Wood Deck Protection: How to Waterproof a Plywood Deck or Balcony

A lot of people think that they have to use expensive, premade, waterproofing sealers when they are trying to waterproof a deck or balcony.

The truth is, these sealers are pricey, and they can also peel, crack, and chip. A much cheaper and more practical solution is to use a polyurethane liquid rubber sealant that is designed for decks and wood surfaces.

This article will guide you through the process of waterproofing your plywood deck or balcony using Liquid Rubber. By following these steps, you can protect your outdoor spaces from water damage, weathering, and deterioration over time.

The Benefits of Sealing Plywood

Plywood is a popular building material for decks because it’s strong and relatively inexpensive. If you want to protect your plywood deck from the elements, you will need to seal it with a waterproof sealant. 

Sealing plywood is an important step in the construction process. This is because plywood is a type of sheet material made of multiple layers of wood, often oriented perpendicular to the direction of the wood grain.

It's important to seal the plywood before finishing the wood with paint or varnish to ensure durability and longevity. 

Extending the life of your decking is important. You've put all that time and effort into the materials and workmanship that you'll want to make sure you take the necessary steps to enjoy your hard work for a lifetime to come.

Here are the benefits of waterproofing a wood deck or balcony:

• Extended life: Applying a sealant can dramatically increase the lifespan of your deck, potentially multiplying its durability by up to five times.
• No more painting: Once sealed, your wood deck won’t require frequent repainting. The sealant preserves the paint underneath, maintaining its appearance and integrity.
• Moisture protection: Sealing is the most effective method to keep moisture out, safeguarding against wood rot and ensuring the structural integrity of your deck.
• UV protection: By sealing your deck, you also extend its life cycle by protecting the wood from potential damage caused by UV rays.
• Weathering protection: Sealing helps prevent common issues like warping, dry rot, buckling, and other weather-related damage.

Dry Rot Prevention

Plywood is a popular option for decks and balconies due to its easy installation and versatility. However, if you live in an area with frequent rain or snow or if your deck or balcony is angled or sloped, you will want to take steps to ensure your plywood does not warp, buckle, or dry rot.

Dry rot is an especially dangerous type of decay that can cause irreparable damage to the wood on the decking. It’s caused by a fungus which enters through cracks in the wood. As the fungus spreads, it can completely destroy the wood and make it unsafe to step on.

Warping and buckling, by comparison, are caused by improperly sealed or aging wood, rotted wood, water and snow or weather-damaged wood, and wood that wasn't properly sealed when the decking was installed.

Plywood Tip: When building decks, choose chemically treated plywood to prevent fungal decay and significantly extend the structure's durability.

Rot Prevention

Long-lasting decking materials are the key to any deck. Rot prevention is important for homeowners to keep their decks looking beautiful for many years.

To prevent rot, homeowners should choose a decking material that is long-lasting. This choice minimizes the need for extensive maintenance and ensures the deck remains robust over time. 

As wood is organic and naturally prone to decay, opting for materials resistant to rot is vital. Once the appropriate material is selected, it should be properly sealed with high-quality liquid rubber compounds during installation.

This sealing process provides an additional protective barrier, safeguarding the deck against moisture and decay and ensuring it remains a durable and attractive feature of your home.

Using Liquid Rubber on Flat Plywood Decks

If you're looking for an innovative way to cover your next deck, Liquid Rubber is the perfect solution. This water-based product is applied directly to your deck as a liquid and dries to a durable, flexible, and water-resistant coating that lasts for years.

You'll be able to achieve a perfect, seamless finish with this product, and it can be applied to any type of wood surface, including flat plywood.

The amount of Liquid Rubber Deck Coating you will need depends on the size of your deck and the desired thickness of the coating. 

Pro Tip: A typical deck will require about one gallon of Liquid Rubber Deck Coating for every 50 square feet.

 

DIY Steps to Use Liquid Rubber Deck Coating

The optimal times to apply liquid rubber deck coating are during the cooler temperatures of spring or fall. Although you can apply it in the summer, the high heat may cause it to dry too quickly and prevent proper sealing.

