Leading flooring manufacturer Flowcrete has redeveloped its world-renowned Deckshield ED system to offer enhanced protection to outdoor car-parking structures across the Middle East.

The reformulated coating now includes protection against extreme ultraviolet (UV) exposure, ensuring the coating’s colour is retained for the long term.

David McNeece, business development manager of Flowcrete Middle East, which has offices in Dubai said: "Deckshield ED offers a completely new system, which is designed to handle the unique environments of exposed and suspended car-park decks."

"The new system is the ideal choice to handle the unique construction of suspended slabs, due to its ability to handle both expansion and contraction from thermal stresses and dynamic movement inherent in this type of construction," he added.

The improved crack-bridging qualities of Deckshield ED also make the system the ideal choice for suspended concrete slabs, often used in car-park designs.

To tackle demands on space in car-park areas, slab construction is increasingly designed with large clear spans, which require minimal support. This design can create more movement between the suspended slabs, particularly during periods of high volume traffic movement, McNeece explained.

However, the application of Deckshield ED tackles this problem, with the system offering a protective coating capable of absorbing movement and bridging any gaps, he said.

As well as car-park decks, Deckshield ED is ideal for pathways, entrance and exit points and other exposed areas subject to foot and vehicular traffic. The system can be applied in a range of shades. Deckshield ED also helps aid safe navigation – with the use of directional arrows and other driver information at ground level.