Typically those who own residential decks use clear or colored stains and sealers to waterproof their own decks. These stains and sealers are often oil or water based and need to be redone every two to four years. There are also solid stains and paints as an alternative, but often they are a much higher maintenance option as they start peeling within two years. Since solid stains and paints form a thick film on a wood surface, the layer will peel instead of fading. The process is hindered further by coating with an opaque finish. Take care to do your research on what stain or paint is right for the life of your deck.
A more permanent option for commercial buildings such as apartment complexes, businesses, hotels or even residential homes is epoxy coating. It takes a lot of time and money to waterproof a deck using epoxy coatings, but since it can last almost indefinitely, the investment is worth it. Often as many as six applications are involved from galvanized mesh to masonry sealer. It is best to leave such a large undertaking to waterproof deck professionals like West Coast Decking & Waterproofing. Of all the waterproof deck coatings available, professionals like us choose to use Desert Flex and Desert Crete. Desert Flex is the most cost-effective solution for residential balconies, swimming pool decks, roof decks and walkways which are in need of repairs. The coating is easy to apply and dries fast to cause the least amount of disruption to your property. It is also very easy to maintain and decorative finishes are available so that it blends in with your current décor. For damaged plywood and concrete decks, floors and surfaces, we use Desert Crete solutions. The systems are tough, fire-resistant, fast-drying and cost-effective. For more information on these systems, click here. Good luck choosing the right system for waterproofing your deck!