Tretodek+, Tremco's new protective car-park deck coating system has been used at the Seef Mall in Bahrain.

The Dubai-based regional office of the coatings and sealants specialist recently launched the new product in response to an increasing demand for high-quality elastomeric protective coatings for car-park decks in the Middle East.

''The UK-manufactured, BBA-certified Tretodek system has long been established as a market leader in Europe and it now offers several additional benefits both in terms of performance and in the logistics of exporting and stocking,'' explains a company spokesman.

He continues: ''The system is comprised of a fast-curing PU (polyurethane) primer followed by two coats of Tretodek+ membrane, incorporating a high-quality graded aggregate to give a non-slip finish.

''An additional coat is applied to the ramps and turning circles to counter excessive wear. The tough 1.5-mm-thick membrane not only has the high levels of chemical and abrasion resistance that one would expect but also has the ability to bridge cracks of up to 2.5 mm in diameter.

''The system has been greatly simplified so that now there is just one grade of material, suitable for both flat and sloped areas and in addition the Tretodek+ membrane is produced and shipped in just one neutral colour, having a colour paste added at the point of application. Both these innovations simplify local stocking and help to reduce costs making the system more affordable. As a two-part product, Tretodek+ will cure consistently, irrespective of weather conditions.''

Elaborating on the project at the mall, Stuart Wakeham of Tremco (Middle East) says: "The brief at the Seef Mall was for a coating system that would not only waterproof and protect the RC (reinforced concrete) structure for a minimum period of 10 years but also create a bright, aesthetically-pleasing and safe environment for the mall's customers. The system needs to be maintenance-free as the car-park will be in constant use.

"With its superior strength and flexibility, we can expect Tretodek+ to last well in excess of 10 years. As the entire system is elastomeric, there is no brittle wear coat to crack and debond, plus as the full depth of the membrane is the same colour there will be no colour differential as localised wear occurs.

''The design calls for three of our 14 standard colours, allowing delineation of drive ways, walk ways and parking bays. In order to maintain the appearance of the coating in the long term we have developed a cleaning system called Dekclean, which will remove dirt, rubber and oil deposits.

''We are delighted to have had the opportunity to demonstrate the versatility of the system on such a prestigious project."