How To Protect Decks from Water Damage

Outdoor decking is a desirable feature in residential homes, apartment complexes, commercial applications, and beyond—it’s an ideal way to enhance livability, functionality and value of any property.

Whether it’s wood, concrete, or other material, additional outdoor living space is something that property owners are increasingly interested in. Indeed, the global decking market has experienced substantial growth, driven by factors such as increased consumer interest in outdoor living spaces and home renovations, according to recent research.

For construction professionals, adding decking services to your portfolio can be advantageous—but building them is only part of delivering reliable, long-lasting spaces that your customers can use for decades. Remember that exterior decks are continuously exposed to the elements. Depending on the climate where they’re built, decks must withstand wind, rain, hail, snow, and other forms of weatherization that can cause premature rotting or degradation unless the proper measures are taken.

It’s what makes proper waterproofing best practices an important part of your decking services. And while it might seem as simple as applying a waterproof coating, the process can be a bit more complex, and requires your care and attention, particularly in commercial applications. In this article, we’ll explore how to properly vet your waterproof coating to suit the needs of your customers; the most effective tools you can deploy to effectively waterproof decks of any substrate; and the value in professional training.

Selecting High-Performance Products

The longevity and effectiveness of a waterproofing system is primarily determined by identifying the substrate, anticipated foot traffic, weather conditions, and specific use. For example, environmental conditions, such as the intense heat of Arizona versus colder climates in upper North America, further influence the choice of the right system.

Choices abound, ranging from vinyl systems to polymer systems, epoxy systems to cementitious systems. Some of these options may be suitable for certain applications, but not for others, and it’s important to properly vet them for high levels of performance that your customers can trust for the long term.

However, high-performance cementitious systems can provide broad coverage for many conditions and applications and are a practical and popular choice among waterproofing professionals for a range of needs. Applications include high-traffic areas such as pedestrian balconies, rooftop decks, and stairways, as well as areas designed to receive a concrete topper, pavers, or ceramic tiles such as plaza/podium decks, roof decks, and pool decks while providing long-lasting protection and aesthetic appeal.

When evaluating such systems, a few things to look for include:

Compliance with Relevant Industry Standards — One way to ensure that your choice of waterproof coating will stand up to demanding environments is to look for products that meet relevant codes and standards. For example, general compliance with the International Building Code (IBC), the International Residential Code (IRC), and others mean you can be confident in the product’s overall durability and weatherability performance.

In some cases, it’s worth getting more specific. For example, for a project in hurricane-prone Florida, it’s important to look for a waterproof coating that meet’s the Florida Building Code’s elevated performance standards. Elsewhere, fire performance and relevant code compliance is an increasingly important performance characteristic in California, which has in recent years experienced numerous record-setting wildfire seasons. Here, you can seek products that meet the California Residential Building Code, Class A fire ratings, BML listings for fire performance, and other important fire performance criteria.

Color Versatility — A waterproof coating’s role involves more than performance against the elements—it should be another way to enhance the aesthetics of the outdoor space.

To those ends, color versatility can be another important performance characteristic in your choice of waterproof coating. Some cementitious systems are compatible with a standard paint color machine, with the ability to match virtually limitless color options to meet your customers’ wants and needs.

@Andy Dean – stock.adobe.com

Top Tools for the Job

Whether you’re waterproofing a new-build deck or an existing one that has not yet been properly treated, it’s important for construction professionals to be equipped with the right tools to perform the work accurately and reliably. Without them, it may be difficult to perform the work in accordance with professional standards. Here are some items to equip yourself with:

• Moisture Meters — Before starting a waterproofing project, it’s important to assess the deck’s current condition. If you’re performing waterproofing immediately following construction, and the deck has not yet experienced adverse weather conditions, this step may not be necessary, but it is important to consider doing nonetheless. A condition assessment involves inspecting the amount of moisture present in the materials, and a high-quality moisture meter is essential to conduct the work, helping you best understand the deck’s true condition. Professional moisture meters can detect hidden moisture in wood and even under concrete. These tools help identify areas that need attention, ensuring a thorough and effective waterproofing process. For example, if the deck is made of plywood, it might contain more moisture than you realize, which could necessitate repairs before waterproofing can begin. Your waterproofing system supplier may be able to provide further guidance on how to approach projects where significant moisture has been detected.
• High-Pressure Hoses for Cleaning — A clean, dry surface is essential for effective waterproofing, allowing the substrate to effectively bond with your waterproofing product. Professionals should be equipped with high-pressure hoses or pressure washers that can easily remove all debris and contaminants. These hoses ensure a deep clean, but they do of course leave the surface wet. Here, it’s important to remember to allow the deck to dry completely before applying a waterproof coating.
• Grinders — A smooth surface is also important for effective waterproofing, and in order to achieve an optimal deck surface, the use of a grinder may be necessary. These tools perform tasks such as light texturing and opening surface pores, which are necessary for proper adhesion of the waterproof coating. Grinders are also effective at removing old coatings or paint, which may not be easily removable with your pressure washer. Single-disc grinders cover approximately 12 inches per pass, while dual-disc grinders can cover up to 20 inches. For large decks, having the appropriate grinding equipment is essential to expedite the process and ensure a smooth, even surface.
• Trowels and Rollers — The type of waterproof coating being used will determine the applicators needed. Common tools include stainless steel trowels and pool trowels, the latter featuring flat blades with rounded ends specifically designed for applying coatings to concrete, such as those on pool decks. Rollers are also frequently used to ensure smooth, even coatings. Missing even a small spot can result in water seeping through tiny holes or cracks, so it’s important to utilize high-quality rollers and paint brushes to cover every part of the surface, including hard-to-reach crevices.
• Miscellaneous Tools for Safety and Cleanliness — Construction professionals should always prioritize safety and cleanliness throughout any project, and a deck waterproofing job is no different. Proper tools for this type of work include items like safety gloves for mixing and applying coatings, and dust masks or goggles to protect against particles. These precautions help maintain a safe working environment. Additionally, crew members often wear metal-spiked golf shoes, which protect the deck surface during the application of the coating, ensuring no damage occurs during the process.

The Importance of Proper Training

Your ability to perform effective waterproofing projects goes beyond the scope of this article—and that’s why professional training opportunities can help you add this service to your portfolio.

Ideally, your waterproofing system supplier should be able to provide you or your teams with the educational opportunities necessary to complete effective waterproofing jobs. Coursework should include a deep dive into available waterproofing systems, details and specifications, as well as code compliance and general industry knowledge. Hands-on application experience is also a plus, enabling workers to gain confidence in applying waterproofing systems to any material.

Some professional products—those that aren’t typically available in big-box stores, for example—offer certified applicator programs. For contractors, such programs are a valuable way to build credibility with your customer base, and to be confident in your abilities to properly apply waterproofing solutions that maintain professional credentials. Becoming a certified applicator for a trusted, proven product can further be an effective marketing tool for your business.

Waterproofing is a high-value service that construction professionals can use to grow their business. Knowing the right tools to use for the job, the right waterproofing products and systems to deliver high performance, and proper application knowledge are all essential.