Newly Renovated Balconies at the Regatta Beach Club

By Alexandra Freeman / Published February 2024

P

roject Background

     Clearwater, Florida, has emerged as a favored destination, attracting not only tourists but also a growing number of permanent residents. The combination of its appeal to residents and its status as a sought-after vacation destination contributes to the dynamic and lively atmosphere in Clearwater. The location boasts a warm and tropical climate with plenty of sunshine throughout the year. Clearwater is also renowned for its pristine, white-sand beaches, particularly Clearwater Beach. The allure of living near these beautiful coastal areas includes enjoying recreational activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Nestled along these idyllic beaches is the premier gem of Clearwater, the Regatta Beach Club. From its construction in the 1940s, the Regatta Beach Club has stood as a cornerstone of Clearwater Beach, distinguishing itself as one of the region’s outstanding luxury condominium buildings. Strategically situated mere steps away from the prominent beaches, the location affords residents of the Regatta Beach Club uninterrupted views of the Gulf from their exclusive private balconies.

Project Scope

     After nearly 75 years, the concrete surfaces of the balconies at the Regatta Beach Club began to display signs of wear. After such a long period of time, extensive concrete repairs were necessary in order to address waterproofing issues and the effects of prolonged chloride intrusion from the oceanwater. The structure, featuring conventionally reinforced concrete with cantilever balconies, required the application of a new traffic coating system to repair and protect the 32,000 sq. ft. of balcony space.

     Often concrete balconies situated next to the ocean are exposed to harsh coastal environments, and various factors can contribute to their deterioration. Some common issues that can occur include thermal cycling, airborne salt, high humidity, sun exposure, and salt deposits. Exposure to daily temperature fluctuations, especially in hot and humid climates, can cause the concrete to expand and contract. Over time this can result in the development of cracks on the balcony surface. Coastal environments often have high humidity levels. This can increase the permeability of concrete, allowing moisture to penetrate and potentially cause internal damage. In addition, prolonged exposure to UV radiation can lead to the degradation of the concrete surface, affecting its appearance and durability. Airborne salt from ocean spray can react with the concrete, leading to sulfate attack. This chemical reaction can result in the formation of expansive compounds, causing cracking and deterioration. The migration of salts within the concrete can lead to the formation of efflorescence, visible as white deposits on the surface, which can also affect the aesthetic appeal of the balcony. The best way to mitigate these issues is to employ proper construction practices, use corrosion-resistant materials, apply effective waterproofing, and conduct regular inspections and maintenance.

Photo by iStockphoto.com/felixmizioznikov

     Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances a disruption had occurred with the original traffic coating supplier, resulting in the need for an alternative. Engineer of record, Carlos Odell of CE Odell & Associates, was forced to review and compare product data from various traffic coating manufacturers to find an appropriate replacement. Odell’s analysis revealed the Pecora-Deck 800 Series Pedestrian System demonstrated superior performance properties needed to protect the balconies. Subsequently, based on these findings, Odell approved the Pecora-Deck 800 Series Pedestrian System as a satisfactory
product substitution for the project.

     The substrate materials were immediately shipped to the Pecora Color Lab, where they were quickly matched to one of the existing field tintable colors available for Pecora-Deck 806 Top Coat, which are offered in 40 color options. Once matched, the traffic coating was produced and shipped from the Pecora manufacturing plant directly to the jobsite. Due to Pecora’s commitment to service and customer satisfaction, the project remained on schedule.

     The Pecora-Deck 800 Series Pedestrian System is a single-component, fluid-applied polyurethane system that is applied in three coats: Primer, 802 Base Coat, and 806 Top Coat. Performance features include high adhesion and crack bridging properties that result in a waterproof membrane that will provide years of durable service and protection. Pecora-Deck 800 Series System is designed to reduce concrete deterioration from chloride-induced corrosion and prevent degradation that occurs when water infiltrates surfaces. Pecora traffic coating systems deliver resilient protection against the elements. Wearing surfaces are shielded from damage caused by pedestrian traffic abrasion and the destructive forces of sun, water, temperature shifts, chlorides, and corrosive chemicals.

     After completion of the project, contractor Abner Salruo of K-Crete Solutions LLC stated, “We will be using Pecora-Deck 800 as our coating of choice on future projects. Its superior performance and cost-effective pricing, coupled with being readily available, makes selecting Pecora-Deck 800 the right choice for our clients.” Since 2017 residents of the Regatta Beach Club have been enjoying the newly renovated balconies, thanks to the superior waterproofing protections and performance of Pecora-Deck 800 Series Pedestrian System.

Pecora Corporation

     For more information about SilcoPrime, please call 800-523-6688, email freemana@pecora.com, or visit www.pecora.com/coatings.