Building codes define requirements for nearly every facet of commercial and residential structures to ensure quality as well as occupant safety and comfort. Decking installations are no exception, especially with regard to waterproofing, fire resistance, and avoiding slippery surfaces.
Waterproofing systems from Life Specialty Coatings are specially designed to help architects, builders, and contractors meet code requirements. Here, we’ll take a closer look at modern deck system code requirements .
For your specific installation, it is essential to be familiar with both your local building department and applicable state regulations to ensure compliance.
About Waterproofing Systems
Architects specifying plywood walking decks face three recurring problems: waterproofing failure, fire compliance, and slip resistance. A reliable pedestrian deck coating must address all three variables simultaneously to protect the structural framing and maintain occupant safety. We engineer our balcony waterproofing system to resolve these exact challenges.
To prevent moisture intrusion, our elastomeric membranes bridge dynamic cracks and flex with the building’s natural thermal movement. This prevents water from breaching the substrate and causing dry rot or concrete spalling. To achieve fire compliance, the materials undergo rigorous ASTM testing to secure Class A fire ratings, making them suitable for multifamily structures. Finally, we integrate an aggregate texture profile directly into the topcoat to establish a secure coefficient of friction that withstands heavy daily foot traffic. Specifying an evaluated ICC deck system verifies that the complete assembly functions as a single, proven unit rather than a collection of untested parts.
These systems must have a proper burn and fire-resistance classifications, waterproofing capability, wind resistance, impact resistance, and weathering resistance.
Critically, consumer-grade waterproofing products generally do not comply with these types of requirements for many plywood deck applications, especially commercial installations. This is primarily because consumer-grade waterproofing coatings are not tested as the systems described above are.
Major Requirements for Waterproofing Systems: Plywood, Concrete, and SB 326 / SB 721 EEE Compliance
ICC-ESR AC39 Evaluation
According to the International Code Council (ICC), “AC39 establishes guidelines for evaluation of walking decks that consist of cementitious coating systems, elastomeric coating systems, or membrane systems applied over plywood, concrete, steel or other acceptable substrates.”
AC39 review is an independent, third-party review that includes testing and evaluation of the system as a whole, in addition to individual layers or component materials. It covers materials as well as the installation process, and is a reliable and trusted method for showing that a given system complies with IBC and IRC codes. Results are documented in an ICC Evaluation Service Report unique to the system’s manufacturer, and cover factors like:
- Surface burn characteristics and fire resistance.
- Waterproof capability.
- Wind resistance.
- Slip resistance.
- Impact resistance.
- Resistance to weather, UV exposure, etc.
In addition to the waterproofing system, AC39 includes a review of preparation guidelines for the various substrates that can be used with the system. These include things like deck slope, substrate thickness, cure time (for concrete), plywood grade and treatment of plywood sheet edges (i.e. tongue-and-groove, etc.).
Burn Ratings and Fire Resistance
ASTM E84 is a standard that defines testing to determine surface burning characteristics. It looks at two factors:
- How quickly fire spreads on the system. Flame Spread Index (FSI), ranging from 0 to 100 with lower numbers indicating slower spread of flames.
- How much smoke is produced. Smoke Developed Index (SDI), ranging from – to 450, with lower numbers indicating less smoke.
These two factors are used to classify waterproofing systems as a whole:
- Class A: FSI 0–25, SDI 0–450
- Class B: FSI 26–75, SDI 0–450
- Class C: FSI 76–200, SDI 0–450
The Class A system rating is typically required for most multi-family residential and commercial buildings, as well as for rooftop walking decks. If a Class A is not specified, Class B may be permitted; however, it is important to verify local and state requirements when selecting a waterproofing system.
In addition to ASTM E84 testing, if a walking deck also serves as a roof over another area, the waterproofing system used may be subject to ASTM E108 testing, which focuses on resistance to fire penetration from external sources.
ASTM E119 is another fire-resistance test that may be required. This test is focused on how long it takes a structure to 1) allow flames or gases to pass through it, or 2) experience structural failure.
Why AC39-evaluated Systems Matter
While codes do not always require the use of systems that have been evaluated under AC39, they may require evidence that specific tests have been performed on system materials (i.e., ASTM E84, wind-resistance tests, slip-resistance tests, ASTM material testing for flashing), and these tests are generally included in AC39 evaluation. As a result, installing products with this independent evaluation and documentation often helps to streamline inspection and can make the compliance process easier.
Risk Reduction
Not only do many compliance requirements focus on the materials themselves, but they also outline installation protocols and requirements. By using an AC39-evaluated waterproofing system and following installation procedures exactly, the risks of system failure, voided warranties, and liability may be greatly reduced.
Long-Term Durability
Testing and evaluation protocols help ensure waterproof deck systems are built to last. Not only are materials evaluated for safety, durability, and performance, the entire system must demonstrate required performance characteristics as a cohesive unit.
Balcony Inspection and Compliance Considerations
In states such as California, building safety regulations increasingly require periodic inspection of exterior elevated elements such as balconies, decks, and walkways. Laws such as California SB-326 and SB-721 require property and apartment owners to verify that structural components and waterproofing systems remain functional and free from deterioration.
For architects and specifiers, selecting waterproofing systems that meet code requirements and are installed according to manufacturer specifications can help support long-term durability and simplify inspection processes.
Choose Life Specialty Coatings for Pedestrian Deck Waterproofing Systems
The right waterproofing materials and systems make all the difference in the useful lifetime and overall performance of pedestrian decks. Life Specialty Coatings systems are evaluated under ICC-ESR guidelines and tested to ASTM fire and slip resistance standards, helping architects specify pedestrian deck systems that pass inspection and perform long term.
