“Waterproof decking” refers to waterproof deck boards that are coated to prevent water from seeping inside the wood. When customers say, “we want a waterproof deck for outdoor,” they ask for a secure and durable home deck that is more likely to stand for extended years.

Why is it necessary?

When water seeps into deck wood, it will cause rot and erosion that might lead your deck to crumble over time. An unsafe deck attracts insects and thus increases the risk of injury.

The waterproof decking system is a simple way to extend your infrastructure’s lifespan and prevent deterioration. Applying a sealant to a deck or porch is only effective way to make them waterproof.

What Function Do Waterproof Decking Products Serve?

Waterproof decking products are perfect alternative for residential houses in Canada that need to keep the weather off their decks. All types of above-grade decks, including wooden, concrete, and recoating systems, help protect this significant part of residential infrastructure.

The waterproof decking system can resist heavy foot traffic and come in various colors. On the other hand, waterproof decking products are beneficial for many reasons, such as;

• They can preserve the building envelope and the deck’s structure while generating a dry, usable space underneath it. That dry area can be used as extra outdoor space or for internal entertaining.
• Rooftop decks and covered patios can also employ waterproofing materials.
• PVC is used in some waterproof decking products, while composite materials are used in others. They come in a selection of hues and textures.
• Many waterproof decking products also come with warranties. Check if the manufacturer uses the appropriate waterproofing material for your project.

  As a dedicated deck builder, we have helped massive customers build and repair their home decks, but if you are interested in DIY waterproof decking, we can help you even then. Have a look at the guidelines on how to make a  waterproof decking products Toronto system at home.

How to Waterproof Your Deck Boards?

If you are going for wooden waterproof decking, it will be wise to go for extra security. The most popular approaches involve sealers, coatings, and vinyl membranes.

Sealers

If you decide on wood boards, you must carefully maintain and seal the wood. Using a transparent sealer, you can lower the danger of rot by preventing water from penetrating the porous surfaces of wood.

Your deck’s water should bubble up like a waxed automobile. If not, it’s probably time to seal once again. According to most builders, wooden deck boards should be sealed every one to three years.

Coatings

Deck coatings are thick substances used to resurface and waterproof a deck. They can be constructed of liquid rubber polyurethane, latex, enamel, acrylic, or other materials. Cleaning and preparing the surface are necessary before applying a fresh coating.

However, the preparation effort is worthwhile because the product can be slip-resistant and in various colors. However, coatings can be tricky to apply and may come off quickly. They can be applied with a brush, roller, or spray, much like paint. The coating takes time to cure and adhere to the deck in addition to the time spent cleaning and putting it on.

The use of coatings for waterproofing deck boards takes different opinions from homeowners. Some believe they do a fantastic job concealing splinters and fractures in wood decks. While others believe they are challenging to apply, can feel harsh and abrasive on bare feet, and can make deck repairs challenging.

Coatings might make splintered wood easier to cover up, but they can also make it more difficult to locate screws and other decking accessories if repairs are required. Coatings also require routine cleaning, just like a sealer. They do, however, cost more and take more time to use for waterproofing a deck.

Vinyl Membranes

On-deck membranes are waterproof flooring. Materials resistant to UV, mildew, and mold are useful in making membranes. They can offer slip resistance that certain types of decking may not be able to. While membranes cost more upfront than sealers, they don’t need to be reapplied with new coats.

How to Waterproof the Space Under Your Deck?

The demand for waterproofing grows as more and more homeowners build extra living space or storage beneath their decks. Let water seep into your newly finished sunroom, or your stored goods need to be better.

Builders have been attempting to repair water damage for years using various methods and supplies. Unluckily, many people experimented with under-joist systems that allowed water to penetrate the deck boards, run over the timber joists, and gather in a drainage system.

Here is the solution to it. Following are the tips to waterproof space under your deck.

• Deck sleepers for roofs

By employing pieces of wood, deck “sleepers” effectively mean lifting the decking boards above the ground or roof. Roof deck sleepers assist prevent water damage by allowing the wood to breathe.

However, stay away from chemically treated sleepers, such as railroad ties, as their use in residential construction is prohibited. Furthermore, remember that this technique still utilizes wood, which might deteriorate over time.

• Under Deck Ceilings

You would require an under-deck drainage system to add an under-deck ceiling. It is conceivable to add a membrane to shield the area below the deck from water by sliding a sizable ceiling panel into position with the aid of a railing. Add vinyl membrane to further strengthen the plywood placed over the decking.

The vinyl is heat-welded to the plywood to make a waterproof seal that stops leaks. Not all types of decks are appropriate for under deck ceilings, despite the fact that they can be quite lovely architecturally. You are also left with the issue of rainwater redirection with this method.

• Systems for interlocking decking

Some decking designs incorporate built-in water troughs to keep water off the deck. These goods, particularly the hollow ones, can be loud, making waterproofing difficult when the system meets the house’s ledger board. Any opening between the system and the home could allow water to enter and cause damage.

• Under-deck drainage systems

These gutter systems are watertight. Under your deck boards, these systems—waterproof gutter systems—are placed. The finest drainage system is installed above the joists since it completely shields all the joists and beams from moisture infiltration.

Select an over-the-joist solution that is simple to install if you plan to build the deck yourself. Utilize this practical table for comparison. Trex RainEscape delivers great quality and simple installation, as you’ll discover. Inquire if the drainage system is built above the joists if you’re employing a builder.

Lastly, don’t concentrate just on looks as you design the construction of your deck. Waterproofing during installation can preserve your investment for years to come.

What are Canada’s top options for waterproof decking?

The most popular options for waterproof decking materials in Canada are:

• Steel lath.
• Waterproof membrane made of vinyl
• Cement with added polymers

Although each material has advantages and disadvantages, you should pick waterproof material.

Another waterproof decking material is Duradek. A waterproof composite product made from rice hulls and high-density polyethylene resin. The material is manufactured in Wisconsin and requires some finishing to prevent water from seeping underneath the deck.

One of the most important things to consider when buying a waterproof decking board is the quality of the material. Make sure to choose materials that a roofing company approves.

Come to us if you want DURADEK waterproof decking products! Raildek is the top aluminum railing and waterproof deck product supplier in Ontario, Canada. Come, look around, and shop!