Patio & Pool Deck Coatings in Columbia, SC

Patio and pool deck coatings take up a growing share of our work in Columbia, SC. Outdoor concrete here faces a long, hot season: Wikipedia's climate table shows average highs near 90°F from June through August, and heavy summer rain. Plain concrete around a pool stains, gets slick with algae and wears rough on bare feet. A textured coating renews the surface, gives better footing and makes it easier to clean.

What goes on outdoor concrete

A garage system is the wrong choice outside. Standard epoxy yellows in sun, and a smooth gloss is slippery when wet. For outdoor concrete we use systems built for it:

• Textured polyaspartic with flake: UV stable, with aggregate in the topcoat for grip.
• Spray-texture or knockdown coatings: an acrylic or cementitious texture in light colors.
• Decorative overlays: a thin cement-based layer that can be colored or patterned.
• Sealers: a clear coat to protect existing concrete that is still in good shape.

Heat underfoot

Dark surfaces get hot in a Columbia July. We steer pool decks and sunny patios toward light colors and textured finishes. HomeGuide notes that Kool Deck style coatings are non-slip and help lower surface temperatures. If you want a flake look outdoors, we pick a light blend and add grit to the topcoat.

Lake Murray and lakeside homes

Lake Murray covers about 50,000 acres with roughly 650 miles of shoreline, and lakeside homes around Chapin, Irmo and Lexington have a lot of patios, walkways, boat house floors and pool surrounds. Those surfaces get sun, splash, sunscreen and wet feet. We coat them with UV-stable, textured systems and keep the edges clean along coping and drains.

Prep for outdoor concrete

Outdoor slabs have often been pressure-washed, sealed or painted many times, and they collect algae and mildew in shady spots. We clean, grind or profile the surface, remove failing sealer or paint, and repair cracks. HomeGuide notes that cracks wider than 1/4 inch usually point to a structural issue, so we flag those before coating. Expansion joints stay open so the slab can move.

Drainage and timing

Coatings need a dry slab and a dry forecast. With South Carolina averaging around 64 thunderstorm days a year, most of them in summer, we watch the radar and schedule outdoor work for a dry window. We also check that the deck drains away from the pool and the house; a coating will not fix standing water.

Care

Rinse the deck regularly, especially near pool chemicals and planters. Use a soft brush on mildew in shady corners. Keep sharp-edged furniture feet padded.