Westcoat Buys Mer-Kote Brand From Parex

Westcoat announces acquisition of the Mer-ko brand – Weather Deck and Shur Deck to be Featured Systems

Westcoat is pleased to announce the purchase of the Mer-Ko brand from parent company Parex. The purchase agreement, signed April 16, 2015, certifies Westcoat receiving full and exclusive rights to the Mer-Ko name and its two premier waterproof decking systems.

Mer-Ko, one of the original manufacturers of waterproofing systems has been producing widely used elastomeric deck coatings, waterproof membrane systems and underlayments since the mid-80s. Mer-Ko’s two primary systems, Weather Deck and Shur Deck will be re-introduced to the industry with wide-ranging manufacturing and technical support by Westcoat.

Weather Deck is a pedestrian walking deck system incorporating floating slip-sheet technology designed to isolate the waterproofing membrane and seamless decking from the substrate. This high performance system design eliminates concerns related to cracking and surface imperfections and offers superior durability.

Shur Deck is a metal lath reinforced walking deck and flat roof top deck system designed for use over plywood or concrete substrates. Shur Deck provides long-term durability and waterproofing protection using a latex modified polymer mortar to prevent cracking.

“Mer-Ko has always been a key player in the waterproof coatings industry with a loyal following,” said Paul Koury, president of Westcoat. “We couldn’t be more pleased to take ownership of the Mer-Ko brand and re-instill faith in the performance and longevity of their core systems. Our team intends to provide the same high level of quality control, technical support and customer service expected and experienced when doing business with Westcoat.”

Mer-Ko is available through U. S. distributors in the waterproofing, specialty coating business. For sales inquiries, contact Dean Jarmusch at 84

MerKrete App Available on Apple and Android Platforms

MerKrete recently announced their new app has finished beta testing and is now available for downloading on Android and Apple devices.

I downloaded my copy and will test it out and report on it's usefulness...

Get yours for waterproofing and tile applications now and find distributors, get current specs, details and system install instructions.

DeckExpert.com & Division 7 Pedestrian Traffic Coatings Featured in Better Homes & Gardens Web Article

I am pleased to announce that DeckExpert.com, along several with Div 7 Pedestrian Traffic Coatings manufacturer's were part of a Better Homes & Gardens online article on the BH&G website recently. 

I am actively seeking every opportunity I can find to promote Div 7 Pedestrian Traffic Coatings manufacturer's in print media and video. This latest article, written by Berit Thorkelson, titled "Newest No Maintenance (or Low-Maintenance) Deck and Patio Materials" features various new products and decking for homeowners to consider when building or remodeling a deck. 

Products like Solar Stone, Rail Simple Railings and more are featured along with waterproof deck coatings from Div 7. 

I gave the author quite a bit of info and listed every manufacturer of our products. Luck smiled on Dex-O-Tex, Pli-Dek and Westcoat for also garnering a mention in the few lines of print we got. 

Check out the article and see what new products are now available-don't forget to "Like" the article, Plus 1 it on Google and/or Tweet it out to your followers! 

New Article "Building Waterproof Roof Decks" in Professional Deck Builder Magazine

July/August 2014 PDB

Professional Deck Builder July/August 2014 magazine issue is out with a story by Bill Leys on best practices to building and waterproofing decks. 

Building Waterproof Roof Decks is a 6 page article that discusses the best practices builders should utilize in building construction when the deck is being framed and built. Click the link to download your free copy courtesy of Deck Builder magazine.  

The article is an offshoot of our seminar we present to builders and architects on building and waterproofing decks. I've presented this seminar at JLC LIVE in Portland in 2013, Providence in 2014 and I'll be back again presenting in Portland in December 2014.

 

See the details of my seminars at this years event here https://nw.jlclive.com/Attendee/Conference/SpeakerDetails?id=135995

Bill Leys Presents Seminar at JLC Live in Providence RI

The room filling up before the start. 

Our seminar is scheduled and ready to start!

Over 30 east coast contractors from New Jersey, Maine, Rhode Island, Massachusetts New Hampshire and New York filled the room at the Rhode Island Convention Center on Thursday March 20 to hear me present a 3 hour seminar on Best Construction Practices in Building and Waterproofing Decks.

Attendees learned about the various Division Seven Pedestrian Traffic Coatings available, their differences, pro's and con's and how to select the proper system for the job at hand.

