Should it be Law that All Deck Coatings MUST Be ICC One Hour Fire Rated?

Should it be Code or Law that any deck coating applied to plywood decks be One Hour Fire Rated? Makes sense when we live in such a volatile area that is so subject to fire.

I've bid jobs that require a tear off the existing system (due usually to neglect and wear and tear)and replacement with a new coating. I found that sometimes that a bidder with a cheaper (read-non fire rated, non ICC approved)product got the job, based on price. When I try to tell the owner that they are losing their fire protection, often times they shrug and don't care.

I think it should be law/code that only ICC one Hour Rated coatings can be applied to plywood covered decks-houses may be saved or damage reduced. Readers, what do you think?
Post your comments!

The answer to crack or not to crack-today's deck mystery

We got 2 emails commenting on the case of the cracked deck-kudo's to both respondors, they both said that the staple(s) were stapled over the seam, into 2 pieces of plywood, which when expansion/contraction occurs (as it normally does with any wood product), the staple is moving too, likely causing the deck to crack. Scroll down the page a bit to see the picture of the cracked deck.

Careful stapling would have avoided the seam being zippered together, preventing the cracking.

Waterproofdeckcoatingadvice.com makes it's trade show debut at CAI Channel Island's

It was a beautiful day on Friday as the Board members and HOA managers who belong to the Channel Islands Chapter of CAI poured into the exhibit area at the Hyatt in Westlake Village.

Our debut was received warmly by the many managers and Board members who wanted to know what the heck it is we do...

and we showed them, with our hands on display of actual deck coating samples and a model of a deck showing the steps necessary to flash and waterproof a deck properly. (Thanks to West Coast Waterproofing of Paramount for loaning us their model).

Attendees also found out that we offer inspections, bid analysis, consulting and seminars as well.

Over 200 persons attended the show, the culmination of a year of planning by Channel Islands Executive Director(s) Krisi Davis and Leah Ross, who took over as Executive Director in August, with the support and help of the Annual Trade Show Committee.

Now see You Tube Video's Here

Check out our latest feature here at the Deck Blog-You Tube video's!

No, not video's of boring stuff, exciting video's featuring waterproofing and acid staining and concrete prep and more fun exciting stuff to keep your mind busy for hours on end...

Scroll down and you'll find this new feature on the right side column, hit the refresh button to see othe rchoices streamed in. My browser loads the video on the top of the page.

To Crack or Not to Crack-Today's Mystery Deck Problem

Today's mystery-the case of the cracked deck.
History, subject had a metal lath/polymer modified deck coating system installed over his OSB covered deck. Subject had a crack appear soon thereafter.

Flash forward-subject asks me to inspect his deck and give him a quote to fix.

Inspection reveals a crack in the deck, following what appears to be the seams of the OSB sheathing.

Here's some pictures, take a look and see what you think has caused this problem.

Email me at Bill@Waterproofdeckcoatingadvice.com and tell me what you think.

I'll post my thoughts in a couple of weeks...

Say Hello to our new blogger!

A warm welcome to our latest author to join us here at Waterproofdeckcoatingadvice.com's blog-Ron Webber of Procoat Systems/Statewide Coatings of Orange CA.

Ron's background includes years in the stucco/plastering trades. Many in the industry recognize his expertise in waterproofing buildings.

As owner of one of the largest waterproofing/deck coating/concrete coating installers in Southern California, we're sure that Ron will be able to bring you his stories and experiences to this blog.

We're glad to have Ron onboard!

RCI, Inc.

RCI, Inc.: "2007 Symposium on Building Envelope Technology - November 8-9 Designing, Detailing and Specifying the Building Envelope of Today and Tomorrow Symposium Dates: Thursday, November 8, 2007 Friday, November 9, 2007 Location: Seaport Hotel 1 Seaport Lane Boston, MA 02210 617-385-4000 Web site: www.seaportboston.com Technical Education for Building Envelope Professionals The Symposium on Building Envelope Technology is a two-day educational program offering cutting-edge information regarding design, construction, maintenance and repair of modern and/or aging older building envelopes. The event's open, inclusive environment encourages attendees to ask questions and stimulates dialogue. Speakers offer relevant solutions by referencing real-world examples and specific case histories. Each registrant will receive a comprehensive proceedings book detailing program information. Breakfast, lunch and breaks will be catered daily. There will be an informal social reception Thursday evening. Educational Programs Include * Using the Whole Building Approach to Design High-performance Buildings * Design Principles for Plaza Waterproofing Systems"

READ ALL ABOUT THIS IMPORTANT WATERPROOFING SYMPOSIUM by clicking the link above to go to RCI's page