Waterproof Decking

It is a mistake to forego waterproofing your deck. Water is a natural enemy of wood. Without waterproofing, a deck can deteriorate and rot much more quickly than otherwise. If you live in an area that has four seasons, water can cause problems to your decking even faster. When water freezes, it expands, causing the wood to separate. Every time water freezes in the same place, it widens the cracks in your wood a little more. Water also brings fungi and mold that further deteriorates your wooden deck.

When to Start?

Waterproof your deck before you start construction. This way, all of the wood will be sealed and the edges of it will be protected. This, however, does not protect your deck forever. You will still have to repeat the process every year or two, depending on the climate in your area.

You can get a head start by buying wood that is already pre-treated for waterproofing. Chemicals for waterproofing are added during the pressure treating process. This will save you some time up front, but the treatment will not likely last the life of the wood and you will still need to treat it.

Prepare the Deck

After you complete your new deck, or if it is time for the next waterproofing treatment, clear the deck of toys, chairs, and tables. Sweep it clear of leaves and dirt. You may also want to consider washing your deck down completely to get rid of hard-to-reach debris. If you choose to do this, make sure your deck is completely dry before you apply the sealer.

If there are areas under your deck or around your deck that do not need to be waterproofed, cover them with drop cloths to prevent damage or staining.

Apply the Waterproofing

You can apply your sealant using a brush, roller, or sprayer. Regardless of the method used, make sure you evenly apply your waterproofing. If you end up with any puddles or drippings, brush them out evenly.

Follow manufacturer's suggestions on the amount of time that you must wait between coats for the sealant to set, and how many coats need to be applied to achieve the optimal amount of waterproofing.

After you finish sealing your deck, clean up all of your painting tools and store any leftover product for your next waterproofing project. Remember that you will have to wait roughly 48 hours for the sealant to completely dry before re-opening your deck to traffic.