Exterior decks, patios, garages and walk ways often fall victim to deterioration because they are the most trafficked areas in the facility and exposed to damages from natural weather conditions everyday. Deck coatings show sign of disrepair when they are visibly cracked, peeling, or filled with moisture.
When deck coatings fail, facility managers must allocate the time and budget for maintenance work. But how often should exterior deck coatings be repaired? The decision to regularize the maintenance program for exterior deck coatings depend on several factors. First, obviously, is based on manufacturer’s recommendations. Most deck coatings have a recommended life of every 2-3 years, or as recommended by the coating contractor.
Another determining factor is the function of the deck within in the facility. If it is constantly exposed to traffic, the deck coatings system will be more prone to damage than when the area is infrequently used.
Another important point to consider is the history of repair and maintenance done on the deck coatings system. If it has never been repaired or maintained since initial installation, then it may be time to schedule regular maintenance. Another decision-making factor is the level of exposure that the area is getting on a daily basis. If it is an open walk-way constantly exposed to all kinds of weather, it has a more urgent need for maintenance than when it is a covered deck, for instance.
