How to Weatherproof Your Deck

Living in a cold and unpredictable environment, where winter storms can bring about lots of snow, rain, and wind can cause havoc on your deck. However, you know the old saying “April showers brings May flowers”. Spring also can bring damage to your untreated deck. For this reason, you need to make sure the exterior of your home is properly weatherproofed to protect it from any damage.

For instance, you need to make sure your deck is properly sealed so you can avoid any potentially costly repairs in the future. The weatherproofing process should begin when the temperature starts to climb above freezing and you should not be expecting any more snow or ice.

Prepping to Weatherproof Your Deck

After the ice and snow melt away, the first step in weatherproofing your deck is to remove any dirt tracks from the sliding glass doors. It is best to use a broom and dustpan for this task. Then, use a pressure washer to clean and remove any dirt and grime. You can also use a garden hose for this task, but make sure the top of the deck has dried off before you begin.

Sealing Your Deck

After the deck is clean, it is time to start sealing it up. Before you seal the deck, you want to make sure it is completely dry. Once your deck is rinsed off and safe from water damage, it is time to start applying a primer sealant. If you are planning on painting your deck, make sure the primer has been dried for at least 24 hours before the final paint is applied.

Exterior Waterproofing Product

If you are not planning on painting your deck, use the primer-sealer to completely cover the entire surface area of the deck. Allow the sealant to dry for at least 24 hours before you begin applying an exterior waterproofing product. You should apply this product around the perimeters of the home and where the deck attaches to the house as well. Make sure you give time for the exterior waterproofing to dry. This should take at least 24 hours before you bring out any furniture or start hosting parties on your deck.

Drainage

After the exterior waterproofing is dry, make sure you check your driveway and porch for any areas where water is accumulating. Use a hammer and nail to make a hole in these areas, so the water can escape or hire a company to add a french drain.

Repair Broken or Loose Boards on Deck

In addition, take time to inspect all of the boards of your deck. Make sure there are no cracks, gaps, or holes in them. These are areas that need to be covered with exterior grade caulk. If you notice any loose boards, reattach them with a screwdriver and screws. If there is far too much damage to repair, it may be cheaper just to start over. Deck builders can often give you an idea of the cost of repairing it versus rebuilding it. You may find that you would prefer just to rebuild it so you can have it built exactly the way you would like it to be built.

Throughout the process of weatherproofing your deck, you should inspect it daily. If it starts to rain, make sure all of the areas are covered, and no water is accumulating. You also want to make sure all of the products are dry before you use your deck again. If you take care of these three tasks, you should be able to weatherproof your deck and protect it from any harsh spring or summer weather.