Does Decking Need To Be Waterproofed
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- 05-09-2022
Does decking need to be waterproofed? This article looks at the need for waterproofing garden decking. Find out if is composite decking more water resistant than wood.
Is Deck Waterproofing Worth It?
It is vital to maintain your wood deck in excellent shape since wood decks are always exposed to the weather and must be effectively waterproofed and protected. If you haven't done, it's strongly recommended that you begin sealing and waterproofing your deck; this will significantly extend its life. What exactly is deck waterproofing, then? It is the same thing to waterproof your deck as it is to seal it. Some products are marketed as waterproofing, whereas others are marketed as sealants. A lot of deck owners find the terminology to be unclear.
Sometimes the items are mentioned separately because finishing the work requires a two-step procedure (waterproofing followed by sealing). For this reason, having a professional maintain your deck is advised. They are the most qualified to ascertain what you require. The usual recommendation is to reseal your deck once a year. How quickly you need to reseal your deck, though, depends depend on how much wear and tear it receives.
Additionally, if your deck receives continuous, direct sunshine, you might need to reseal it more frequently to keep it from getting faded or washed out. Pour a few droplets of water straight on the wood to see if your deck needs a fresh coat of waterproof sealer. Your deck is still weather-protected if the water drops to bead up. You need to reapply the sealant if it seeps into the wood.
Is Composite Decking Waterproof?
Due to its remarkable water resistance and non-slip qualities, our composite decking is perfect for use around hot tubs and pools. Compared to solid wood alternatives, these moisture-resistant boards' textured surface provides better traction and grip. This is especially true of the capped composite decking, which features a protective polymer sleeve for increased moisture resistance.
The use of a moist towel makes spill clean up simple. Water spilt on the surface remains there, shielding the boards. In roughly 30 minutes, all of the surface water has simply evaporated. This increases the safety of your outdoor enjoyment while also preventing unsightly mould and mildew from growing on the deck's surface.
How To Waterproof Decking:
Clean Your Decking
The first step in waterproofing any decking is to make sure that it is clean. This entails clearing your decks of any dirt and rubbish, such as chairs, tables, and any falling leaves that may have landed there. There are two methods to go about doing this. The first is rather easy, and it entails obtaining a power washer and jet washing the decks.
The result of a pressure washer, also known as a power washer, jet wash, or pressure washer, is always the same: a condensed, high-pressure water hose that can remove grime, filth, and other undesirable elements from your decking, leaving you with a clean, smooth deck that is ready for sealing. The alternate option is to avoid using a jet wash and instead use a brush. This approach may involve a little more effort, but in this case, you can use particular chemicals meant to be pushed into decking if your decking has stains or other grime that a power wash alone cannot remove. In any case, this procedure should be finished before proceeding to seal the deck itself.
Sealing Your Deck
To ensure that your decking is waterproofed, you will need to seal it. Sealing your decking is an important step that you must prepare for when it comes to the entire waterproofing process - this is not something you can perform on the spur of the moment. That's because, in order to properly seal your deck, a few things must align before you ever contemplate applying the sealer.
First, ensure that all of the other tasks on this list have been completed, most notably that your decking has been cleaned. If your deck is clean, you may move on to the next factor: the weather. You must ensure that there is no rain expected for at least 48 hours after cleaning your decking and that the temperature remains above 10 degrees Celsius. That's because it will take you around a day to apply the sealant to the decking (assuming you have an average-sized residential deck), and then another 24 hours for the sealer to dry correctly and preserve your decking.
So, when the weather cooperates, and you have the time, clean your sundeck and prepare yourself with the necessary gear. This varies based on the sealant, but often you will need an application pad or paint roller linked to a long pole to treat the decking itself, and a smaller paintbrush to seal the deck railing. Make careful to seal the deck railings first before applying the sealer to the decking.
Once your railings are done, you may begin sealing the decking floor, working your way backwards from the farthest corner from the decking entry to prevent leaving footprints in the sealer. Make a smooth sealant imprint in your wake while applying your sealant. Check with the sealant manufacturer, but in many situations, a single excellent, well-applied coating will be sufficient to protect your decking from the harsh effects of weathering.
Is Composite Decking More Water Resistant than Wood?
Standard hardwood decking may be prone to rot if exposed to excessive moisture on a regular basis.
Additionally, if the boards are wet during a cold spell, the liquid that enters the wood may freeze and expand, leading to the boards' cracking; there is a considerable likelihood that traditional timber deck planks may warp, giving you a deformed surface that is uneven, malformed, and structurally insecure.
Comparatively speaking, composite decking is far more resilient to these problems. Each board is particularly made to endure the British environment, with an absorption rate of less than 1.2%.
When to Re-Seal Your Deck
Maintaining a sound, waterproof deck requires both sealing it once and resealing it. The simplest technique is to evaluate the waterproofing capabilities of the decking. To test the durability of the sealant, apply some water to the decking and see how it responds. Reapplying sealant is necessary if water seeps into the decking's wood, but if it only beads up on top, your decking is still secure.
Following the methods from beginning to end will make re-sealing your decking straightforward, and after you're done, your decking will be able to withstand weathering once more. It may be time to call the experts for a professional remedy if you have detected wood rot or dampness beginning to settle within your house.
Are you looking for garden decking or composite decking near you? If you require garden decking in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire contact us today. Our garden design experts can supply and install beautiful garden decking for you and your family to enjoy for years to come.
