DIY & Home Improvement

Takket

(22,632 posts) Sat Oct 29, 2022, 03:38 PM Oct 2022

Does anyone know what this coating is?

Just bought a new condo with a small deck/porch. The porch has these what look like plywood boards that you walk on and it is sealed on top with this weird material with these tiny little squares. Doesn't really feel like rubber or plastic. Not sure what it is. Anyone ever seen this before?

When it rains water pools a bit at a low point and dries up after a while, not sure if it is an issue or not. If the coating is a waterproofing and it is okay for water to pool on it, I won't worry. I would assume whatever is on top must be waterproof! Especially since this place was built around 1980 and I'm pretty sure it is still original.

images are linked below:

https://ibb.co/5KZLtvQ
https://ibb.co/hKcBkLQ
https://ibb.co/wy0CdHp

Thanks for any help!

8 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

Does anyone know what this coating is? (Original Post) Takket Oct 2022 OP

I recall something described like this. The Deep State puts it on decks owned by real patriots so's 3Hotdogs Oct 2022 #1

Looks like an anti slip coating DetroitLegalBeagle Oct 2022 #2

It looks like fiberglass mesh. They may have put it down Phoenix61 Oct 2022 #3

Maybe this: sl8 Oct 2022 #4

It appears to be cement board underlayment. OilemFirchen Oct 2022 #5

kicking for an answer WhiteTara Oct 2022 #6

I think #4 has correctly identified it. RockRaven Oct 2022 #7

thanks everyone! DUers are the best Takket Oct 2022 #8

3Hotdogs

(13,502 posts)

1. I recall something described like this. The Deep State puts it on decks owned by real patriots so's

Reply to Takket (Original post)

Sat Oct 29, 2022, 03:45 PM

Oct 2022

they can spy on Republican voters. They give it out free ad hope to have all registered Republican households outfitted in time for the 24 election. Soros is paying for all of it.

DetroitLegalBeagle

(2,201 posts)

2. Looks like an anti slip coating

Reply to Takket (Original post)

Sat Oct 29, 2022, 03:45 PM

Oct 2022

Not sure if it's technically waterproof.

Phoenix61

(17,716 posts)

3. It looks like fiberglass mesh. They may have put it down

Reply to Takket (Original post)

Sat Oct 29, 2022, 03:49 PM

Oct 2022

to make it less slippery when wet.

sl8

(16,252 posts)

4. Maybe this:

Reply to Takket (Original post)

Sat Oct 29, 2022, 03:54 PM

Oct 2022

https://www.plywood.cc/wire-mesh-film-faced-plywood/

OilemFirchen

(7,172 posts)

5. It appears to be cement board underlayment.

Reply to Takket (Original post)

Sat Oct 29, 2022, 03:57 PM

Oct 2022

If so, it seems to suggest that when it was installed, the intention was to tile over it.

It will degrade over time, due to moisture and traffic. Additionally, since the joints aren't sealed, moisture will leak into the wood substrate. You can see the degradation in your first photo.

It may be salvageable. Contact a tile installer for an opinion.

Modern cement board (Durock):

https://www.usg.com/content/usgcom/en/products/floors-tile/tile-prep/cement-board-backer-board/durock-cement-board-with-edgeguard.html