected and disposed of properly.
- Chipping And Cracking: Although durable, powder coatings can chip or crack under certain conditions, such as impact or extreme flexing.
- Limited Finishes: Powder coatings don’t offer as extensive a range of finishes as liquid paints.
Understanding The Types Of Wall Coatings
As you can see, the right exterior wall coating for your property depends on a number of factors, including the surface it’s being applied to, the local climate, and your budget. The types of coating outlined above are just a few of those available, so to better understand which type is best suited to your property, get in touch with our team of experts at Stark Construct. With over 25 years of experience in all aspects of commercial construction, including cladding repairs and building refurbishments, you can rely on our advice.
