Desert Crete Decking System

Desert Brand
Desert Crete Decking System
Technical Bulletin

Description
Desert Crete Decking System is a fire-retardant walking deck and roof covering system. When installed as specified, the system may be used as a walking surface for most types of exterior floors, decks and stairs that are common within buildings such as apartments, condominiums, commercial offices and single family residences. Desert Crete Decking System is a multi-step polymer modified cementitious type system that is designed to be covered with a variety of top-finishes. The following specifications describe the procedures that will produce this high quality, water resistant flooring system in a knock-down textured finish.

Preparation of Sub Floor
Wood sub floor must be of such design and of sufficient soundness, structural strength, and rigidity to withstand, without deflection or movement, the maximum surface condition to which the finished floor will be subjected. Wood sub floor must be minimum 5/8" plywood and must comply to all applicable building code requirements in type and installation. It is recommended that sub floor be installed so as to provide 1" fall in average 4' tall (1/4" to 1'). All slider and door thresholds, jambs, posts, deck edges, scuppers and fascia must be installed with galvanized metal flashing, caulked and primed, in accordance with the building requirements. It is recommended that Desert Crete Metal Nosing with primer, be installed on all deck edgings (no less than 3/16" vertical rise).

Installation of System
1.	Metal Lathing After all required flashing is in place and primed, thoroughly secure hot dipped galvanized expanded metal lath (2.5 lbs. per square yard) upon the wood sub floor. Lap metal lath sheets together a minimum of 1" and lap all metal flashings with lap up to 1/4" to 1/2" from the vertical riser of the flashing. It is recommended to use galvanized staples, minimum 16 gauge, with wide crown (1"-7/8") by 5/8" long. Lath must be secured, without any deflection, upon the wood sub floor. A minimum of 24 staples per square foot, spaced not to exceed one staple per every 6 square inches is recommended. A metal lath lap joints must be secured together with staples no greater than 1 inch apart.
2.	First Desert Crete Base Application Trowel Desert Crete Base, thoroughly mixed with Desert Crete Liquid Polymer (1-1/4 gallons to 50 lb. bag), into the metal lath. Make certain that all holes in the lath are filled to the top of the lath. Allow to dry thoroughly before proceeding (2-3 hours, depending upon conditions).
3.	Fiberglass and Bonder 480 Application Apply 3/4 oz. per sq. ft. fiberglass matting to the first Desert Crete Base application. Lap fiberglass 2" over flashings and 1" at seams. Cut fiberglass to fit around posts and drains. Generously apply Bonder 480 into fiberglass matting by using a 3/4"-1" nap roller. Bonder 480 is designed to penetrate and soak through matting; thereby adhering the matting top the Base surface. Allow to dry thoroughly before proceeding (24 hours, depending upon conditions).
4.	Second Desert Crete Base Application Trowel a second application of Desert Crete Base, thoroughly mixed with Desert Crete Liquid Polymer (1 1/4 gallons to 50 lb. bag), over the dried fiberglass and Bonder 480 to a minimum thickness of 1/16" (see drawing below). Allow to dry thoroughly before proceeding (2-3 hours, depending upon conditions).
5.	Desert Crete Texture Application Apply Desert Crete Texture (approx. 200 sq. ft. per bag), thoroughly mixed with Desert Crete Liquid Polymer (1 1/4 gallons to 50 lb. bag), by pneumatic hopper gun equipped with a 1/8" orifice and a medium setting in the circular spray plate. The recommended air pressure for application is between 30-40 psi. Allow 5-10 minutes before knocking down the splattered texture with a steel trowel. Allow 1-2 hours for drying before proceeding.
6.	Concrete/Masonry Floor Paint and Sealer (CMFPS) Application Apply two coats of pigmented Desert Brand Concrete/Masonry Floor Paint and Sealer (CMFPS). Allow 2-3 hours between coats, depending upon temperature and humidity. Periodically maintain system by applying a coat of pigmented CMFPS.

Note: Desert Crete Poly Base, mixed with water only (1 gallon to 50 lb. bag), may be substituted for Desert Crete Base and Liquid Polymer at the same application rate (50 sq. ft. at 1/8" per 50 lb. bag).

TB116 (6/98)

Desert Crete Decking System Specifications

diagram of Desert Crete Decking System

Corporate Headquarters: Hill Brothers Chemical Company. \| 1675 North Main Street, Orange, CA 92867 \| (714) 998-8800 \| Branch Offices:
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(714) 579-3333	(408) 435-1313	(602) 272-9363	(520) 795-9351	(801) 936-4100	(800) 821-7234

The information on this Product Profile is based on data obtained by our own research and is considered accurate. However, no warranty is expressed or implied regarding the accuracy of these data, the results to be obtained from the use thereof, or that any such use will not infringe any patent. This information is furnished upon the condition that the person receiving it shall make his own tests to determine the suitability thereof for his particular purpose.