Exterior wall coatings are decorative treatments formulated for exterior masonry surfaces. Their main functions are twofold. The first benefit is that they provide an attractive finish to the exterior of a building (internal wall coatings are also available). Their second main function is to provide low maintenance and long life spans, so they are usually quite durable and hardwearing. As a result, exterior wall coatings are usually quite high-end systems with expensive and high-quality ingredients.
In contrast to traditional exterior paint, exterior coatings are typically applied at a much thicker thickness (up to 40 times the thickness). The coatings are therefore very weather resistant and are able to last longer due to this. Moreover, the extra thickness helps cover any imperfections on a wall, whereas traditional paint is very thin, allowing any scarring to be clearly seen underneath.
There are several manufacturers offering different systems, some of which have different features, like elastomeric or anti-carbonation, so it’s crucial to specify the right system for the given situation and wall surface. Hence, it is crucial to discuss this in detail with the installation company or project manager.
Surface coatings for exterior walls tend to have a high resin content, giving them great elasticity, flexibility, and adhesion. There are many resin types used in coating systems, including Pliolite, Alkyd, Polyester, and Acrylic.
In most cases, manufacturers produce coating products in a variety of standard colours, but if none of those colours are suitable, a special order can normally be placed to have a coating produced to any colour (a minimum quantity is usually required for this though).
There are also a variety of textures available for exterior wall coatings. From smooth (untextured) coatings that look like normal paint to fine textures, coarse textures, and heavy high build textures. Therefore, it is crucial to see samples before choosing a system. There are many advantages to using a texture. You may have, for example, a rendered wall that is well adhered to the underlying surface, but has been repaired many times and has a variety of surface appearances, texture differences and crack scars. In addition to covering unsightly scars and imperfections, exterior wall coating systems with textures can also create an attractive, uniform finish that will cover unsightly scarring and imperfections.
The term “microporous” is often used by manufacturers to describe their coating systems. In other words, although the coatings resist water penetration very well, they also allow the passage of water vapour, so they are breathable. As a result, exterior coating systems are highly effective in situations where penetrating damp occurs.
If you are interested in receiving a free quotation for an exterior wall coating system for your property, please contact us.