The Powerpoint based seminar also reviewed construction methods for building a decks framing and substrates for tile and pedestrian coatings.

Several editors from Hanley Wood's JLC magazine also sat in on the presentation.

The presentation at JLC coincided nicely with the publication of the new issue of JLC, which featured our new article on deck drains and scuppers.

I received a nice round of applause  at the end of the session. I thank the attendees and JLC Live staff, especially Julie Clifford and Olivia Espinosa for having me at JLC in Providence! I hope to see you at JLC in Portland again next year.

Contact us for scheduling a seminar on building and waterproofing decks. Custom seminars based on the audience-architects, builders, homeowner association managers and more are available. Call Bill at 805-801-2380

Parex/Merko Invite You to Attend Tomorrow's Event in Tustin

Dex-O-Tex, Mer-Kote and Westcoat Get Social...Social Media Savvy That Is

Browsing around in Facebook and Twitter, I found a few deck coating manufacturer's are getting on the Social Media bandwagon...

Dex-O-Tex (Crossfield Products), Westcoat Specialty Coating Systems and Mer-Kote have all set up Facebook pages...

The great thing about Facebook is that you can interact with your customers on a platform that allows clients to upload pics, comments and share their stuff with other users.

Visit these companies if you are a social media user...oh, and don't forget, DeckExpert.com is social too!

ParexUSA

Local Business

 

Dex-O-Tex

Products

 

Westcoat

Products

 

DECKEXPERT.com

Local Business

 

Mer-Kote Educational Seminars-Last Ones Of The Year

Mer-Ko Demonstration & Educational Seminar Schedule — 2010 September 9, 2010 Mer-Ko Fundamentals of Waterproofing Deck Systems Location: Parex USA, Inc. / Mer-Ko, 4130 E La Palma, Anaheim, CA 92807 (8am - 2pm) December 9, 2010 Mer-Ko Annual Round-Table Location: Parex USA, Inc. / Mer-Ko, 4130 E La Palma, Anaheim, CA 92807 (8am - 2pm) Register Online Seminar Descriptions Fundamentals of Seamless Decking & Waterproofing Systems This hands-on demonstration and seminar covers the methods and techniques you need to successfully install Mer-Ko's waterproofing and decking systems. Materials and application techniques used in Mer-Ko's waterproofing membranes, underlayments, pedestrian, vehicular and flat roof decking systems are reviewed, as well as basic project considerations, flashing details, and how to select the proper systems and topcoats for a project. Decorative Coatings & Accents This hands-on demonstration and seminar covers the methods and techniques you need to successfully install Mer-Ko's decorative coating systems. Materials and application techniques used in Mer-Ko's decorative coating line are reviewed, in addition to various accents and artistic affects (i.e., Antiquing Gels, Antique Release Agents, Kolor Packs, etc.). Lunch is provided at all seminars in conjunction with interactive discussions on topics impacting project site efficiency and application success. Upon completion of the seminar, new participants are eligible to complete the application process to become a Mer-Ko Currently Listed Applicator. For those who hold an active status as a Mer-Ko Currently Listed Applicator, attendance at any of these sessions qualifies for renewal of your status. Our Currently Listed Applicators enjoy access to Mer-Ko's complete line of waterproofing and decking systems, opening new doors of opportunity to offer high-quality systems that protect and beautify new construction, renovation, preservation, retro-fit and maintenance projects. Join us for this exciting new seminar and position yourself to capitalize on new project opportunities!

Mer-Krete, A Division of Parex, Introduces New Website

Mer-Krete, the division of Parex that along with Mer-Ko, makes tile setting, mortar beds and waterproofing for tile decking and tile applications in showers/baths etc. has launched their new website at www.merkrete.com.

The new website brings us lots of updated information, better graphics, faster loading and lots of specs for tile and waterproofing applications!

The site looks great, check it out today! 

Mer-Kote Has Training Class Scheduled for June 10th

Mer-Kote will have a training class on decorative finishes at their facility in Anaheim CA on June 10th.
Listed applicators must continue education through Mer-Kote to maintain their applicator status. Keep up with changes in formulations, application procedures etc.

Click here to read/see all of the educational events that Mer-Kote has scheduled through the rest of the year.

ALL Roofing Out, Smalley & Co Gets Bumped Off, HA Lowry Bros Is Now the New Mer-Kote Distributor

After a few weeks of rumors and swill in the deck world, the news is officially official;
HA Lowry Brothers is now the new apparently exclusive distributor for Mer-Kote decking and waterproofing products.

