Walkable roof coating: acrylic or poly?
I am preparing to apply a waterproof coating to an outdoor deck that has a enclosed dry area under it.
I have asked around locally and found several people who have used Metacrylics system and one contractor who isn’t especially impressed by metacrylics but recommends either Polycote or Sonneborn’s Sonogard .
I called metacrylics to see if they could explain any features of their product that makes it superior to the polyurethane competitors. The guy was reluctant to say and suggested the ease of clean up, lack of odor and no need to mix any type of catalyst. He also talked about their ten year warrantee.
http://www.metacrylics.com/application/walk.html
For some reason I have it in my head that the polyurethane is the superior product but as of yet have no basis for it. If the product is stinky and hard to clean up I want to believe that you are getting a superior/more durable product in exchange for tolerating a more involved application.
I would post a link for the sonneborn sonogard but all the hits that are relevant on google are pdf files.
The urethane system involves an optional primer, coating any seams or joints with tape then applying a base coat, then another coat with sand broadcast “to refusal”, and finally a top coat of polyurethane.
I am doing roughly five hundred square feet and am more concerned with longevity and aesthetics than ease of application.
Can anyone comment from their personal experiences with coating a deck with either polyurethane or acrylic products?
Thanks,
Karl
Replies
Bump.
I am leaning towards polyurethane at this point.
Anyone want to try and emphasize the merits of Acrylics?
Karl
A couple years back I used Acyrmax (by "Preservation Products), it went on pretty easily and has held up well. And, when it wears down over time, they tell you to thoroughly wash the surface (remove any grease/dirt), and just roll on some new coats. "Easy" application was still rather time-intensive, but easy. You use a mesh reinforcing they sell, and their acrylic roofing material, which was like a really heavy latex paint. If I recall, you apply the base coat, apply the mesh, then keep adding coats. The adding coats is what takes the time. I know I had two different materials that I used, one for base, one for more the finish layers. The nice thing is water clean up (that is, until it starts to dry).
I think TOH used it once or twice on their projects, which I think was where I had heard of it.
Thanks for the input. It sounds a lot like the metacrylics.I keep trying to get the time freed up to go to the supply house and talk to the counter staff about their experience with the various products.I will post whatever I learn.
Karl
No experience with that product, but this is what I've used:
http://forums.taunton.com/tp-breaktime/messages?msg=91581.1
Pete, Sounds like a great product you used. I am going over plywood. Not sure if that rules out your product.I will ask my supplier if it has merit for my application.Thanks
Karl
Mine was over 3/4" exterior ply.
As I read the thread you linked me to I somehow got the idea it was a concrete substrate you started with.How thick did the finished floor surface end up?
Thanks,
Karl
About 3/4"
We had Sonogard installed on the ten walkable decks on this project by one of the largest roofing contractors in the area. They have been out 4 times trying to make it right. I don't think its a very friendly DIY product. & the finish look is questionable.
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Thanks for the info on Sonogard. Not sure I am seeking the easiest DIY product but the "best" system for keeping out water and providing a good appearance.What kind of issues generated the callbacks?Maybe the acrylic system has more merit than I give it credit for.Thanks,
Karl
I've never used the acrylic stuff for new work - only patching metal until the owners pockets got deep enough to replace. But. I've seen it used. A shop I used to rent had it on the roof. Had a lot of trouble with leaky flashings, but the field seemed to hold up fine. The stuff I used was a Conklin product, but they all sound similar in makeup and application.http://grantlogan.net/
But you all knew that. I detailed it extensively in my blog.
Karl,
Went by that job today & took some photos for YOU!
Temps have to be just right when installing the product. It's best to be able to do large areas, as you have to sprinkle sand on the top coat.
I have never used this product before, so my info is limited!
Seems like a tough product to get an even finish. Maybe in larger areas! 2 day cure time when the weather is cool. Best to have dry air & 50+ temps.
With all the effort that was done, I think an EPDM with a paver system would cost more, but it would be a better finished product, just my 2 cents.
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Glenn, Thank you very much for the photos. I don't take much issue with their aesthetics, but I never figured it would look that great in the first place. My biggest concern is durability.I have relatively large expanses to cover (5 by 20 and 14 by 20) and the temps are warming up here in Northern California. Hopefully this might give me some advantage over the guys installing on your job.Your info is helpful should I decide to use Sonneborn as I have more awareness that things can go bad if not carefully monitored.Thanks againKarl
For acrylics, have you ever tried looking at the stuff from All Deck?
Their website is http://www.alldeck.com
I've used them successfully for walking roof decks and the second floor landing for a two-story walk-up apartment building.