Exterior Deck Coatings Maintenance Program

Exterior decks, patios, garages and walk ways often fall victim to deterioration because they are the most trafficked areas in the facility and exposed to damages from natural weather conditions everyday. Deck coatings show sign of disrepair when they are visibly cracked, peeling, or filled with moisture.

When deck coatings fail, facility managers must allocate the time and budget for maintenance work. But how often should exterior deck coatings be repaired? The decision to regularize the maintenance program for exterior deck coatings depend on several factors. First, obviously, is based on manufacturer's recommendations. Most deck coatings have a recommended life of every 2-3 years, or as recommended by the coating contractor.

Another determining factor is the function of the deck within in the facility. If it is constantly exposed to traffic, the deck coatings system will be more prone to damage than when the area is infrequently used.

Another important point to consider is the history of repair and maintenance done on the deck coatings system. If it has never been repaired or maintained since initial installation, then it may be time to schedule regular maintenance. Another decision-making factor is the level of exposure that the area is getting on a daily basis. If it is an open walk-way constantly exposed to all kinds of weather, it has a more urgent need for maintenance than when it is a covered deck, for instance.

Types of Exterior Deck Coatings

Exterior decks, patios, garages and walk ways are some of the most heavily trafficked areas in the facility, making them very vulnerable to deterioration. Deck coatings are often the first component of exterior decks to fall into disrepair , requiring regular repairs and maintenance to prolong their usability.

To preserve the useful life of deck coatings longer requires the identification of the correct type of deck coatings to apply in specific applications and functions. Various types of deck coatings exist today, and some of them are enumerated below:

1. Urethane deck coatings are perfect for waterproofing requirements. They are applied in layers with a broadcast of sand on the top coat, although they are known to have lower tolerance for damages and need to be maintained regularly.

2. Slip sheet decking coatings are multi-layered coatings made of slipped-in paper materials between the original deck surface. This system allows flexibility that eliminates cracking when decks are exposed to extremely varying temperatures.

3. Magnesite deck coatings systems are quick-drying and non-combustible cement used commonly for architectural designs. They are known for durability but must be restored constantly because of the likelihood of surface cracking and water seepage.


Other deck coatings commonly implemented are acrylic systems, vinyl coating systems and fiberglass systems, among others.

The Art and Science behind Exterior Deck Coatings

Perhaps some of the most functional areas in any industrial or commercial facilities are exterior decks, garages, walkways and patios, to name just a few. All of these locations receive the heaviest volume and frequency of pedestrian and mechanical traffic. And because of their exterior location within the facility, they are also the most exposed areas. Being the major conduits that link almost all other areas within the facility, these locations must also be operational and accessible in whatever weather and environmental conditions. The constant traffic, plus exposure to the natural elements, makes exterior decks and other exterior locations more prone to gradual deterioration.

The degradation of exterior decks is often obviously visible when its exterior deck coatings fall into disrepair. Cracks and fissures on the deck coatings are signs that these exterior areas need immediate remediation.

When deck coatings fail, facility managers must allocate a significant amount of time and money for deck coatings repair. But taking a proactive stand when exterior deck coatings receive regular maintenance, its useful life is prolonged, eliminating the need for costly replacement of the whole deck coatings system.

Applying Long-Lasting Deck Coatings

When deck coatings applications carefully observe proper planning, product identification, and surface preparation, the actual application phase is easier to execute and less besieged with problems. And when the application of deck coatings is executed properly and effectively, the result is a high-performing deck that lasts a long time to service the facility.

Skilled applicators practice both common sense and stock knowledge to perform deck coatings applications. They vary their methodology depending on the requirements for deck coatings.

One of the common factors that they have to work with is the kind of weather that the deck surface is normally subjected to. When in hot conditions, they are aware that the pot-life or working time of materials is only very limited. To save the deck coatings from pot-life expiration, they either store materials in a cooler environment, or attempt to lower the work area temperature, if possible. Often in high temperatures, deck coatings contractors work quickly to complete the application before the pot-life expires.

