Wood decks that have not been properly waterproofed can become breeding grounds for mould and fungus, thus shortening their lifespan significantly and adding years to your investment’s lifespan. A well-coated deck will protect itself from this fate and extend its useful lifespan significantly.

Water damage from rain, sand and saltwater is a widespread problem for NJ property owners. A few simple steps can protect your deck from our local climate’s potential harm.

Sealing

Your rain-proof deck Adelaide should be sealed annually to prevent mildew, mould and rot from the elements. A water repellant sealant such as CabotStain penetrates deep into wood fibres to block UV rays while adding beautiful colour and protecting from spilled food/beverages/pet accidents.

Protecting your deck goes beyond its boards alone–it also includes its supporting joists and beams. A self-adhesive Trex RainEscape wall flash seal protects your deck and house by blocking water seepage behind ledger boards into the structure of your home. Easy installation during new construction or as a DIY project, coupled with proper drainage systems and sealants, will extend its life for years.

Waterproofing

Waterproofing your deck provides another layer of protection and should be considered part of any rain-proof system. Various waterproofing products are available, and selecting the appropriate product depends on your individual needs, budget and installation timeframe – an experienced home improvement consultant can advise the most suitable option to help you make a rain-proof deck Adelaide.

Before applying a fresh layer of waterproofing, first sand all surfaces to remove loose stains and smooth the wood for improved absorption. Wash the deck using either a garden hose or pressure washer to wash away dirt, debris, and oil collected on its surface. For optimal storage space under your deck, install special under-deck ceiling panels that prevent puddles from forming while directly channelling them to a gutter or drainage system below.

Membrane waterproofing systems are more costly than sealers, but their lifespan and lack of need for reapplication make them worth their cost. Membranes made from materials resistant to mould, mildew and UV rays and providing slip resistance are often chosen.

Long-term durability depends on waterproofing the joists and beams that support your deck boards, such as using self-adhesive flashing tape like Trex RainEscape Wall Flash to protect the tops of joists, rim joists, and beams from moisture intrusion. Although best installed during construction, existing decks may also benefit from such protection.

Drainage

Water-shedding decks are rain-proof deck Adelaide that include ceilings or some form of trough to catch runoff water and direct it toward downspouts located beneath the joist header, creating usable space below for outdoor living or storage purposes. These ceiling systems also serve to make space under the deck more usable.

Deck flanges designed to fit between the joists can also help prevent water from seeping beneath a deck surface. Made of rubber, these spacers and gutters act both as spacers between boards as well as gutters to channel rainwater toward the edge of the deck (contractors install these by pounding them in), but this method only addresses surface issues without taking care to address joist damage that could otherwise develop from repeated exposure to moisture.

Storage

Decks provide the ideal place for storing items that would otherwise become damp and damaged by moisture, like lawnmowers and garden tools that might become damp due to rain or snow. But to prevent moisture build-up in storage areas, proper ventilation must be ensured so as not to trap moisture within them; waterproof barriers such as membranes with drainage systems should also be created as a part of this plan.

Adding under-deck storage is an easy and cost-effective way to make the space usable regardless of the weather. Many types of storage boxes exist for this task, including this resin version from East Oak which features strong durability with waterproof properties to protect items from rain or other elements, features a realistic wicker appearance to complement most outdoor decor, and its 100-gallon capacity provides plenty of room for patio cushions, grill supplies, toys or pool gear storage needs – and is even mouse proof!