Deck floor coatings offer aesthetic appeal and protection against wear. However, common issues such as peeling, cracking, and poor adhesion plague traditional concrete floor coatings. Enter elastomeric waterproofing, a superior alternative.
In this blog post, we’ll review conventional coatings’ drawbacks, showcase the distinct advantages of elastomeric solutions, and highlight why businesses should choose this advanced option.
Common Issues With Traditional Deck Floor Coatings
Traditional concrete floor coatings, appreciated for their aesthetic appeal and protective features. Offering benefits such as enhanced appearance and wear resistance, these coatings, however, come with inherent drawbacks.
Despite their initial appeal, traditional deck coatings often must overcome persistent issues. Here are some of their more common challenges:
1. Peeling and Cracking: Over time, traditional coatings may peel and crack due to exposure to the elements, compromising the integrity of the protective layer.
2. Poor Adhesion: Inconsistent adhesion often occurs due to improper surface preparation, environmental conditions, and substrate inconsistencies, which can lead to an uneven surface, reducing the coating’s effectiveness and lifespan.
3. Vulnerability to Weathering: Traditional coatings may struggle to withstand harsh weather conditions, resulting in premature deterioration and the need for frequent reapplications.
Understanding these issues highlights the necessity for an alternative solution, paving the way for the superior performance of elastomeric waterproofing.
What is Elastomeric Waterproofing?
Elastomeric waterproofing stands as a groundbreaking alternative to traditional epoxy floor coatings. Unlike their conventional counterparts, elastomeric coatings possess elastic properties that enable them to expand and contract, providing superior durability and flexibility.
Elastomeric coatings are usually based on elastomeric polymers, such as acrylics, polyurethanes, or silicones. These coatings are known for their elastic and flexible properties, allowing them to stretch and contract with substrate movements and temperature changes.
Epoxy floor coatings may be durable and commonly used for various applications, but they are generally rigid and lack the flexibility associated with elastomeric coatings. Deciding between elastomeric and commercial epoxy floor coatings depends on the project’s specific requirements, with elastomeric coatings being preferred for applications that demand flexibility and elongation capabilities.
Key Differences Between Traditional and Elastomeric Waterproofing
Here are some of the notable differences between elastomeric and traditional concrete floor coatings:
- Flexibility: Elastomeric coatings adapt to substrate movements, preventing issues like cracking and peeling that commonly plague rigid traditional epoxy floor coatings.
- Seamless Protection: The elastic nature of elastomeric coatings allows for a seamless, continuous barrier, eliminating vulnerabilities present in traditional coatings.
Benefits of Elastomeric Waterproofing
Elastomeric coatings have several crucial advantages over other coating systems. Consider the following benefits when comparing this waterproofing option with other coating solutions:
1. Thickness and Crack Bridging
Elastomeric deck coatings offer a substantial advantage with their thickness, being approximately 10 times thicker than regular paint. This attribute ensures long-lasting protection, as the coating remains robust and resilient against wear.
Further, the thickness allows the coating to effectively bridge and fill in hairline cracks on the deck’s surface, preventing the intrusion of elements, especially crucial for materials like wood. With elastomeric coatings, issues within the deck are comprehensively covered, eliminating the need for constant worry and repeated maintenance work.
2. Elasticity and Flexibility
Wood decks, for example, undergo natural expansion and contraction due to weather variations. Elastomeric coatings, being elastic and flexible, provide a protective shield against these changes.
Whether exposed to wet conditions causing expansion or subjected to heat-induced contraction, the coating accommodates these shifts without displaying chips or cracks. This elasticity safeguards the deck, preventing issues such as splitting and rot that may arise when the wood is left unprotected and vulnerable to climatic fluctuations.
3. Waterproof Shield
One of the most critical benefits of elastomeric coatings is their ability to create a 100% waterproof shield for the deck. Untreated wood is susceptible to water damage, leading to mold and mildew development. Elastomeric coatings act as an impenetrable barrier, keeping water at bay.
This coating protects the wood from damage and prevents the costly and cumbersome task of wood replacement. In addition, by inhibiting mold growth, the coating contributes to a safer deck environment, avoiding slippery surfaces that untreated wood may exhibit during winter.
Choosing elastomeric waterproofing guarantees not only the longevity of your deck but also a hassle-free and resilient solution to various environmental challenges.
4. It’s Hard Wearing
Elastomeric coatings are renowned for their durability and toughness, making them an ideal choice for deck protection. Once applied, these coatings prove hard-wearing even under heavy use. The coating remains steadfast with minimal maintenance, offering robust protection for your deck.
The inherent toughness of elastomeric coatings not only shields the deck from daily wear and tear but also contributes to the long-term integrity of the structure, exemplifying a resilient and reliable solution for deck surfaces.
5. Helps Improve the Appearance of Your Deck
Over time, decks can succumb to the detrimental effects of water, mold, and the elements, leading to an unsightly appearance. Elastomeric deck coatings are a reliable solution, preventing mold and mildew growth.
The longevity of elastomeric coating and resistance to water-related problems eliminates the need for constant maintenance. Unlike traditional paint and other coating solutions that may flake off, elastomeric coatings endure, preserving the structural integrity of the wood and ensuring the deck retains its aesthetic appeal for an extended period.
6. Keeps its Color for Years
Traditional paint on decks may offer initial vibrancy, but it tends to fade and peel, requiring frequent maintenance. Elastomeric deck coatings, however, maintain their color for years without constant recoating.
Resistant to fading even in sun-exposed conditions, the coating remains vibrant and visually appealing regardless of weather, ensuring your deck maintains a fresh and attractive appearance with minimal upkeep.
How it Works
Elastomeric waterproofing relies on its elastic polymer composition. When applied, it forms a flexible, impermeable membrane that stretches and contracts, adapting to structural movements and environmental changes.
Solving Traditional Coating Issues
Elastomeric waterproofing directly addresses common problems of traditional coatings by offering unmatched flexibility, weather resistance, and seamless protection. Its ability to accommodate substrate movement and create a resilient barrier makes it an advanced solution, revolutionizing the longevity and performance of deck floor coatings.
- Peeling and Cracking: Elastomeric coatings feature superior flexibility, effectively mitigating the issues of peeling and cracking providing a seamless and long-lasting protective layer. It acts as a dynamic shield for the deck. It can stretch and contract with the natural movements of the substrate, preventing the formation of cracks. The elasticity of the elastomeric coating ensures that it adheres tightly to the deck surface, resisting the tendency to peel over time.
- Poor Adhesion: Elastomeric waterproofing is designed to adhere firmly to various substrates, addressing the challenge of poor adhesion. It forms a robust bond with the deck due to its adhesive properties, ensuring uniform coverage and eliminating weak points that may lead to premature coating failure, contributing to the overall durability of the deck floor.
- Vulnerability to Weathering: Elastomeric waterproofing solutions are a formidable barrier against UV rays, extreme temperatures, and other environmental factors. Its resilience ensures the coating remains intact and effective, preventing weather-induced damage. The elastomeric coating’s ability to endure adverse weather conditions contributes significantly to the longevity of the deck floor.
Work With Raider Painting: Expert Commercial Painting Contractors
Your Raider Painting team has built a solid reputation with decades of industry experience. We aim to create fully functional and aesthetically pleasing surfaces that last. Contact us for a quote, and our specialists will happily answer your questions.
