10 Things you Need to Know Before Waterproofing your Deck

When it comes to taking care of your deck, there are some things you should know. One of them being that you shouldn’t skimp when it comes to taking care of it. From routine maintenance to making sure the deck is properly waterproofed, there are things you can do to ensure your deck keeps looking like new. Here are 9 things to know before you waterproof your deck.

1. Know when to get your deck waterproofed. One way to know if your deck needs to be waterproofed is if you pour a drop of water on your deck does it bead up or does it sink into the wood. If it gets absorbed into the deck, it’s a good sign that it’s time to waterproof your deck.
2. Know the signs of water damage. If you see that the wood boards of your deck have warped, have mold or mildew or if the boards are “spongy” there’s a good chance your deck has water damage.
3. Water damage will be costly in the long run. If you think that getting your deck waterproofed is expensive, that will be nothing to the cost of having to take care of water damage such as dry rot and mold if you don’t get your deck waterproofed. Paying a little now will save you a lot in the long run 
4. While paints can add a protective coat to a deck, they require more maintenance. Painting the surface of a wood deck can add a strong protection against water and other elements. However, paint can flake and therefore, overtime, will require much maintenance.
5. Deck sealants provide flexibility. Waterproof sealants provide a great way to protect your deck from the sun, water and natural everyday traffic. While sealants can come in a clear form so that the wood of the deck really shines through, some protective sealants also come in different colors.
6. It’s important to hire a professional. While there are do it yourself sealants that you can purchase, there’s no way to know if you are actually doing it correctly until something goes wrong. While you think you might be saving money by not hiring a contractor, it may lead to more costs down the line.
7. When you hire a professional, remember ask about your options. Just because you hire a professional doesn’t mean that you should lose your voice when it comes to the picture of how you want your deck to be. A professional contractor should help you achieve your goals, not theirs.  
8. Make sure to ask questions. A contractor should be happy to answer any questions you may have and to walk your through every aspect of the process. The only way to know if they are working according to your vision is to ask.
9. Enjoy your new deck! While it may seem like going to extremes to hire a professional and get your deck re-sealed or waterproofed every few years it’s well worth it.