CEAC-2022-08-August

5 Key Concepts to Properly Maintain
Deck Coatings
ST. LOUIS, Mo. — A deck coating is a protective traffic membrane
applied to concrete surfaces that protects them from
harmful substances like salt, de-icers, water, oils and grease
that can cause deterioration. Like any other system, a deck
coating must be managed properly to maintain its peak
performance.
The experts at Western Specialty Contractors say there are “5
Key Concepts” to properly maintaining a deck coating, which
include understanding deck coatings, performing regular
power washing, communicating with the snowplow driver,
getting familiar with the maintenance manual, and re-upping
the warranty.
What are Deck Coatings and Why Do People Use Them?
A deck coating creates a protective layer, almost like a solid
rubber barrier, to keep contaminants from reaching the concrete’s
surface. A deck coating typically consists of a primer
and a base coat (waterproofing membrane) that keeps water
from penetrating any cracks in the deck surface and corroding
the steel underneath.
Perform Regular Power Washing
Power washing a deck coating is highly recommended and
required by most warranties. Power washing should be
performed at least twice a year, and typically after the winter
to rinse off any salt and de-icers that may have been used or
brought in by vehicles off the roadway.
The membrane surface is keeping salts and de-icers from
reaching the concrete, but if the corrosive elements are allowed
to sit on the surface and the coating is ever breached,
fails or develops a crack, the corrosive substances can easily
penetrate. Salts and de-icers are corrosive to steel and can
cause concrete delamination.
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Observe the “5 Key Concepts” to maintaining your deck coating to maximize
its performance and protect the substrate.
Communicate with Your Snowplow Operator
Snow plowing that uses steel blades is an aggressive method
of snow removal. Because deck coatings are made of elastomeric
or flexible materials, they are soft and can be easily
damaged by steel snowplow blades. Request that your snowplow
company use a rubber tip blade and rubber feelers on
the sides to keep from damaging and creating gouges in the
coating system.
Get Familiar with the Maintenance Manual
The coating system maintenance manual will give additional
details on how to properly maintain the deck coating.
In addition to regular power washing and using a rubber
tip blade for snow removal, maintenance manuals will also
recommend conducting a visual inspection annually with the
contractor that installed it. The maintenance manual will
give additional recommendations for extending the life of
the deck coating, so it is wise to read it cover to cover.
Getting the Warranty Extended
Most deck coatings come with a five-year warranty. Most
reputable manufacturers will give property managers an
opportunity to evaluate the condition of the deck coating
at the end of the five years, and if there were any warranty
issues, have those fixed under the warranty prior to the warranty
expiring. If the coating looks in good, sound condition,
property managers can get an additional five-year warranty
by doing a lesser system and coats. Installing a single wear
course is about half the original cost of a deck coating installation
per square foot.
For more information about deck coatings, visit
www.westernspecialtycontractors.com/projects/services/
concrete-restoration/.
Volume 87 · Number 7 | 23