Morning applications are ideal, as the cooler and drier conditions allow the coating to cure at it’s normal rate.

For personal safety, wear protective gear during the application. Equip yourself with rubber gloves, a dust mask, and closed-toe shoes to safeguard against chemicals. Wearing long sleeves and pants will also protect your skin from potential splashes.

Use a roller to apply the coating evenly across the surface of the deck. This helps achieve a uniform layer, ensuring thorough coverage and optimal sealing.

Here’s how to apply liquid rubber deck coating:

1. Surface repair: Before waterproofing a plywood deck, you should repair any damage to the surface. You can use a patching compound to fix any holes or cracks in the deck.
2. Cleaning the deck: Once the surface is repaired, you can begin waterproofing the deck. The first step is to clean and remove any deck stain, dirt, dust, or debris. Use a pressure washer to remove the dirt or a broom and a detergent to clean the surface.
3. Applying the coating: Once the deck is clean, you can begin applying the waterproofing coating. Use a roller or a brush to ensure the coating is applied evenly across the entire surface.
4. Drying time: Allow the coating to dry completely before using the deck. This ensures that the waterproofing is fully set and effective.

Coating Insight: Use liquid rubber deck coating when temperatures are between 50°F to 70°F and humidity is low for best adhesion and durability.

What If It Rains on Liquid Rubber Deck Coating Before It Dries?

If it rains before the liquid rubber deck coating has dried, the coating may be damaged. The rain can wash the coating off the surface, necessitating a reapplication.

After the rain stops and the surface dries, inspect the coating. If it appears compromised by the water, reapply the coating following the original steps. Ensure the new application has adequate time to fully cure before using the deck.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

When applying liquid rubber deck coating to your wooden decking, several common issues might arise. Understanding these problems and knowing how to address them can help ensure your deck sealant or deck sealer provides the best protection against moisture damage, UV rays, and wear.

Uneven Application

Sometimes, the deck sealer may not spread evenly across the deck's surface, especially on a new wood deck or weathered deck. To prevent this, use a roller or brush designed for deck sealing to apply the sealer evenly across the entire surface of the wooden deck. If areas of the wood decking seem less covered, apply additional deck sealer to these spots, ensuring full coverage.

Drying Issues

High humidity or cool temperatures can extend the drying time of deck sealers. On the other hand, applying sealant in direct, hot, intense sunlight or during extreme heat can cause the sealer to dry too quickly, potentially leading to a less effective seal. Plan to seal your deck in dry weather with mild temperatures and avoid hot, direct, intense sunlight to allow the sealer to cure properly.

Adhesion Problems

For new wood decks, ensure the surface is free from oils, dust, and other debris before applying the deck sealer. Clean the deck thoroughly with a pressure washer, then let it dry completely. If the deck sealer fails to adhere, strip any previous coatings and start sealing again after the surface is clean and dry.

Flaking or Peeling

Over time, deck stains or sealers may start to flake or peel, particularly if the wooden deck has not been properly sealed or if the wood sealant has aged. To address this, remove the loose sealant, sand down the area lightly, and reapply a fresh coat of deck sealer to protect your deck from UV damage and moisture.

Rot and Mold

Even with a protective layer, wooden decks can suffer from rot or mold if the sealant does not penetrate deep enough to offer protection. Check for signs of fungal growth or soft spots in the wood decking. If you find rot, you may need to replace broken boards or treated lumber before reapplying the deck sealer.

Wrapping Up

Installing decking or a balcony on your own is hard work that can pay off in the form of a valuable addition to your home that you can enjoy for years to come.

Make sure you’re proactive in your approach and take the necessary steps to protect the investment of time and money by sealing it with liquid rubber coating in advance. 

Need some more tips? Check out our related guide: PREVENT YOUR WOOD DECK FROM BECOMING SLIPPERY WITH THESE 5 EFFECTIVE WAYS