Essential Deck Waterproofing Solutions after the Deck Is Built
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Among the concerns that commonly happen after building the deck is waterproofing. Perhaps this is because many are only focused on the things they are going to do on the deck after it has been built.
Traditional wood-surfaced deck with decking boards measuring 2×6 or 5/4” is the typical problem. The decking might also be composite deck boards, but both may have gaps between them. In this case, water drips through the ground below.
Take note that these are second-level decks with enough useful space below. Therefore, it is important to consider waterproofing the top of the deck. Fortunately, there are several ways to conduct deck waterproofing. Here are some of the most popular methods to do it.
Applying Surface Coating
Basically, you have to cover the deck surface with some liquid rubber surface coating. Although it becomes a water-resistant layer, it will not work directly on gapped boards.
Therefore, you need to cover the boards with groove and tongue plywood that you have to glue and screw to the deck.
This is quite an easy option as it can be done by an average person. You may also apply deck waterproofing using fiberglass resins and matting or some cement-based liquids.
Using Waterproof Membrane
You may consider this as flooring in which the membranes are a solid sheet of waterproof material bonded down onto the surfaces. If you have noticed this type of option has originated from the boating industry wherein they use durable vinyl flooring to seal the inside deck of a boat.
This will also work to seal wood surface decks at your home. Just remember to use a plywood substrate. However, this may not work well for those who love do-it-yourself jobs because it is a bit challenging to consider welding the surfaces.
Locking Decking
This type of deck waterproofing uses extruded aluminum planks to replace the wooden boards. The said extrusions will lock together that stop the water from dripping down through a textured or profile surface. It then channels down the water to the perimeter of the deck with the correct slope.
At the same time, such aluminum waterproofing solutions can provide lasting decking for the longest time. Among the top options, you can use in this category are an arid deck, dry joist, and last deck.
Under Deck Systems
Another deck waterproofing that can be used on wood is based on the physical catching of water under the deck. With this type of solution, it contains panels acting like a big eaves trough. The runoff water is channeled to another trough taking it to a downspout.
You can then utilize the living space under your deck using this option. Moreover, this can be added easily onto the existing deck as a retrofit.
This type of utility will benefit you by covering the area with a waterproof deck surface over your head. The good thing is that it will still have the splendor of a traditional wood frame decking surface.
WICR Waterproofing & Decking is Southern California’s premier waterproofing and decking specialist covering Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. We are trained by all the major manufacturers of waterproofing systems so that we can install or repair any waterproofing project. Please visit us at www.WICRWaterproofing.com