The lifespan of a coating depends on several variables. One of the most crucial factors is the quality of the substrate itself. For example, if a concrete surface wasn’t installed properly, the coating won’t prevent the substrate from cracking or experiencing other damage. (Learn more about why concrete cracks.)
While your SUNDEK decorative overlay will have the life expectancy of the existing substrate, there are other factors that influence its longevity, such as how well it’s maintained and whether you keep a regular sealing schedule.
SUNDEK has solutions for various surface issues that may arise such as substrate movement, normal weathering, and wear and tear. We encourage our clients to have us out for a free site inspection every year to ensure your investment long-term.

First, we suggest contacting your SUNDEK representative to come take a look. The way we address it all depends on the magnitude of the crack. If it’s a minor crack, we’ll probably seal the crack, protecting it from water intrusion that could damage the SUNDEK coating during freeze-thaw cycles.

Unfortunately, even properly installed concrete can crack. Concrete has great hardness (compressive strength), but it does not have good elasticity (tensile strength) which is the ability to stretch and bend very far. While you can’t prevent cracking, SUNDEK does have some flexible systems that support very minor movements in the concrete.
Additionally, SUNDEK’s Custom Scoreline Effect is a technique we use to disguise cracking. With this method, we actually incorporate the cracks with the design of the coating, so it looks like they’re part of the design. Clients love this option because it minimizes the risk of future cracking—in a sense we’re working with existing cracks rather than against them.

Because SUNDEK forms a mechanical bond to the concrete surface, all decorative coating options should have the same lifespan as the concrete it’s bonded to. With every coating type, regular maintenance is key

General maintenance includes keeping dirt and other debris off your surface to prevent discoloration and/or stains. However, there are additional steps you should take to preserve the appearance of your coating. For example, you should give your surface a deep clean at least a couple times a year, possibly more. Your cleaning schedule depends on how your surface is used. Here are just a few examples of factors that may affect your cleaning schedule:

• Whether the pool is residential or for public use
• Trees nearby that frequently drop leaf litter and/or other debris onto the concrete surface
• Pets tracking dirt and other debris onto the surface
• Frequent spills from food, liquids, or other material

SUNDEK’s high-quality sealers and protective topcoats are your best line of defense for maintenance. In addition to protecting your surface, these coatings make cleaning easier. See our Maintenance Guide for detailed information.

To clean oak pollen, scrub the surface using a combination of warm water and mild dish soap. For hard water, scrub with a solution of white vinegar and warm water. After cleaning, you can rinse the surface with a pressure of somewhere between 2000 and 2500 PSI, with a fan tip nozzle at least 10 to 12 inches from the surface.
For more information on maintenance, see our guide.

The main reasons for coating failures are:

• • • Lack of proper maintenance
    • Not resealing when sealer needs to be reapplied
    • Substrate failure

If you notice hairline cracks or other issues with your coating, contact us so we can come look at and address the issue before it worsens.

At SUNDEK, we work closely with our clients to meet their deadlines. Several variables can impact production schedules:

• • Size of project
  • Scope of project
  • Removal of existing material
  • Preparation of existing surface
  • Weather

Typically, projects range anywhere from 2 to 10 days, but that can fluctuate depending on the variables listed above.

SUNDEK’s warranty covers peeling, flaking, and poor workmanship for a period of two years.*
We do not cover the occurrence or recurrence of substrate movement that may cause cracking to your overlay. While we provide many solutions to service or repair your decorative concrete, we cannot eliminate the possibility of concrete cracking.
*Warranties vary, depending on the system used. Refer to your contract and SUNDEK contractor for exact warranty duration for your specific project.

When moving or shifting furniture or other objects around on your surface, keep in mind that anything that would scratch or damage a concrete surface will have the same effect on your decorative coating or overlay.
SUNDEK recommends plastic or felt coasters or feet for heavier furniture and other items.

Yes. SUNDEK provides touch-up products if the customer would like to repair small issues themselves. However, more extensive repairs require a SUNDEK technician.

Yes, touch up kits are available to purchase for most coatings. Contact SUNDEK for more information.

Yes, you can use a pressure washer, but use with caution. To avoid damage, we strongly suggest confirming your pressure washing procedure with SUNDEK before attempting.
We typically suggest regularly pressure washing your surface, but on a light setting: units under 2500 psi 2.4 GPM. We also recommend a wide angle tip.

Depending on the type of cover you have, if a spring is held in place, we suggest avoiding the install/removal tool from cutting into the Sundek surface. Caution should be taken by simply using a piece of rag between the tool and the surface.

At SUNDEK of Austin, we’re here to answer any questions you might have! Please contact us at (512) 928-8000.