Notice to our customers about COVID-19

Covid-19

Due to the current situation with COVID-19 and the rain we’ve been having, we would like to assure our customers that Western Magnesite will continue to provide service when possible. We understand that with many people staying home, it will be harder for our crews to work certain jobs. We ask for your cooperation and inform us if work will be allowed for your company/project. We will continue to communicate with our customers and try to keep you informed about scheduling and delays relating to weather or otherwise. Thank you for your cooperation during these difficult times.

Update March 20, 2020:

Western Magnesite will continue with business as usual as we are part of the exempt group under section 13. (h) and 15. (b) ii. as worded in the Safer at Home Order from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

 

The following trades are exempt:

 

 

Essential businesses (as it relates to construction) are defined as:

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On behalf of all at Western Magnesite Company, we wish you all good health and stay safe. 

The End of the Magnesite Era

The end of the magnesite era has come. In southern California – the only supplier of magnesite will no longer be supplying the product. Hence, we will no longer be able to repair or replace any magnesite decking as of today, but don’t fret. We have two alternate waterproofing systems that are better than magnesite. Those are the Desert Flex System and the Desert Crete Decking System.

The Desert Flex System can go over concrete, polymer modified concrete, magnesite, elastomeric and other such systems. It is a four layer system with a fiberglass and resin layer acting as the main waterproofing barrier. The fiberglass and resin layers allow for movement as well as continued protection even if a crack develops on the surface.

The Desert Crete Decking System is a product that will need to go over 5/8” exterior grade plywood. It is the best product in new construction. This system also has the fiberglass and resin layer and is fire-retardant. It is the best and most used product out of this office.

Both products offered come in either a knockdown finish, orange peel finish or a smooth finish. Though, it is best if we apply the knockdown or orange peel finishes as they provide the most slip resistance. They also come in a variety of color sealers to choose from.

CALL US TODAY AT 1 (800) WEST-MAG (1-800-937-8624)  and speak with the experts on alternative ways to repair your magnesite decking. You can also email us (info@westernmagnesite.com) today to get your estimate.

What is the right color for your deck?

Before Western Magnesite repaired the walkway.

It has been popular in the past for people to choose light colors for their homes and rentals. If you want it to truly stand the test of time, choosing a darker color for a high traffic areas would suit best. The walkway on the top is old and worn. It originally had an off white color that would constantly get dirty and stained. The walkway on the bottom is the same one after it was repaired with the Desert Flex System and with a darker different color. The new color brings the whole area together and will maintain its clean appearance much longer than the white ever did. With a regular cleaning using a mild detergent and a push brush the walkway will continue to keep its new clean look. There are an array of colors available for everyone’s needs. Ask your installer for a color chart associated with the type of system being installed to your deck, walkway or stairway. Remember to consider if it will be a high traffic area or if the tenants are prone to spills and carelessness. Choosing the right color will extend the life of your property and the work for many years to come. Contact us for a quote. 

After Western Magnesite repaired the walkway with the Desert Flex System.

 

Holiday Cheer

Holiday wishes!

It is mid-December and the holidays are upon us. It feels like this year just flew right by and like many of you out there, we are running around trying to get our holiday shopping done and making sure our New Year’s plans are in order. Everyone is looking forward to some good food, quality family time and a well-deserved rest, even if it is only for one day.

It has been an exceptional year with new opportunities and new beginnings. We hired a new office assistant and some guys for our on the field crews. Everyone seems to fit right in. We have reconnected with old relationships and look forward to the building of new ones.

We want to take a moment and thank all our customers who are keeping us busy well into the New Year! Thank you to our suppliers for keeping us supplied all year long. There were some tough moments, but you always came through with anything we needed. Much appreciation to our regular customers for always thinking of us and all the business you bring our way. We also want to thank our new customers for giving us an opportunity to make something beautiful again. Without any of you, we would not be in business.

Let’s bring this year to a fruitful end by enjoying our food and drink with our family and friends. May you all enjoy the abundance of joy and cheer that surround us during this time and we hope next year brings us all the best. Happy Holidays and a very prosperous New Year!

