Installing Flexible, Anti-Slip Polyurethane Deck Coating for a High-Traffic Dubai Car Park

The Challenge: Protecting a High-Density Car Park Deck at a Landmark Dubai Development

The showpiece Jumeirah Lakes Towers development in Dubai required a specialist car park deck coating system to support its latest expansion. With increasing demand for parking from residents, tenants and visitors, Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) commissioned the creation of additional parking capacity within the prestigious complex.

Spanning approximately 730,000 square metres and comprising 80 towers positioned around three artificial lakes and the JLT Embankment, the development experiences consistently high vehicle movement. The new 10,000 square metre car park deck required a protective flooring system capable of withstanding sustained traffic volumes while meeting strict environmental and health and safety regulations.

A key technical challenge involved accommodating dynamic cracking and structural movement within the concrete deck. High-density traffic can generate cyclical stress, slab deflection and cracking over time. Conventional hybrid systems, particularly those incorporating rigid epoxy primers, can become brittle and prone to failure under such conditions. The project therefore demanded a flexible, durable and waterproof system engineered specifically for car park environments exposed to constant vehicular load.

The Solution: Polyurethane Car Park Deck Coating System Designed for Flexibility and Traffic Resistance

Following a detailed assessment of the operational requirements, experts from Sherwin-Williams recommended the Resudeck ST polyurethane car park deck coating system for the project. The system was formulated to deliver both durability and flexibility, incorporating a polyurethane primer and polyurethane topcoat to provide superior crack-bridging capability compared with hybrid systems that rely on epoxy primers.

Resudeck ST was developed with sufficient resin content to create a tough yet flexible finish capable of withstanding constant vehicular traffic without compromising performance. Its solvent-free and waterproof formulation protects the underlying structure from water ingress while accommodating cyclical movement and deflection within the deck.

The coating was applied in specially formulated grey and red finishes to complement existing areas, delivering a high-quality aesthetic appearance across the new deck. The anti-slip surface enhances safety for both vehicles and pedestrians, while also reducing tyre squeal. High chemical resistance ensures the system can withstand exposure to petrol, diesel and brake fluid spillages commonly encountered in busy parking facilities.

Ian Graham, Managing Director of Pegasus Contracting Co, the Sherwin-Williams' approved applicator for JLT, said: “We have a close working relationship with the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre and together with Sherwin-Williams we were able to deliver the solution to a rigorous challenge.”

The Results: A Durable, Crack-Bridging Car Park Deck with Long-Term Performance Benefits

The completed 10,000 square metre installation delivered a flexible, anti-slip and waterproof car park deck coating capable of supporting heavy vehicle usage within one of Dubai’s most prominent mixed-use developments. By combining polyurethane primer and topcoat technology, the system provides enhanced resistance to dynamic cracking and structural movement, reducing the risk of premature failure.

In addition to immediate performance improvements, the tailored formulation offers long-term cost benefits for operators. Its durability and resistance to traffic wear, chemical exposure and environmental stress help extend maintenance cycles and protect the structural integrity of the deck.

The result is a safe, bright and resilient car park surface that continues to accommodate high volumes of daily traffic while supporting the long-term operational demands of Jumeirah Lakes Towers.