Case Study - Donner Condominiums

"We are pleased with the project as specified." - Building Manager

Problem: Water leaking into living space below decks.

Solution: Parquet-style urethane pedestrian deck.

The Donner Condominiums were built in the 1970's in Salt Lake City, Utah. They feature luxurious living quarters, including a penthouse apartment with expansive views of the surrounding area.

Over the years, various attempts had been made to waterproof the extensive penthouse decks, but always, severe leaks developed, and repair attempts failed.

Water seeped into the living space below the decks through leaks in the stucco, flashing, parapets, and by working its way beneath the installed waterproofing membrane. Frustration was increasing among the building's inhabitants.

In the fall of 2003, the building manager and the president of the condo association went to Kraig Clawson of Innovative Roofing Consultants, Inc. for help. Kraig worked with Tom Nicholes, Gaco Western Area Manager, to put together a specification which would finally stop the leaks.

Utah Tile and Roofing, Inc. of Salt Lake City, was selected as the contractor for the job.

First, the decks were shotblasted to remove the old waterproofing, and to level the concrete. The concrete was then sealed using GacoFlex U-5677 Urethane Sealer, and primed with E-5320 Epoxy Primer.

A basecoat of GacoFlex Urethane UB-64 was applied by roller over the primer-sealer system. When the basecoat had cured, GacoFlex U-66 oyster-colored urethane was applied by roller.

For the final application, a pattern of squares was taped over the deck surface. A mixture of GacoShell granule and GacoFlex Urethane U-66, in a customized color, was applied by trowel. The tape was then removed to reveal a beautiful parquet-patterned walking deck.

After the job was finished, the building manager expressed his approval: "We are pleased with the project as specified." The president of the condo association echoed this sentiment.

There have been no further leak problems since installation was completed in October 2003.

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