The opposite is true In cold-weather temperatures, and contractors have to contend with slower curing time. Painting applicators perform thinning to lower paint viscosity for easier application and longer pot-life.

For the actual deck coatings application, brush or rollers are used to apply the mixture, wherein applicators are often careful of any out gassing and bubble formation. For post-application cleanup on tools and hands, contractors work carefully to achieve proper cleanup and disposal.

Deck Coatings Longevity Begins with Careful Preparation

Prior to the application of a fresh coat of deck coatings, painting contractors always prepare the surface area carefully and thoroughly. This commonly involves identifying a portion of the surface as a “test area”, where deck coatings are applied first. The test area is then examined, evaluating the adhesion capability and the performance of the deck coatings to be applied.

A safe way to ensure that substrates are prepared properly is to follow closely the manufacturer's installation guidelines for particular deck coatings products. Deck coatings vary in behavior and performance characteristics. Some coating products may not be suitable for exterior environments, or perform poorly when exposed to the rays of the sun. The cure rates of deck coatings may vary depending on the ambient temperature and humidity of the surroundings. The kind of surface or substrate also has a direct impact on the application of deck coatings, particularly in deciding on the amount of coatings that can be applied on the surface. For example, flat surfaces require lower paint volume than irregular or uneven surfaces.

And the standard practice of cleaning surfaces of dust or grease to assure better adhesion should be observed as well. Lastly, in cases when surfaces already show signs of cracking, these surfaces should be repaired first before deck coatings can be applied.

Good Chemistry = Quality Deck Coatings

In the goal to lengthen the useful life of deck coatings in industrial and commercial facilities, facility owners and painting contractors agree as one that chemical and toxic damages are some of the most common causes of deck coatings failure. Harsh chemical substances can degrade the integrity of deck coatings, leading to gradual discoloration, cracking and ultimate irreversible damage.

Because of the threat posed by chemical spillage to deck coatings, research and development work have focused more and more in the creation of chemical-resistant deck formulations. What came out of the labs are innovative coating products that are designed to withstand chemical attacks even at the molecular level. Many of these formulations feature cross-linked polymers that stay impervious against chemical damages.

Today's products are also designed to be non-toxic, non-flammable, and nearly odorless., and are easier to apply. Perhaps one of the major triumphs of chemistry labs is the lowered VOC emissions in deck coatings, which significantly lowers health and safety risks.

Some deck coating formulations are also imbued with fast-drying abilities, as well as the versatility to be useful to any types of applications. All of this chemical engineering has made deck coatings and applications more enduring than ever.

The Longevity Game: Chemical Resistant Deck Coatings

Because deck areas are heavily trafficked locations in industrial facilities, they often bear the brunt of physical damages than any other rooms of places in the facility. Decks often play host to heavy machineries and equipments, not to mention the constant flow of people accessing these areas for various functions all throughout the day.

Chemical spillage is one of the most common causes of coatings failure in deck areas, causing the gradual loss of coating integrity. When chemical damages result to deck coatings discoloration, cracking and an unsightly general appearance, these are signs that the deck coatings are nearing the end-of-life. Chemical and toxic spills are particularly risky and detrimental when ignored, and may cause chemical inhalation and absorption to humans, or flammability in the premises. When deck coatings weaken due to these assaults, facility owners often wish for more enduring and long-lasting deck coatings.

When it comes to longevity, deck coatings designed to be more chemical-resistant usually have a better chance for prolonged useful life. But despite the breakthroughs in paint technology, longevity in deck coatings still need careful pre-application preparation for it to be installed properly. Together with skilled painting application, this triumvirate of enduring paint, proper surface preparation and careful application are the crucial elements to make the deck coatings system last longer and provide longer service in the facility.

Elements of Successful Commercial Coating Applications – Part 3

Continued: Elements of Successful Commercial Coating Applications – Part 2

Customizing commercial coating applications in response to the findings of a building inspection goes a long way towards ensuring application success. This and the proper identification of the right quality products for the job were discussed in the previous blog as two of the critical elements of successful commercial coatings applications.

