What Is The Best Waterproof Deck Coating?

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Did you know that without proper waterproofing, your deck could deteriorate in as little as five years, leading to costly repairs or even replacement? According to the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA), water damage is responsible for more than 80% of deck failures. Ensuring that your deck is waterproofed properly is crucial, but what is the best waterproof deck coating, and should you try to complete this task on your own? Let’s take a quick look and answer these questions.

Types of Deck Coatings

While there are many options out there, the type of waterproof deck coating that you use should depend on two main factors – your decking materials and your climate. For instance, concrete pool deck coatings will not be the same materials we would use for wood deck coating, etc. When it comes to climate, here in Southern California, we need coatings that can handle the excess sunlight as well as the winter rains.

Matching the correct waterproofing materials to your specific deck type is crucial, but, in general, here is a quick look at the different types of coatings and how they should be used.

1. Liquid Rubber Coatings

Liquid rubber coatings are a versatile, highly flexible option that forms a durable, seamless membrane over the deck surface. This type of coating is often water-based, making it environmentally friendly and easy to apply with a roller or brush. This coating can be used on wood decks as well as concrete decks and even metal decks, as it prevents rust and corrosion.

2. Acrylic Coatings

Acrylic coatings are water-based products that form a protective, durable layer on the deck surface. They are often used to create a slip-resistant finish, which is ideal for areas with high foot traffic or where safety is a concern. We often use these for concrete pool deck coatings because they resist water and UV damage as well as prevent slips and falls.

3. Polyurethane Coatings

Polyurethane coatings are highly durable, solvent-based products that create a strong, water-resistant barrier. They are known for their exceptional resistance to wear, chemicals, and UV rays, making them a long-lasting option for deck waterproofing. Polyurethane is suitable for wood decks as well as concrete decks.

4. Epoxy Coatings

Epoxy coatings are two-component systems that create a hard, durable surface when mixed and applied. These coatings are particularly known for their glossy finish and excellent resistance to water and chemicals. We don’t use these for wood deck coating, but they can be used on concrete decks as well as metal decks.

5. Elastomeric Coatings

Elastomeric coatings are highly flexible, rubberized coatings designed to provide a long-lasting waterproof barrier. They are particularly effective at bridging small cracks and gaps, ensuring a seamless surface. This type of coating can be used on wood or concrete decks.

In general, polyurethane, epoxy and elastomeric coatings have the highest level of durability, which makes them suitable for high-traffic areas such as commercial properties. Acrylic and liquid rubber can be a good option for residential decks with moderate use and exposure.

These latter two also are less expensive options, which might be a factor. But, keep in mind, it can be smart to invest in a more expensive product as this will often last longer and stretch out the period in between coatings. In the final analysis, the best option is to select the highest quality product for your specific deck material. Even if that comes with a slightly higher price tag, it still tends to be more cost-effective than making repairs or replacing a deck that has not been waterproofed properly.

5 Reasons To Hire A Waterproofing Specialist

Head into any home improvement store and you’ll find a whole section dedicated to waterproofing materials. The do-it-yourself approach can be tempting, but it’s typically best to look for professional waterproofing services and let these contractors handle deck waterproofing tasks, and here’s why.

1. Expertise in Material Selection

As you can see from the information earlier in this article, there are a lot of waterproofing products and not all are the best fit for every project or even every climate. Contacting waterproofing experts can be the best way to ensure that the products used are the best ones for your specific decking materials. As stated above, in Southern California, snow is not a factor, but we do need to select materials with heavy UV protection

2. Proper Surface Preparation

When it comes to deck coating and waterproofing, proper preparation is extremely important. All deck surfaces must be cleaned carefully and during this process, we also make any necessary repairs to the structure of the deck. This ensures that there will be no peeling, cracking or other issues once we waterproof the deck.

3. Quality Application

A professional application of waterproof deck coatings ensures even coverage and adherence to manufacturer guidelines, which will maximize the coating’s performance and longevity. Additionally, we can complete this project faster than a homeowner would be able to, saving you time as well as ensuring quality.

4. Access To High-Quality Products

As waterproofing contractors, we have access to commercial-grade products not available to the general public. These products produce higher-quality results and deliver longer-lasting protection.

5. Warranty & Peace of Mind

Using a professional waterproofing company can bring great peace of mind, especially since we typically offer a warranty on our work. Keep in mind, that even the best waterproofing materials will break down over time, so it’s best to schedule these tasks every two years or whenever you start to notice that spills and water aren’t cleaning up easily anymore.

Our Waterproofing Services

At Thome Waterproofing, we have extensive experience with all types of waterproofing products and systems as well as with many types of waterproofing. In addition to all types of deck waterproofing, we can provide you with the following services:

Need Waterproofing? Contact Us Today!

In the final analysis, there’s no simple answer to the question, “What is the best waterproof deck coating?” The best option is to select an experienced professional who utilizes the highest quality products and techniques to protect your deck for as long as possible. At Thome Waterproofing, we can provide you with any type of deck waterproofing that you might need. Contact us at any time to set up a consultation. We serve the entire Los Angeles metro area including all of LA and Ventura counties.