My ALL Roofing sales rep emailed me last week saying last chance to get Mer-Kote here in Ventura, we are packing it up and shipping it back...

My Smalley rep had called me a week before saying I got Mer-Kote and pricing for ya...then he called back saying hold on.

Now direct from my rep at Mer-Kote, Lowry has the right to sell. Mer-Kote is being delivered to the So Cal centers, with Nor Cal and other states to be getting Mer-Kote in in the eear future.

Mer-Ko Publishes 2010 Traing Dates/Classes for Currently Listed Applicators and Those Who Want to Be an Applicator

Mer-Ko Demonstration & Educational Seminar Schedule 2010

January 21, 2010	Mer-Ko Decorative Coatings & Accents Location: Allied Building Products, 1244 N Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92801 (9am - 11am)
March 11, 2010	Mer-Ko Fundamentals of Waterproofing Deck Systems Location: Parex USA, Inc. / Mer-Ko, 4130 E La Palma, Anaheim, CA 92807 (8am - 2pm)
March 25, 2010	Mer-Ko Decorative Coatings & Accents Location: Allied Building Products, San Diego, CA (9am - 11am)
May 6, 2010	Mer-Ko Decorative Coatings & Accents Location: Allied Building Products, 1606 Hamner Ave., Norco, CA 92860 (9am-11am)
June 10, 2010	Mer-Ko Decorative Coatings & Accents Location: Parex USA, Inc. / Mer-Ko, 4130 E La Palma, Anaheim, CA 92807 (8am - 2pm)
September 9, 2010	Mer-Ko Fundamentals of Waterproofing Deck Systems Location: Parex USA, Inc. / Mer-Ko, 4130 E La Palma, Anaheim, CA 92807 (8am - 2pm)
December 9, 2010	Mer-Ko Annual Round-Table Location: Parex USA, Inc. / Mer-Ko, 4130 E La Palma, Anaheim, CA 92807 (8am - 2pm)
	Register Online

Seminar Descriptions

Fundamentals of Seamless Decking & Waterproofing Systems
This hands-on demonstration and seminar covers the methods and techniques you need to successfully install Mer-Ko's waterproofing and decking systems. Materials and application techniques used in Mer-Ko's waterproofing membranes, underlayments, pedestrian, vehicular and flat roof decking systems are reviewed, as well as basic project considerations, flashing details, and how to select the proper systems and topcoats for a project.

Decorative Coatings & Accents
This hands-on demonstration and seminar covers the methods and techniques you need to successfully install Mer-Ko's decorative coating systems. Materials and application techniques used in Mer-Ko's decorative coating line are reviewed, in addition to various accents and artistic affects (i.e., Antiquing Gels, Antique Release Agents, Kolor Packs, etc.).

---

Lunch is provided at all seminars in conjunction with interactive discussions on topics impacting project site efficiency and application success.

Upon completion of the seminar, new participants are eligible to complete the application process to become a Mer-Ko Currently Listed Applicator. For those who hold an active status as a Mer-Ko Currently Listed Applicator, attendance at any of these sessions qualifies for renewal of your status. Our Currently Listed Applicators enjoy access to Mer-Ko's complete line of waterproofing and decking systems, opening new doors of opportunity to offer high-quality systems that protect and beautify new construction, renovation, preservation, retro-fit and maintenance projects.

Join us for this exciting new seminar and position yourself to capitalize on new project opportunities!

 

Wanke, Industrial, Commercial, Residential, Inc. (WICR) Is No Longer a Listed Applicator for Mer-Kote!

Did Hell freeze over? I missed it I guess...

during a website update at DeckExpert.com, I was posting the Mer-Kote approved applicators list to the deck coating installers page...and I noticed that it had been revamped into a easier to read list...and then I was reading the list of applicators...and then I noticed that WICR wasn't listed.

I inquired with a source at Mer-Ko who confirmed that WICR is not a listed applicator anymore.

WICR was the grandaddy installer of Mer-Kote; in the days of Dave Krubinksi as sales manager, WICR was THE Mer-Kote applicator, a force to be reckoned with...

but Dave Krubinksi left Mer-Kote after Parex bought them, and things changed for the better at Mer-Kote with new management and a new way of doing business...less good ole boy style and more like an open and free market.