Below are the last, but no less important, elements for commercial coating:


4. Superior Workmanship

If the commercial coating applications is entrusted to a certified painting contractor with proven work experience, the commercial coating applications is almost assured of success. A skilled contractor can capably handle the commercial coating applications project from planning up to its completion. An expert contractor can take the project through building inspection, customized installation and identification of the best products to use for the project, and has the competency to work collaboratively with the facility owner, project management team, suppliers, and a variety of other stakeholders. With these skill set, the painting contractor will be able to integrate the critical elements of commercial coating applications during project implementation smoothly and successfully.


5. Progress Monitoring

Job monitoring during and after project execution is another critical element that must be observed in commercial coating applications. Monitoring is critical in the avoidance of costly coating failures, ensuring that the work is done within specification. Monitoring can detect deviations and problems as soon as they develop, and can be rectified as early as possible. More favorably, monitoring instruments should be setup to track the progress of commercial coating applications more carefully and accurately.

Elements of Successful Commercial Coating Applications – Part 2

Continued: Elements of Successful Commercial Coating Applications – Part 1

The previous blog discussed one of the critical elements to achieve success in commercial coating applications – a comprehensive building inspection. The report gleaned from the thorough investigation of the building’s current condition is used by the succeeding critical factors listed below:


2. Customized Commercial Coating Applications

Based on the findings of the building inspection, commercial coating applications that follow the report and addresses critical findings will be more likely to succeed in implementation. When actual problems and issues that are existing in the commercial facility are addressed through proper customization, better performance can be achieved by commercial coating applications. The identification of the right product choices, appropriate application procedures, equipments, and personnel will ensure that the commercial coating applications project delivers the most correct solution and result to minimal costs.


3. Quality Coating Products

One of the major contributors to the success of any commercial coating applications is the identification and use of high-quality coating products and materials. High-performing coatings last longer and protect surfaces much better than substandard products. These coating materials should comply with stringent industry and environmental standards to deliver the best performing and value-for-money commercial coating applications.

The next blog will discuss how workmanship and proper monitoring can spell success for commercial coating applications.

Elements of Successful Commercial Coating Applications – Part 1

Continued: Critical Elements of Commercial Coatings Applications

Commercial building owners demand high quality commercial coating applications in their facilities to satisfy business requirements. This means attractive exterior and interior finishes with low- to zero-maintenance costs. On top of this, facility owners must also contend with rising material costs and prices of equipments, and the growing awareness of environmentally-safe green paints. Despite these diverse requirements, there are at least five critical elements that can spell success for commercial coating applications. Below is the first important element:


1. Complete Inspection of the Building and Its Condition

The property should undergo a comprehensive assessment by a professional assessor. Prior to any implementation of commercial coating applications, the inspection of the condition of the commercial property is very important in decision-making later on. The assessor should conduct a visual inspection of the building, and submit a professional report that reveals significant findings on the status of various critical systems such as roofs, foundations, HVAC system, electrical system, plumbing system, among others.

Any findings that come forth from the inspection will aid greatly during the planning stage of commercial coating applications. The information gathered from the building assessment will serve as a guide to come up with solutions involving commercial coating applications.

The next blog will discuss the next two critical elements of successful commercial coating applications: planned customization and quality coating product selection.

Critical Elements of Commercial Coatings Applications

The brisk growth of the commercial building sector has made commercial coating applications some of the most challenging activities to execute in the construction industry. Due to the demands of the business, commercial building owners require high quality commercial coating applications in their building and facilities. Most of these demands are for more attractive exterior and interior coatings and finishes, high-performing and long-lasting paints, and low- to zero-maintenance coatings. All these commercial coating applications to be executed at very reasonable costs.

To increase the challenge in commercial coating applications, the high market prices of materials and equipments, the advent of "green building" awareness, as well as compliance to environmental safety and ethical standards, have made commercial coating applications even more demanding to implement.

