Deck Coating ICC#'s-a word of caution, they're not all the same

A deck coating with an ICC# is a must have in today's world of litigation on building defects.

ICC is in my opinion, kind of like the UL (Underwriters Laboratory)of building products. Putting on a building product with an ICC lets you know that the product has undergone lab testing in a series of standardized tests to establish that the product meets minimum standards for use as it was intended.

So can you switch up one ICC rated deck coating for another, without any other concerns? No-you cannot, without first doing your research. Especially when a particular product is specified for a job on a set of plans for new construction.

Even on rehab work, one must be cautious-is the old deck coating your tearing off a "One Hour" Fire Rated coating? If the answer is yes, and many times it will be a yes, one must read up on the various "One Hour" Fire rated coatings and see what the requirements are for framing and substrate to see if your current framing and substrate meets those minimum requirements.

One thing to be really cautious of is installing a Class A or B rated coating in place of a "One Hour" Fire Rated coating. A few of the ICC approved coatings on the web site only have a Class A roof coating rating, not the much more difficult to pass "One Hour" fire test.

Do not replace a "One Hour" System with a system with only a Class A rating. They are not the same thing, even though appearances may be deceiving. Do your research on your options and ask questions.

The way I see it, the product either has a "One Hour" rating on the report from ICC, or it doesn't and that's where I seperate the products from each other. Claims that"it meets ASTM standards" is not the same to me as it being printed on an ICC report.

I don't install anything without a "One Hour" fire rating for my clients.
I couldn't sleep at night of I didn't.

Email Bill@Waterproofdeckcoatingadvice.com for copies of manufacturer's specifications and installation instructions.