So how does that effect you Mr. Homeowner or Homeowner Asssociation? Well that's better left to be said by Mer-Kote, but my opinion is that any warranty written by WICR, if it meets Mer-Kotes standards and was registered with mer-Kote, is that your ok. You'll need to have your decks maintained by a listed applicator. WICR cannot back any factory warranty up so far as I know...

If your warranty is written and backed by WICR, your at their mercy...check with Mer-Kote and see what might be done...bring or send a copy of your warranty to them.

Don't forget, Central Coast Waterproofing is a listed applicator of Mer-Kote and can back your warranty with factory approved service and materials. Call Bill Leys at 805-801-2380.

Listed applicators for Mer-Kote can be found at Mer-Kote's website.

Mer-Kote To Consolidate Operations, Wil Be Closing Torrance Facility

So I was speaking with one of my amigo's at Mer-Kote; they are preparing to close down their operation in Torrance and move everything to Anaheim in a few weeks time.

The facility at the Torrance location is leased and the lease is running out. In this economy, costs gotta get slashed...

Mer-Ko Annual Roundatbe Scheduled for December 9th

The annual roundtable meeting of Mer-Ko staff with Mer-Ko applicators is scheduled this year for next week on Thursday December 10th.

Register Online by clicking here.

This is a good opportunity to come together and hear about problems/solutions to different situations, product updates, share some stories and enjoy a little lunch, courtesy of Mer-Ko!

Deck Expert will see ya there...

Mer-Krete Systems Launches Hydro Guard SP-1 Waterproofing Membrane

08/18/2009

ANAHEIM, CA -- ParexLahabra, the parent company of leading building material brands; Parex, LaHabra, El Rey Stucco, Teifs, Mer-Krete Systems and Mer-Ko, announced the launch of Mer-Krete Hydro Guard SP-1, a "Green" waterproofing membrane.

Hydro Guard SP-1, a rapid-drying thin, load bearing waterproof and crack isolation membrane, is composed of modified elastomeric co-polymers. With excellent elongation, adhesion and high strength properties, the product is light green when applied and develops to a emerald green when dry. Hydro Guard SP-1 provides a 100% waterproof membrane that limits the transfer of substrate cracks to the finished ceramic or stone tile surface. Hydro Guard SP-1 is installed in a liquid state and can be applied to practically any form or irregular shape forming a monolithic waterproof barrier.

"Hydro Guard SP-1 is a GREEN, low VOC, rapid drying waterproofing membrane developed to provide installers with application ease, LEED complaints, project versatility, and speed in both drying and flood testing", said Mark Cooke, Brand Manager for Mer-Krete Systems. "Hydro Guard SP-1 is the only product you need to achieve waterproofing and crack isolation protection. You can save time, save cost and literally go Green."

Hydro-Guard SP-1 is for use in commercial buildings, residential housing and other areas requiring positive waterproofing like pools, fountains, spas, hot tubs, kitchens, countertops, balconies, tub surrounds, shower stalls and pans, under terrazzo, quarry, ceramic and stone tile. This membrane can be installed over any sound substrate, vertically or horizontally, interior and exterior.

"There has been a lot of excitement for the launch of Hydro Guard SP-1". remarked Tim McDonald, Vice President of Sales for Mer-Krete Systems. "We didn't take out what made our products good. We added new technology that makes our products great!"

About Mer-Krete Systems
Mer-Krete Systems is a brand of ParexLahabra, Inc., the US based parent company of leading building material brands; Parex, La Habra, El Rey, Teifs, Surewall, Mer-Krete and Mer-Ko. Under these brands ParexLahabra, Inc. manufactures EIFS, stucco, acrylic finishes, tile-setting and waterproofing materials for the construction of commercial, institutional and residential buildings. The 2002, ISO 9001-2000 certification helped to substantiate ParexLahabra, Inc. as a leader in the building materials industry with over 150 years of combined experience in the US construction industry. For more information regarding Mer-Krete Systems or ParexLahabra, Inc. visit www.merkrete.com and www.parexlahabra.com respectively.

Mer-Kote's Next Seminar Coming Sept 10th!

