Glossary
This glossary explains common decking and waterproofing terms to help you better understand our services, materials, and processes.
The same as a deck, usually with closed in outside walls.
A multi-ply assembly of metal lath is stapled (using big roofing staples) directly to plywood decks, balconies, walkways, landings, or stairs. Once the metal lath is attached, a layer of cement is applied in a smooth coat. After the metal lath and cement is applied, a layer of liquid acrylic resin with fiberglass (yes, just like a boat or surfboard) is applied. This is what makes your surface waterproof. An additional coat of cement-based texture is over that, another coat of cement-based texture is spread and allowed to dry. Next, a textured coating is applied with an air-powered hopper to create an "orange peel"-like texture. The final step is to apply the surface with a coating of acrylic paint, available in a variety of colors.
This term refers to the area on a deck which is raised usually in a triangular shape to divert water towards the drains or scuppers.
A second floor (or above) living space usually attached to a living room or bedroom. Usually has a steel or wood guardrail system.
A piece of sheet metal made to go under the threshold of the exterior doors that prevents water from leaking under the doors or existing threshold. It has a small vertical lip on the inside that prevents water from flowing in.
Popular with garage flooring, Epoxy coating will not only protect your concrete but make your floors much easier to clean up. Glossy epoxy floors are common in food plants, labs, auto service bays, and many other locations. Garage floors in residential properties are often coated with epoxy to improve appearance, resist oil and grease stains. Be very careful to engage a professional in epoxy coatings as many big box home improvement stores sell cheap floor products which are not suitable for hot auto tires (when you come home) and may discolor, wear through or peel.
This is a product used to seal the concrete pool deck or other large expansion joints in concrete.
Sheet metal that makes a solid connection between the horizontal surfaces and the vertical surfaces like a stucco or wood exterior wall. Also the metal on the edge of the deck where it is open on the outside.
This term refers to the actual framing that usually extends from inside your units floor outside the building to support the balcony or deck. These structural beams sometimes rot and must be replaced to provide a solid walking surface and a suitable surface to anchor your new deck coating system.
This is the square plate on the hand rail post that actually connects the deck to the rail. These often rust and must be replaced.
The small area at the top of stairs.
A first floor outside living space usually made concrete or pavers, not a waterproof surface. Still suitable for decorative surface coating and non skid surfaces.
When plywood decks (under waterproof deck) sustain moisture damage from leaks on a damaged or cracked deck, the plywood rots and must be replaced to provide a solid walking surface and a suitable surface to anchor your new deck coating system.
Ponding is the areas on a deck where water stands after a rain or a good wash down. Some ponding in narrow areas that prevents water from getting into the main drains are applied along with other deck repairs and any time the slope is present.
A Pool Deck is the area surrounding a swimming pool, typically designed to provide safe, functional, and visually appealing space for lounging, walking, or other activities. Pool decks are often constructed on-grade (level with the surrounding ground) or above-grade (elevated) and are most commonly made from concrete due to its durability and affordability. Over time, however, concrete pool decks may develop visible cracks, experience lifting due to shifting ground, or become discolored as they age. These issues can affect both the appearance and safety of the deck. Proper care and maintenance, or in some cases resurfacing, can help preserve the quality of a pool deck.
Caulking used to repair cracks under the new coating system.
Applied over existing decks that are in generally good condition. This system is just like the "Cement System" but without the removal, metal lath and concrete base coat.
SB-326 refers to California Senate Bill 326, which mandates the inspection of exterior elevated elements (EEEs) such as decks, balconies, stairways, walkways, and their railings in multi-unit residential buildings managed by Homeowners Associations (HOAs). The law requires regular professional inspections to ensure structural integrity and safety.
SB-721 inspection is a mandated safety examination of exterior elevated elements (EEEs) in multi-family residential buildings in California. These inspections evaluate the structural integrity of balconies, decks, stairways, walkways, and similar exterior structures to identify potential safety hazards and prevent catastrophic failures. Required by California Senate Bill 721 (passed in 2018), these inspections must be conducted by qualified professionals such as structural engineers or architects every six years, with documented findings and timely completion of any necessary repairs.
Scuppers are normally sheet metal tubes that go through the wall to allow water to escape the deck area. Sometimes they are the only drainage system used and are necessary to ensure any water drains off the surface.
Slope is the angle of the deck that allows water to run off the edge or into the drains. Sometimes the slope is actually framed into wood buildings and other times on concrete buildings it must be achieved by the application of additional concrete compounds to make sure the water runs off to the drains properly.
A common, usually narrow entry to multiple upstairs units.
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