Your deck is a smart investment. Not only does it increase the value of your home, but it also provides a beautiful gathering place to spend time with friends and family. The national average cost of a deck is $6,280.You want to ensure you protect this valuable asset and do all you can to keep it in top condition. One of the most important steps you can take for deck maintenance is to apply a protective deck coating for a waterproof deck. Keep reading to find out why a waterproof deck is so important and how you can waterproof your deck.
Waterproofing is the process of adding a sealant, that acts as a protective barrier on the wood of your deck. This barrier prevents the damage that water can have on your deck or patio.
As your deck is in constant contact with the outdoor elements, wear and tear can occur quickly. You need to keep up with regular deck maintenance to ensure your deck lasts a long time. This maintenance includes deck waterproofing. Put simply, waterproofing your deck will help it last longer, which will save you the cost of an early deck replacement.
There are several benefits of waterproofing your deck.
Many people are surprised to learn that even in hot climates, moisture is a problem. Even a small amount of moisture can reduce the integrity of your deck structure. If water damage occurs on your deck, the wood can become soft and unsafe. Soft wood is weakened and can easily break, becoming a potential hazard for anyone walking on the deck. When you apply deck coating, you add protection and reducing the likelihood of soft spots.
Similar to water damage, dry rot can occur on an unprotected deck. Dry rot occurs when a fungi species overtakes wood and starts to eat the wooden parts that make it structurally sound. Dry rot can weaken and destroy your entire deck, so it's not an issue to ignore. A deck coating can reduce the risk of dry rot by adding a barrier between the wood and the fungi.
Everyone wants their deck to look nice. It's the place where you relax and entertain on hot nights, so you want it to look as good as it possibly can. Unfortunately, an unsealed deck can start to show water stains, making your deck look dirtier and older than it is. When you waterproof your deck, you add a barrier that can reduce and prevent future water stains.
Lastly, proper deck maintenance, including deck waterproofing, will extend the life of your deck. Decks can last up to 50 years if they're correctly cared for. As decks are such a large investment, you want to do all you can to make them last many years. It's essential to continue to keep up with deck maintenance; it's not a one-time action. We recommend waterproofing your deck every 5 years for optimal protection.
You need to waterproof your deck on a dry day. Applying the coating on a rainy day simply washes the product away before it has a chance to dry on and be effective. As a result, most people choose to waterproof their deck in the spring. That way, they can wait for a dry day and have their deck ready for the upcoming summer season. We suggest you apply your deck coating on a day that is above 10C/50F including overnight temps.
It's also essential to avoid blistering hot days when applying your product. Ideally, apply coats in the early morning or evenings. However, do not apply later in the day if dew is present.
There are several steps you can take to prepare your deck for the waterproof coating. These steps help to ensure the layer goes on properly and is most effective.
There are many waterproof deck products on the market. The three main types of waterproof deck products are sealers, vinyl membranes, and rubberized coatings. While sealers and vinyl membranes are marketed as optimal waterproof deck protectants, rubber coatings can be more effective.
Rubber coatings are the latest addition to the deck coating marketplace, and by far, the best option. Liquid Rubber Polyurethane Deck Coating is a high-performance polyurethane elastomeric coating that provides excellent UV stability and waterproofing for any hard surface deck or patio.
Some of the benefits of rubber deck coatings are:
One of the best advantages of a rubber coating is that you can easily apply it yourself, which is a significant cost-savings. Some useful tips for applying Liquid Rubber Polyurethane Deck Coating are:
Reseal your deck every 3-5 years, to keep it in peak condition and extend its life. Start improving your deck today with Liquid Rubber's wide range of deck coating products. We provide the highest quality products to seal, protect, and extend the life of your home, all on a DIY budget.