Despite these diverse requirements, commercial coatings applications are actually easy to deploy. All it takes are some essential elements to be put in place before, during, and after commercial coating applications. These elements include careful building inspection, well-planned customizations, proper paint selection, good workmanship, and accurate monitoring.

The next blog: Elements of Successful Commercial Coating Applications – Part 1 will talk about the value of conducting a thorough building inspection.

Versatile Industrial Coatings Applications

Industrial structures sustain the delivery of many support services to the community, thereby maintaining the quality of life of the populace, even improving it to a great extent. Industrial coatings applications may vary with the kind of function that the industrial facility performs or the service it delivers to the community. But often a common denominator prevails: only the best industrial coatings applications solution can help solve key problems or protect the facility from damages and degradation.

For industrial facilities, everything from equipments failure to loading deck coating failure can lead to major operational interruptions. That is why there is often a need for constant monitoring, protection and maintenance procedures to safeguard the integrity of the facility. Only industrial coatings applications that deliver problem-proof solutions can assure long-time protection of these assets.

Aside from equipments and surfaces, industrial facilities also deploy industrial coatings applications to critical HVAC systems, which are often expensive to maintain and repair. Industries involved in the extraction of natural resources like oil, gas and minerals are not spared from repair problems. When the time comes for remedial actions on these industrial facilities, extra care must be taken when implementing industrial coatings application that can potentially affect and maybe detrimental to the earth's surface. This is the case with water contamination, toxic emissions, and general environmental hazards.

Versatile Industrial Coatings Products

Whatever the scale and function of industrial applications, any routine or emergency maintenance projects in these facilities always require the use of the best industrial coatings applications and solutions possible. This is because industrial facilities directly affect the lives of people in the community with the services they provide. Interruption of these services due to industrial coatings failures are not only costly monetary-wise, they can also disrupt the quality of life of the populace.

Most often, the best solution for repair and maintenance is simple: a clear understanding of why industrial coatings applications fail or degrade in performance, in the first place. For example, corrosion from natural and chemical causes can lead to deterioration of industrial coatings applications, as well as actual physical damage due to daily occupational traffic of man and machine within the facility.

The most high-performing coatings products are those that address these vulnerabilities. These quality products should be identified and used in industrial coatings applications, because failure to do so can increase labor costs, or even lead to coating failures. Because of the importance of industrial facilities in relation to the community's life, coatings products used in industrial coatings applications must further comply with health and environmental standards of safety.

Versatilite polymeric coatings products provide protection and longevity against damages caused by machineries and heavy equipments. Coatings systems that are flexible and suited for many types of applications , such as abrasion-resistant elastomeric polymer linings, water proofing solutions, and environment friendly polymers are some of the diverse products that can be used for high-performing and durable industrial coatings applications.

Facility Managers’ Wish List for Industrial Coatings Applications

Facility managers often prefer simple yet effective industrial coatings applications that will solve their facility’s repair and maintenance issues. These industrial coatings applications are preferred solutions that ensure the safety of industrial coatings applications workers, the building’s tenants and visitors alike.

A common wish list that facility managers have for industrial coatings applications includes in-site repairs. Facility managers want to eliminate the time spent in removing, transporting, and re-installing structural parts needed for industrial coatings applications.

Often, too, facility managers want to avoid solutions that involve risky activities, such as heat-processing solutions that can cause serious accidents, or complex industrial coatings applications techniques that are hard to execute. Facility managers even shy away from environmentally-detrimental products that can lead to health hazards.

Lastly, when faced with a choice between investing in refurbishments instead of replacements, facility managers would often go in favor of the former, knowing that to do so will save significant amount of time and money.

Improving Lives with Industrial Coatings Applications

Many industries perform very important functions to sustain the quality of life of the people in the society. From industries generating and delivering basic services such as electricity and water, oil or gas, to industrial facilities supporting even the community’s wastewater disposal system. Many industrial applications are massive in scale, such as steel infrastructures like bridges, dams, ships, airports and tanks.