Attention Want To Be Mer-Kote Applicators-get certified by attending 2 seminars and meeting Mer-Kote's qualifcations by attending

Attention Mer-Ko Applicators-Keep your approved applicator status current by attending

September 10, 2009 Mer-Ko Fundamentals of Waterproofing Deck Systems
Location: 501 Van Ness Avenue, Torrance, CA (8AM - 3PM)

Seminar Descriptions

Fundamentals of Seamless Decking & Waterproofing Systems
This hands-on demonstration and seminar covers the methods and techniques you need to successfully install Mer-Ko's waterproofing and decking systems. Materials and application techniques used in Mer-Ko's waterproofing membranes, underlayments, pedestrian, vehicular and flat roof decking systems are reviewed, as well as basic project considerations, flashing details, and how to select the proper systems and topcoats for a project.

Decorative Coatings & Accents
This hands-on demonstration and seminar covers the methods and techniques you need to successfully install Mer-Ko's decorative coating systems. Materials and application techniques used in Mer-Ko's decorative coating line are reviewed, in addition to various accents and artistic affects (i.e., Antiquing Gels, Antique Release Agents, Kolor Packs, etc.).

---

Lunch is provided at all seminars in conjunction with interactive discussions on topics impacting project site efficiency and application success.

Upon completion of the seminar, new participants are eligible to complete the application process to become a Mer-Ko Currently Listed Applicator. For those who hold an active status as a Mer-Ko Currently Listed Applicator, attendance at any of these sessions qualifies for renewal of your status. Our Currently Listed Applicators enjoy access to Mer-Ko's complete line of waterproofing and decking systems, opening new doors of opportunity to offer high-quality systems that protect and beautify new construction, renovation, preservation, retro-fit and maintenance projects.

Join us for this exciting new seminar and position yourself to capitalize on new project opportunities!

Register Online

Masterseal Corporation of San Clemente CA Becomes Approved Mer-Kote Applicator

David DiBaggio, President of Masterseal Corporation, let me know that his firm is now an approved applicator of Mer-Kote/Mer-Ko products.

Mer-Kote/Mer-Ko, a division of Parex La Habra, is a manufacturer of waterproofing, traffic coatings for decks and tile underlayment systems.

Masterseal, as an authorized applicator, can repair, install and maintain Mer-Kote decking systems with factory backed warranties, technical service and on site job inspections.

HOA's, Apartment communities, residential dwellings can now take advantage of Masterseals quality installations, dedication to service and competitive prices.

Call Dave today at 949-355-5031 for a free estimate on your Mer-Kote decking needs.

Masterseal services the Orange County, San Diego and LA area market.

Job of the Week...or What 23k Worth of Materials Looks Like...

Central Coast Waterproofing is doing a big job in Monterey County. We took delivery of the Mer-Ko materials today; 33 thousand pounds worth... plus all the copper flashing-1400 lineal feet, 58 door and window pans, post collars, counter flashing....

Here's a picture of all it stacked up-15 pallets worth-waiting for us to put it down. It's a tile ready waterproofing system, with an inch of underlayment that we are putting on, reinforced with Structalath. 3500 square feet of decks worth of work...we've spent 2 weeks doing the copper flashings and door pans plus all the window sidelite pans and now we are ready to waterproof it all with Mer-Ko ARC membrane. All the copper was sanded with 100 grit to achive a rough finish to bond to, then encapsulated the copper to isolate it from air with Mer-ko waterproofing primer and a membrane.

Central Coast Waterproofing is the only authorized factory approved installer of Mer-Kote in San Luis Obispo and nearby Monterey County. For any Mer-Ko/Mer-Kote decking call Bill Leys direct at 805-801-2380.

We can repair and reseal your deck(s) and your warranty, despite what it might say as far as applicator goes, will be intact. You do not have to use the original applicator who installed your deck if you don't want to. Contact Mer-Ko directly for further information- tel 310-320-1880.

DECK EXPERT BECOMES CERTIFIED MER-KO APPLICATOR! Central Coast Waterproofing set to provide resealing and repair services throughout California!

"You are free to purchase Mer-Ko products and provide your customers with exceptional installation and service at any time!"

Direct from Mer-Ko's Susan Foster came the good news yesterday that the Deck Expert's company Central Coast Waterproofing became one of Mer-Ko's authorized applicators!

That's right, now we are able to offer HOA's and other clients factory approved applicators to maintain, reseal and repair their existing decks, along with offering new installation services of the decking and waterproofing lines.

"Central Coast Waterproofing will specifically offer resealing and repair services to HOA's with Mer-Ko on them to continue their warranties out to the 10 year anniversary at a cost less than the current competition in the market does." said Bill Leys

Mer-Ko customers seeking alternates to their current applicator's resealing pricing should call us at 805-801=2380