Do you have cracked, spalling, or weather-worn concrete on your property?
Whether it's a balcony that collects water, a driveway with surface damage, or a rooftop deck beginning to deteriorate, concrete issues can quickly turn into safety hazards and expensive repairs.
You're likely wondering if it needs to be completely replaced or if there's a better, more cost-effective way to fix it. In many cases, concrete that looks unsalvageable can actually be restored and protected with the right coating system.
In this article, we'll walk you through what Westcoat's MACoat system is, how it works, and when it's the right solution for your surface. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of whether MACoat fits your needs or if another approach might be a better fit.
We'll cover:
When dealing with worn, cracked, or exposed concrete, many property owners assume replacement is the only option. But MACoat is more than just a resurfacing fix. It's a complete waterproofing and reinforcement system that restores and protects horizontal concrete surfaces.
MACoat solves surface problems, improves durability, and creates a finished walking surface designed for both protection and performance.
Here are the key issues this system is built to address:
MACoat can be applied over new or existing concrete to reinforce areas with minor cracks, surface spalling, or aging wear. Its fiberglass matting and cementitious resin system add tensile strength and flexibility to bridge imperfections and prevent future breakdown.
One of the system's core strengths is moisture control. MACoat forms a fully adhered, waterproof barrier that protects decks, balconies, and walkways from water intrusion, especially in high-risk exposure areas like rooftop desks or above living spaces.
Unlike decorative coatings, MACoat is designed to perform in real-world conditions. It resists impact, abrasion, and wear in high-traffic environments—ideal for commercial entries, walkways, and residential patios.
Whether you're dealing with mismatched patchwork or just want a clean, upgraded look, MACoat delivers a smooth or textured walking surface with customizable finishes. It's not just functional. It's an aesthetic upgrade for your space.
MACoat carries a Class A fire rating, making it a safe and code-compliant solution for applications where fire resistance is required. This feature is especially important for multifamily housing, commercial balconies, or rooftop decks where meeting fire safety standards is essential.
MACoat is a durable, flexible, waterproof, and fire-rated surface system that solves multiple problems at once—moisture control, structural reinforcement, safety, and appearance.
To help you understand how the MACoat system is installed, here's a quick breakdown of the main steps involved. If you'd like to see the process in action, you can watch the video below.
1. Surface Prep
The concrete surface is ground and cleaned to ensure strong adhesion. Significant damage is patched using fast-cure patching compounds. Dust and debris are fully removed.
2. Fiberglass Reinforcement
Fiberglass mat is rolled out across the surface and overlapped at the seams. This layer adds strength and crack-bridging flexibility.
3. Base Waterproofing Layer
A cement and resin mixture is trowled over the fiberglass, embedding into the surface and forming the system's structural foundation.
4. Feather Patch and Smoothing
A second coat of the base mixture is applied to smooth out transitions, seams, and imperfections.
5. Slurry Coat or Texture
Depending on the desired finish, a slurry coat is applied for a smooth surface or a knockdown texture is added for slip resistance and visual interest.
6. Protective Topcoat
Two thin layers of SC-10 acrylic topcoat are rolled on to seal the system. The final layer resists UV, moisture, and wear.
7. Curing and Clean-Up
The system cures for light foot traffic in 4-6 hours and is fully usable in 24 hours.
From prep to topcoat, the MACoat system is designed for lasting durability, waterproofing, and visual appeal without tearing out your existing concrete.
MACoat is a versatile system, but like any product, it has its ideal applications. Here's how to know if it's the right solution for your property and when you may need to explore other options.
In short: MACoat is ideal for protecting and restoring concrete surfaces that need both strength and weather resistance without the cost and hassle of full replacement.
If you're researching concrete coating or resurfacing solutions, MACoat is just one of the several options. Here's how it compares to other systems we use and recommend based on specific project needs:
System |
Best For |
Limitations |
| MACoat | Waterproofing and crackbridging on walkways, decks, and balconies | Not for heavy vehicles or major slab failure |
| Epoxy or Polyurea/Polyaspartic Coatings | Garage floors, chemical resistance, decorative finishes | No waterproofing; rigid; may peel if surface isn't prepped well |
| NewCrete | Small to large concrete resurfacing and leveling | Not waterproof; primarily aesthetic and structural |
| Acrylic Sealers/Concrete Sealing | Budget-friendly surface protection from UV/water | Minimal durability and aesthetic change |
| Full Replacement | Failing slabs or foundational damage | Expensive; disruptive; unnecessary in many cases |
Each option serves a different purpose. If waterproofing and long-term surface protection are your priorities, MACoat may be the right choice.
At this point, you should have a clear understanding of what MACoat is, how it works, and where it fits in the world of concrete protection and restoration.
If your surface is structurally sound but needs protection from water, weather, or wear, and you want to avoid the disruption and cost of a full replacement, MACoat may be the right solution.
Your next step?
Watch the installation video above to see the system in action, or reach out to us to evaluate your specific surface. And if MACoat isn’t the best fit, we’ll help you explore alternatives like NewCrete or epoxy to make sure you get the right result.
At Roe Painting, we’ve helped property owners across residential, commercial, and industrial projects restore and protect their concrete with systems built to last and installed with precision.