Roof and Balcony Coatings

Your Waterproofing Coating Options

1. Epoxy Systems: The Heavy-Duty Option

The Good Stuff:

• Tough as nails when properly installed
• Chemical resistant (great for areas with pollution concerns)
• Smooth finish that’s easy to clean

The Reality Check:

• Mid range cost
• Needs anti-slip additives or you’re building a slip-n-slide
• That UV protection isn’t optional – it’s crucial
• High humidity? Your curing time just got complicated

If you’re going epoxy, schedule installation during the dry season.

2. Polyurethane: The Smart Money Choice

Why It Works:

• Easiest on the wallet
• Handles our tropical weather like a champ
• Already got grip built in
• Moves with your building (crucial for those thermal expansions)

Installation Notes:

• Less fussy about humidity
• More forgiving if your applicator isn’t perfect
• Maintenance won’t break the bank

Best bang for buck in our climate.

3. PVC Membrane: The Premium Play

The Premium Package:

• Most expensive
• Factory-controlled quality (no on-site variables)
• Serious warranties (10-15 years if installed right)

The Catch:

• Limited supplier options locally
• Need specialized installation teams
• Import-dependent pricing (watch that exchange rate)

The Contractor’s Guide

Budget Considerations:

1. Initial Costs:

   • Materials: 60% of your budget
   • Labor: 40% (don’t cheap out here)
   • Factor in surface prep – it’s not optional

2. Long-term Value:

   • Epoxy: High maintenance costs
   • Polyurethane: Best lifecycle value
   • PVC: Premium price, premium performance

Pro Tips for Getting It Right:

1. Surface Prep Secrets:

   • Moisture testing is non-negotiable
   • Clean, dry, and properly profiled surface
   • Right temperature and humidity conditions

2. Installation Wisdom:

   • Always check applicator credentials
   • Request local project references
   • Get everything in writing – warranties included

3. Money-Saving Moves:

   • Bulk material purchases (10-15% savings)
   • Schedule during dry season
   • Regular maintenance saves big long-term

Local Market Realities

Here’s what you need to know about our market:

1. Material Availability:

   • Epoxy: Mostly imported (Singapore/China)
   • Polyurethane: Growing local options
   • PVC: Limited but high-quality suppliers

2. Labor Considerations:

   • Certified applicators for epoxy
   • Standard skilled labor for polyurethane
   • Specialized teams for PVC membrane

3. Weather Factors:

   • High humidity impacts installation
   • UV exposure is brutal
   • Rain patterns affect scheduling

Bottom Line Recommendations

For Different Scenarios:

1. High-Traffic Commercial:

   • Go PVC if budget allows
   • Polyurethane as a solid alternative

2. Residential Balconies:

   • Polyurethane is your best bet
   • Consider epoxy for covered areas

3. Roof Decks:

   • PVC for maximum peace of mind
   • Polyurethane for cost-effective solution

Final Thoughts

Polyurethane systems offer the best balance for our market. They handle our weather, don’t break the bank, and maintenance is manageable.

We’ll talk about Modified bitumen and other options for waater proofing in another ocasion.