Adding a deck to your home would not only make it more beautiful, it also costs less than adding another room. It could also increase the value of your property. However, the biggest problem would be safeguarding your deck since it is usually made of wood. Waterproofing could help your deck stay beautiful and safe.
Wood can lose its strength if it is constantly exposed to water and extreme sunlight. Repetitive exposure to these elements could cause wood to expand and contract which can compromise the deck’s safety.
Waterproofing would help protect wood properties and makes it last longer. Construction companies apply sealers and necessary products on the materials before construction is done. Such sealants and products would keep the wood dry free from water stain, rotting, fungi growth and other organisms which could cause the wood to decay.
You could easily do deck waterproofing on your own. There are products which you could buy and easily apply on your deck. But when doing the sealing on your own, be sure to waterproof under the deck. Here are some things that you would need when waterproofing:
• Cleaner
• Sprayer or roller
• Waterproofing sealant (number of cans would depend on the size of your deck)
• Paint brushes
Consult a waterproofing expert or ask the hardware store for any recommendations on what sealant you could use. You could also research about good products on the internet. There are different websites you could check for customer feedbacks about the product.
Before you start taking out of your sealant cans, make sure to clean the deck first. Remove the dirt and the possible debris by sweeping it running cloth, making the surface smooth. Clear the area of things, like furniture and ornaments, which could accidentally get sealants.
When applying the sealant on the deck:
• Make sure to read the instructions on the waterproofing sealant clearly.
• You could use the roller and sprayer to apply the waterproof sealant.
• Evenly apply the waterproofing material. Don’t worry if you are applying too much. This would keep the wood really protected.
• Let it dry for at least 15 to 30 minutes, or whatever is stated on the instructions of the product before making any movements that will expose the deck to dust and other kind of debris. It could take 48 hours or more before the deck gets completely dry, avoid using and even walking on it during this period.
Aside from waterproofing the surface of the deck, what happens underneath is also important. Usually, waterproofing under the deck would require to attaching a vinyl ceiling which would divert the water towards the gutters. This would create a dry space under the deck which could be maximized for storage.
There are several decks that have two and three levels, waterproofing the ceiling of each level is important. When properly installed, it could definitely protect the deck and house’s structure from water elements. It could also protect the furniture or things stored below the deck.
For most homeowners, residential waterproofing seems to be more about fixing interior problems, like sealing cracks and applying waterproof paint. The deal is, exterior waterproofing is your first line of defense against natural elements.
Hydrostatic pressure is one of the common reasons for water penetrating into your home. When the water table or ground water surrounding your house rise, whether it is because of heavy rain or clogged drain, it exerts force into the walls. This pressure could push water through cracks in walls, floors and wall-floor joints. It could also push water vapour making the air inside your home, humid.
Moisture and humidity could also foster the growth or mold and mildew. Fungi growth could cause respiratory problems, allergy, infection and toxicity in residents. Mold exposure can trigger asthma and lung bleeding.
To make sure that this would not happen, there should be a functioning footer drain outside your home. It would remove excess water and divert it far from your home. If you already have one, regular cleaning and clog removing is important.
There are two kinds of drain which could be used: a gravity drain or a pump system. Gravity drain would direct water away from the house on a downhill pipe, called the tail line. When using this method, the water should be directed to a location lower than the house (and the basement). If the destination is the problem, then using the pump system would be the option. The pump system costs lower than the gravity drain.
Aside from working drains, it is also especially important to waterproof windows and doors. Exposure to sunlight and moisture could strip down the waterproofing products applied to it before. There are sealants which could be use to make them waterproof again.
If you are getting a contractor to do the external waterproofing for you, then check their products. Some contractors are not offering waterproofing but damp proofing. The difference is that damp proofing uses tar-based products which do not protect your home in the long run. When these tar-based materials dry, they become brittle and could easily flake. They could even cause future cracking.
Waterproofing the exterior of your home should combine drainage and using waterproofing products. But external waterproofing may not be practical for all kind of housing like older houses. It is easier to integrate this when the house is still being constructed.
There are waterproofing contractors who could provide an estimate on the cost and scope of waterproofing needed for your home. Some would provide free quotations with no attached obligations. Make sure not to sacrifice work quality by choosing a low-cost contractor.
Having good external waterproofing means you would not have to worry about interior waterproofing. Interior waterproofing merely, removes water that is accumulated inside the house, while external waterproofing makes sure that water would not be getting inside.
Failure to address standing water and moisture issues in your home could cost you heavily in the future. Aside from serious health problems, it could also cause weak foundation and lower market value, if you are thinking of selling your house. External waterproofing could be a bit costly, but its benefits should not be ignored.
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