The Deck Waterproofing Guide To Help Preserve New Decking Materials For Years

If you have recently built a new deck for your home, waterproofing is important to ensure decking materials last. Before you waterproof a deck, there are some things that you want to know. First, the wood decking has to have time to cure before a sealant can be applied. There are also preparations and choosing the color for the stain. The following deck waterproofing guide will walk you through the process to preserve decking for years:

Letting Decking Materials Cure

When you install new decking, the wood materials need time to cure or dry before they can be sealed. There are several factors to consider to allow time for the wood to cure, including:

• The type of wood used for decking
• If decking was kiln-dried before installation
• How green the wood was during installation

The decking materials may be able to seal sooner if they have been kiln dried or were already dry during the installation.

Preparation of the Surface

After the wood cures, you have probably already been using your deck for some time. Therefore, preparations are going to be needed before a waterproofing treatment can be applied. Preparations decking is going to need before sealing it include:

• Cleaning any debris from the surface
• Filling any cracks or voids
• Sanding the surface of the decking

The decking may need to be lightly cleaned and sanded before applying the stain and waterproofing treatments.

Options for the Types of Stains

When you are waterproofing a deck, there are also options for the stain that can be used. Some products have stains premixed with the waterproofing, and others may require a stain to be applied first. Options to consider when choosing the type of stain you want to use include:

• Staining before waterproofing
• Using a clear sealant to preserve natural wood colors
• Using a sealant that already has a stain mixed in with it

The stains can be a great way to change the appearance of conventional pressure-treated decking materials.

Applying the Waterproofing

The application of the deck waterproofing is the last step in the process. The sealant should be applied in an even coating and left to dry for at least a day. After the waterproofing dries, you will be able to replace any outdoor furniture or objects that were removed. The waterproofing helps protect the decking from wear, but you also want to do regular maintenance and keep the deck clean.

The waterproofing of new decking materials is important to ensure they last for years. Contact a deck waterproofing service near you to get started protecting your decking from wear and tear.