4 DIY Waterproofing Tips for Your Deck: How To Keep It In Great Condition
Waterproofing your deck will help keep it looking great for years to come and save you from costly repairs down the road. There are a few simple DIY waterproofing tips for decks that you can use to keep yours looking new. With some basic supplies and a little bit of work, you can waterproof your deck in no time and ensure that it remains in great condition. Read on to learn more.
Preparing Your Deck for Waterproofing
Before you begin deck waterproofing, you'll want to clean and prepare your deck.
- Clean the surface thoroughly to remove any dirt, debris, and contaminants. You can use a power washer or Liquid Rubber Deck & Patio Cleaner to get it nice and clean.
- Be sure to protect your plants and other greenery around the deck before you begin.
- Cleaning and preparing your deck will help ensure that the sealant adheres properly and that your deck stays dry and in good condition.
DIY Waterproofing Tips for Decks
Now that you've cleaned and prepared your deck, it's time to begin deck waterproofing. There are a few different methods you can use to waterproof your deck: use a sealant or a deck stain.
- Sealants provide more thorough waterproofing, while stains offer more protection against fading over time. You can use a sealant or stain in combination with each other to help extend the life of your deck even further. If you choose to use a sealant, make sure that you choose the right one for your surface. Some sealants work better on certain types of wood, so it's best to be sure beforehand. You can also add a stain to your sealant to help extend the life of your deck even further.
- If you choose to use a deck stain, you'll aslo want to check and make sure that you choose the right one for your surface (they can vary), and some stains work better on certain types of wood, so it's best to be sure beforehand.
1. Apply a Sealant
If you decide to use a sealant for your deck waterproofing, like Cool Foot Deck Coating, you'll want to apply at least three heavy coats of sealant to the surface of your deck. The first coat of sealant will help prevent water from entering the wood and damaging it, while the second coat will help it adhere properly to the surface of your deck. The third coat will act as an added protective layer that fully waterproofs the wood. Make sure that you apply the sealant to the entire surface of your deck. Do not forget to apply it to the top, bottom, and sides, too.
2. Use a Deck Stain
Stain is great for preventing your deck from fading over time, but it won't provide the same amount of protection as a sealant does. Combining the two is the best approach, but you will still gain some benefits from staining your deck. Conduct some research in advance to ensure you purchase the right stain for the type of wood in your decking for optimal results.
3. Use a Deck Stain and Sealant Combo
If you decide to use a deck stain and sealant for your deck waterproofing, you will want to apply the stain first and allow it to dry completely. Once it is dry, you can apply the sealant to the surface of your deck afterward. This will help protect your wood from water damage and will extend the life of your deck.
4. Install a Deck Drainage System
A deck drainage system is a great option if you have a very large deck and a lot of water tends to build up on the surface. This type of specialized system will direct the water away from your deck and down a nearby gutter. This is a great solution if you have a lot of water that collects on your deck each year. Combined with deck sealant and/or staining, this is a viable means to keep your deck waterproof year in and year out.
Need Even More Tips?
Liquid Rubber should be part of your deck waterproofing plans.
Liquid Rubber is the preferred solution for many homeowners and DIY enthusiasts, with easy-to-apply products and video tutorials that help you get the best results. Browse our online catalog to see our products, and easily order all the supplies we've featured here.