New Floors for a New Student Life Center

Co-written by Marc Di Zinno

Project Details

Francis Parker School, located in southern San Diego county, is a private school organized into three divisions––lower, middle, and upper schools––that strives to prepare its students for excellence. Recently, the upper school campus underwent expansion, enhancing its gym to include additional offices and a lobby area as well as a new sports complex which has been renamed the Silberman Family Student Life Center.

Addressing the Issue

Marc Di Zinno, representing Westcoat, partnered with prominent architects at Gensler to develop specifications for the project. Level 10 Construction served as the general contractor. The undertaking demanded two specific solutions: the outdoor balcony decks needed a standard waterproof surface, while the indoor walkways aimed for a more aesthetically pleasing flooring solution.

Marc prepared the system submittal packages and coordinated with the architectural team, ultimately selecting Westcoat’s MACoat waterproofing system for its proven reliability, and the Tidalstone decorative industrial flooring system for its unique appearance and thin application. Historically, the indoor flooring would have utilized Dubro or Dubro Quartz Systems; however, after reviewing Tidalstone samples, the project architect opted to use Westcoat’s newer epoxy flooring system instead. The interior floor area measured 9,000 square feet, while the exterior waterproof deck coating covered an additional 3,500 square feet.

The Solution(s) – MACoat™ Standard and Tidalstone™ Thin Film

Surface Prep Systems, a long-standing Westcoat Qualified Contractor/Applicator (QCA), was awarded the contract to install the Tidalstone system. Inside the gym, the upper terrace deck overlooking the basketball court was diamond-ground to CSP 3 to ensure proper surface preparation for the EC-15 Moisture Vapor Barrier. The EC-15 was applied to address any high moisture concerns. Next, Westcoat’s pigmented EC-102 Polyaspartic was used, into which Tidalstone aggregate blend chips were broadcast. The final layers consisted of a clear polyaspartic and clear water-based polyurethane with a flat finish applied over the aggregate blend.

The exterior walkway deck was elevated and required a waterproof pedestrian traffic coating. The Westcoat MACoat system was installed according to specifications with a flat finish for easy maintenance. An anti-skid bead was also incorporated with the pigmented acrylic topcoat for added safety.

The modern aesthetic of the Tidalstone walkways has been well-received by visitors and staff alike. The Silberman Family Student Life Center has become a vital part of daily activities at Parker, made possible through the expertise of Westcoat!

About MACoat™ 

The MACoat System is a fiberlath reinforced deck system installed with a series of waterproof acrylic applications and sealed with one of Westcoat’s clear sealers. This system’s custom finish can give the look and feel of slate, flagstone or tile. The finished product weighs approximately one pound per square foot. 

Uses  

MACoat is mainly used on elevated concrete walking decks, is regularly specified for homes, hotels, condominiums, apartments, office buildings and is suitable for parking structures with vehicular traffic. In many cases, it can be applied over existing deck systems to provide an excellent method for the rehabilitation of problem surfaces.  

Advantages 

• Flexible 
• Waterproof  
• Durable  
• Fast Access After Installation
• Choice of Colors and Textures
• Tough Final Coat is UV Resistant
• Safe, Skid-Resistant Textured Finish
• Environmentally Safe Acrylics

About Tidalstone™

Westcoat’s Tidalstone Flooring System is a multi-layered, resinous flooring system that features the decorative TC-62 Tidalstone aggregate blends, EC-102 Polyaspartic and SC-65F WB Flat Clear Polyurethane Sealer. This unique system produces a finish similar to the look of polished concrete or terrazzo flooring, with a natural, flat finish, while providing all the benefits and attributes of a resinous flooring system.

Uses

Tidalstone Flooring System is a decorative, durable and chemical resistant option that is an ideal choice for designers and architects and is intended for use in showrooms, offices, recreation rooms, laboratories and clean rooms.

Advantages

• USDA Compliant 
• Chemical-Resistant
• Seamless
• Easy Clean-Up
• Durable
• Decorative
• Choice of Colors
• Can be Installed Solvent-Free
• UV-Resistant Finish

Whether you’re a property manager, homeowner, or someone seeking a proven yet innovative flooring solution, consider Westcoat’s epoxy and waterproofing systems for your next project!