If you have a deck, chances are you want to make it as comfortable and inviting as possible. But if your deck is leaking, it can ruin the whole experience. Waterproofing under deck is essential to keeping it in good condition, protecting your investment, and creating more usable space.
With a little bit of knowledge and the right products, you can easily waterproof your own deck. This homeowner’s guide will show you how.
The Benefits of Waterproofing Your Deck
Decks are an integral part of many homes. They provide an outdoor space to relax, entertain, and enjoy the view. But one of the most important aspects of owning a deck is properly maintaining it. One way to keep your deck looking its best is to waterproof it.
Waterproofing under deck is recommended for all types of decks, and if you have a second-story deck, it’s a must. Here are some of the benefits of waterproofing under your deck.
Protection from Moisture Damage
Increased Durability And Safety
Waterproofing your deck will help extend its lifespan by protecting it from the element.
This means that you won’t have to replace or repair parts as often because they won’t be exposed to wear and tear caused by water damage. Furthermore, waterproofing can help protect against fading caused by UV rays so that your deck retains its original color for longer periods of time.
Pools of standing water on the surface of a deck can also be slippery and increase the risk of falls and injuries. By keeping your deck dry with waterproofing, you eliminate this potential hazard and improve the safety of your deck.
Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal
When you waterproof your deck, you are not only protecting it from damages caused by water but also making sure that it looks great for years to come.
Waterproofing helps maintain a clean look for your deck so that it remains attractive even after years of use. It also helps preserve the texture and color so that you don’t have to worry about deck boards fading or becoming dull over time.
A Dry Under-Deck Space That You Can Use However You Need
Perhaps the most important aspect of waterproofing under deck is that it makes it possible for you to use the space below without worrying about getting wet.
This allows you to create an extra outdoor living space where you can entertain guests or just relax on rainy days without having to worry about rainwater or snow seeping through the boards and ruining the moment. And if you’re not planning for an under-deck outdoor space, you’ll surely want to use it as a storage space. Waterproofing under your deck allows you to create a dry, clean, and organized storage space.
Check out our blog post about the most useful ways to organize an under-deck storage space.
Deck Waterproofing - How It's Done
There are multiple ways to waterproof under deck, from simple membranes to more intricate deck drainage systems. Let’s take a look at a few of them.
Install a Waterproof Membrane
The first step in waterproofing under your deck is to install a waterproof membrane. A membrane acts as a barrier between the wood of your deck and any moisture that could seep through.
There are several types of membranes available, including rubberized sealants, polyethylene sheeting, and other liquid applied membranes. When selecting a membrane, make sure you choose one that is specifically designed for outdoor use.
Apply Sealant or Paint
Once you have installed the membrane, you may want to add an additional layer of protection by applying sealant or paint over it. This will help protect the membrane from UV rays and other external forces that could cause it to degrade over time.
You’ll want to use a high-quality product designed for outdoor use so that it can stand up to harsh weather conditions without fading or chipping away.
Add a Drainage System
Finally, you should include a drainage system beneath your deck so that any water that does make its way past the membrane can be quickly drained away from the area. A professional drainage system uses a combination of pipes and gutters to collect water and allow it to flow freely away from the area beneath your deck. Once installed, these systems require minimal maintenance so they can keep doing their job for years on end!
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for extra storage space or just want to make better use of the space underneath your deck, waterproofing is an effective way to do so without risking damage from water exposure. It’s a smart investment that will not only protect against weather conditions but also add value to your home by giving you more usable outdoor space.
Follow the simple steps outlined in this blog post and be sure to get in touch with us if you need any help along the way. Your newly waterproofed deck will be a great addition to your home that you can enjoy for many years to come!