Mastic lifetime?

[brew4eagle]

The home I moved into in 2014 had an inground pool in need of A LOT of TLC. After learning the water chemistry basics thanks to this forum, I then had to take on the failing tile and coping from years of neglect. In June 2019 we had the tile and coping replaced with great results. Fast forward 4 years and I'm starting to notice a few small areas where the mastic is possibly separating from the coping. This raises a few questions:
1. Is there a typical timeline for mastic replacement? I'm in Northern VA, I assume climate is a major factor.
2. Do 2 or 3 small gaps like in the 1st picture necessitate replacement, or is this fine/normal and still has life left?
3. Is there a preferred way to repair the dent in the grout in the 2nd picture? If I recall, my dog scratched at it when it was fresh.

 

[AQUA~HOLICS]

No typical timeline for the life of the mastic, installation practices have a lot to do with the lifespan of adhesion to the coping and deck.

The purpose of mastic is to cover a gap between the deck and coping that is needed for movement due to temperature changes and it also keeps water from entering the area below and allowing the exspansive soils to put pressure on the deck and causing lifting and shifting.

The product is designed to be replaced in small sections, it’s all about the prep work prior to final installation.

 

[brew4eagle]

No typical timeline for the life of the mastic, installation practices have a lot to do with the lifespan of adhesion to the coping and deck.

The purpose of mastic is to cover a gap between the deck and coping that is needed for movement due to temperature changes and it also keeps water from entering the area below and allowing the exspansive soils to put pressure on the deck and causing lifting and shifting.

The product is designed to be replaced in small sections, it’s all about the prep work prior to final installation.

Do you think a couple of small (~ 1.5 - 2.5") sections of partial lack of adhesion (can't tell if a complete gap exists yet for water to penetrate) is cause for action?

I believe the deterioration of the previous mastic led to the failing of the coping and tile and after a considerable investment on new coping and tile I want to be proactive. I'd rather drop the $ on mastic replacement vs rebuild.

 

[AQUA~HOLICS]

If you are looking to be proactive then yes replace the small sections until it’s more cost effective to replace all the mastic.