The Importance of a Building’s Aesthetics

Making sure your building looks aesthetically pleasing to potential tenants is not as difficult as it seems! Did this year’s spring rain create cracks or leaks? Do the stairs look rundown or falling apart? Are the common areas a place people want to have bar-b-ques or hangout? All of these aspects attract the right kind of tenant and can keep your current tenants happy, as well as protecting your biggest asset from decay.

People looking for where to live expect different things. One thing that everyone immediately sees is the overall aesthetics of the property. Does it look like a place I can be proud to call my home? Does it appear well maintained? It doesn’t have to cost much either, to make it look like a well maintained building. Giving the walkways and stairs a reseal is a great start. Products like the Desert Flex system, Desert Crete Decking System, and Magnesite lasts longer when properly maintained. So those walkways and stairs that are constantly being used can benefit from these products.

If you are looking for something that will keep and prevent water damage, we have the Desert Crete Decking System. It is 1 hour fire rated and comes in a slew of finishes; color stained, stamped, stenciled, or the traditional knock-down finish. It is a 5 layer non floating system that is durable, tough and long lasting for high traffic areas (like walkways, decks and stairs). This system is waterproof due to its fourth layer of fiberglass and waterproof resin. The resin is applied to the fiberglass making sure it seeps in through the fiberglass making it impenetrable to water.

Another product that we offer is the Desert Flex System. It has a slip resistant knockdown finish and comes in many colors. This product is just as durable as the Desert Crete Decking System, but can be applied to an existing deck. It is waterproofed using the same layer of fiberglass and bonder, but doesn’t have the first layer of metal lath with staples or a second coat of Desert Crete Base. This system does come with an optional clear coat sealer to give it that nice sheen finish.

If your decks and walkways are in great shape and just need a little sprucing up, why not apply a coat of sealer. It will help maintain the waterproof membrane intact and prevent bigger problems such as wood rot to the structure of your property. It will also add the appealing maintained look to your high traffic sun beaten areas.

For more information, visit our website at www.westernmagnesite.com or give us a call at 800-WESTMAG to schedule your estimate.

This walkway was pressure washed in preparation for a reseal.
Before: The walkway was pressure washed in preparation for a reseal.

The walkway was resealed with the Desert Flex System.
After: The walkway was resealed with the Desert Flex System.

Deck Maintenance

[iphorm_popup id=”2″ name=”Get a Quote Form”]Get your free quote today.[/iphorm_popup]Spring has sprung, and Summer is in the not-too-distant future.  Many already have plans in the works to entertain outside and spend time by the pool.

Every year after the rainy season (which according to some meteorologists may be elongated courtesy of El Nino) homeowners, tenants, and building managers discover that decks are often dirty or discolored.  Surfaces that have not been maintained for an extended period of time may even suffer from damaged subfloors and plywood, which is frequently given away by cracked, bubbling, or soft coatings.

For Magnesite, Desert Crete and Stamped Concrete Overlays, collected dirt and dust is unsightly, and can mask damage due to environment and impacts.  Western Magnesite recommends keeping your decks clean by regular sweeping.  Diluted SimpleGreen will clear up most spills and stains. For more information on cleaning, Western Magnesite also recommends resealing your Magnesite decks every 20 months, and 30 months for Desert Crete or Desert Flex fiberglass-based decks. Resealing keeps your decks looking new, and ensures full warranty coverage.

If you have any doubts about the condition of deck coatings on your property, Western Magnesite Company is here to help. Be sure to give us a call at (800) 937-8624 to request a visit from a knowledgeable estimator.

Make sure your deck is in perfect shape for the summer, so that it will be ready to weather the winter.  With regular care and maintenance, you’ll get years of use and lasting durability out of your deck system.

Unlicensed Contractors caught in Sting

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TerrazzoStone: A Garage Floor You’ll Adore

For several consecutive years, I had gone to a family friends’ house for an annual dinner gathering. Faced with the dilemma of limited space in their dining, living, and family rooms as the group grew each year, they elected to utilize the garage for the dinner.  I was informed of this fact beforehand and thought the idea strange.  Who would use such a space for dinner?  Aren’t garages dusty, dirty, stained, and an overall undesirable place to consume food?

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