Whatever the size and complexity of any industrial facility, the need for quality industrial coatings applications is the same for all of them. When faced with routine or emergency maintenance of coating systems, only the best industrial coatings applications and solutions are preferred by facility managers.

Industrial coatings applications are key aspects of the repair or remediation of industrial facilities. This is because coatings systems are the facility's first line of defense against natural and chemical damages. When protective coatings fail, facility managers implement industrial coatings applications with the help of expert contractors. Choosing the most suitable product and techniques for industrial coatings applications will reduce the cost of maintenance, labor, materials, and out-of-service time of the facility.

Other Sources of Epoxy Coatings Failure

When epoxy coatings failure occurs in the facility, repair, and maintenance is inevitable. Facility managers tolerate the costs incurred by repair activities, because failing to rectify the epoxy coatings failure can lead to more severe negative effects.

Understanding the causes of epoxy coatings failure leads to better choices of paints and more careful surface preparation and application. Elemental factors and particulate matters are known to cause epoxy coatings failure more often, but there are other notable causes of epoxy coatings failure that, when known and addressed carefully, can help avoid costly disruptions in the facility.

Here are some of the sources of epoxy coatings failures in facilities:

1. Solvents

Solvents can cause ridges in coated surfaces that dried too quickly. When thick epoxy coatings dry fast, they tend to trap solvents underneath and lead to failure in the top coat. The solution is to use solvent-free epoxy coatings.

2. Brittleness

Phenolic epoxy coatings are inherently brittle, causing cracks in the surface as it moves expands or contract. When cracks appear, corrosion and moisture damage eventually set in. Epoxy coatings products with good elongation properties can solve this problem.

3. Porosity

Water or chemicals are freely absorbed by porous epoxy coatings. Applying non-porous epoxy coatings will address this threat and lessen the risk of coatings failure.

Coatings Failure from Surface Particles

Although surface particles or particulate matters have slightly lesser frequency of occurrence than the natural and constantly interacting forces of sun, air, and water, they are also one of the major causes of epoxy coatings failure in many buildings and facilities.

When surfaces and substrates did not receive the most careful surface preparation, they are not clean enough for the demands of epoxy coatings applications. Any minute traces of dust, dirt, grease and other foreign particles that remains in the surface to be coated is a coatings failure waiting to happen. These tiny debris maybe nearly-invisible, but they hinder the epoxy coatings from totally bonding with the surface to be coated. And when the adhesion force of the applied epoxy coatings is lesser, the coatings will soon crack or peel away, leading to premature coatings failure.

In the case of steel surfaces, salt deposits that are almost hard to see with the human eyes may lodge in the surface, stubbornly clinging to the exterior even after surface sandblasting. The salt deposits slowly attack the metal surface underneath the epoxy coatings, causing irreversible corrosion and eventual coatings failure. In such cases, surface preparation through hydro blasting can remove these residual particles before coatings application.

Coatings Failure Due to the Elements

The natural and constantly interacting forces of sun, air, and water are some of the most frequent causes of epoxy coatings failure in facilities. The powerful sunlight can break down the chemical composition of epoxy coatings through time. Daily exposure to the sun's rays can hasten chemical deterioration that can inevitably lead to epoxy coatings failure. Only a careful selection of ultraviolet-resistant epoxy coatings products can withstand the sun's onslaught far longer than ordinary paint.

The presence of water, even in small quantities, is also another cause of premature epoxy coatings failure in facilities. Sturdy concrete surfaces are particularly vulnerable to water damages, because they retain water much longer in nooks and crevasses. When water is retained in concrete surfaces, these damp areas are never totally dried out. Water interactions with high humidity also produce moisture that causes epoxy coatings to fail after some time.

Some building structures are constantly submerged in water, such as pipes and marine facilities. In these environments, standard epoxy coatings will simply fail. The solution is to apply a new breed of solvent-free coatings specifically designed for underwater use, whose epoxy formulation actually repels water.