Weekend Upgrade: Deck Waterproofing

Adding on a new deck is an excellent way to increase the beauty and value of your home. The deck won’t hold up long, however, without adequate waterproofing. It will quickly take on a gray, weathered look that detracts from your home’s aesthetics.

If your deck is starting to look worn or faded, and water soaks into it rather than beading up on the wood, the time has come to waterproof your deck again. Waterproofing must be done during dry weather, so before scheduling your project, check the forecast and make sure you’ll have at least 48 hours of calm, dry weather.

Clear Out and Clean Off

Begin by removing outdoor furniture and other items from the deck. Loosely cover delicate plants and flowers nearby with tarps or drop cloths, sweep off dirt and debris, and hammer down any protruding nail heads. If any boards are damaged, they will need to be repaired, or you can take advantage of deck repair service from Handyman Connection. After the deck surface is clean and repaired, it’s time to move on to power washing. Check that the water pressure is no higher than 1,000 PSI, and keep the spray nozzle several feet away from the deck to avoid damaging the wood. Make sure to deck is completely dry before moving on to the next step.

Sand Off the Old Layer

While power washing will remove much of the previous waterproof coating, sanding is also necessary to remove the remainder and level out any rough or splintered areas. This can be achieved using medium-grit sandpaper and a pole or orbital sander. A smooth, clean surface will help the new coating set in better, resulting in a higher level of protection for the deck.

Choose and Apply Your Sealant

The myriad of deck stains and sealants available can make choosing one a very confusing process. Whichever one you choose, be sure that it does these three things:

• Repels water.
• Blocks the sun’s harsh UV rays.
• Preserves the wood by protecting against mold and mildew.

Once you’ve chosen a high-quality finish, lay down a thin, even coat with a stain brush, following the direction of the boards. Remember to apply the finish to all exposed surfaces, including steps, railings, board ends and cracks. Don’t allow the stain or sealant to pool, or you’ll have an uneven finish. In addition, don’t apply it in direct sunlight, or it will dry before fully absorbing into the wood. A second coat can be used if needed.

The Final Step

The deck must fully dry before it can be used again, so stay off it for at least 48 hours to allow it to do so. In the meantime, you can remove the coverings from the landscaping. After the allotted time is up and you’ve checked to ensure the deck is completely dry, you can replace your furniture and other outdoor furnishings, sit down and relax!

Call for Professional Handyman Services

Whether you need a professional to waterproof your deck or you would like to take advantage of our handyman painting services, Handyman Connection is here to help. Give us a call today at 1-800-88-HANDY, and we’ll send out an experienced craftsman who’ll get the job done right!