Does anyone know what this coating is?

[Takket]

Just bought a new condo with a small deck/porch. The porch has these what look like plywood boards that you walk on and it is sealed on top with this weird material with these tiny little squares. Doesn't really feel like rubber or plastic. Not sure what it is. Anyone ever seen this before?

When it rains water pools a bit at a low point and dries up after a while, not sure if it is an issue or not. If the coating is a waterproofing and it is okay for water to pool on it, I won't worry. I would assume whatever is on top must be waterproof! Especially since this place was built around 1980 and I'm pretty sure it is still original.

images are linked below:

https://ibb.co/5KZLtvQ
https://ibb.co/hKcBkLQ
https://ibb.co/wy0CdHp

Thanks for any help!

[3Hotdogs]

1. I recall something described like this. The Deep State puts it on decks owned by real patriots so's

they can spy on Republican voters. They give it out free ad hope to have all registered Republican households outfitted in time for the 24 election. Soros is paying for all of it.

[DetroitLegalBeagle]

2. Looks like an anti slip coating

Not sure if it's technically waterproof.

[Phoenix61]

3. It looks like fiberglass mesh. They may have put it down

to make it less slippery when wet.

[sl8]

4. Maybe this:

https://www.plywood.cc/wire-mesh-film-faced-plywood/

[OilemFirchen]

5. It appears to be cement board underlayment.

If so, it seems to suggest that when it was installed, the intention was to tile over it.

It will degrade over time, due to moisture and traffic. Additionally, since the joints aren't sealed, moisture will leak into the wood substrate. You can see the degradation in your first photo.

It may be salvageable. Contact a tile installer for an opinion.

Modern cement board (Durock):

https://www.usg.com/content/usgcom/en/products/floors-tile/tile-prep/cement-board-backer-board/durock-cement-board-with-edgeguard.html

[WhiteTara]

6. kicking for an answer

[RockRaven]

7. I think #4 has correctly identified it.

[Takket]

8. thanks everyone! DUers are the best