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Deck coating failure can be devastating to clients financially
and it is a huge issue in today’s building industry.
Often times the problem goes undetected for years with
moisture entering into areas behind stucco where it is
very difficult to see until there is a problem. But do
not let that stop you from having a deck of your dreams!
In most cases, decks can add substantial enjoyment and
value to your home.
DeckTech, Inc. specializes in failure
detection at an array of project environments. With our
area of expertise being deck coating failure, it is not
uncommon to identify several other construction defects
that contribute to coating breakdown such as adjacent doors,
windows, exterior architectural features, wood and stucco
siding and railing or privacy walls surrounding the deck
with coating. These conditions most often surface
when individuals in the industry have completed construction
details with no formal training or understanding as to
why the details should be implemented on a project.
Please
take a moment to review the most common substandard conditions
found on failure projects:
- Metal flashing details which
provide envelope for waterproof deck coating attachment
are absent, installed incorrectly or of substandard material.
For example, doors are set without flashing pan detail,
base of deck posts are coated without appropriate flashing
detail and extra thin gauge steel is used without primer
and appropriate attachment.
- Inadequate drainage can be a result of initial poor
framing details. All coatings must drain to pre-determined
drain outlets. If framing is provided without fall then
standing water will keep coating submerged creating adverse
condition. Plumbing Contractors may set drains which
may not be specified with proper detail by the coating
manufacturer to accurately attach a waterproof system
to, therefore affecting the warranty. The drain layout
and installation should always be predetermined in the
rough framing stage with the coating contractor and Prime
Contractor on the job.
- Deck privacy walls or railing systems often impact
the deck. If paper underneath stucco is not lapped properly
or if the correct artificial materials are not used on
the wall caps then failure can take place allowing moisture
intrusion into framing below. The railing attachments
cannot impede deck drainage or impact coating without
proper approved sealants.
- Deck coating elevations and drainage cannot be impacted
by mortar and tile. Coating cannot be impacted by pallet
decks, carpet or any other material that restricts breathing
and drainage.
- All specialty deck coatings must be installed by
qualified coating applicators to specific manufacture
specifications. Do not allow Tile Contractor, Roofing
Contractor or Prime Contractor to apply waterproofing
system unless you are given specific manufacturer system
details in writing with proper warranty information.
Ask for manufacturer contact information and verify with
them prior to any approval of application. Be vigilant
with common sense and always verify any data given to
you with respect to waterproof coatings.
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