Tips On Waterproofing And Deck CarePersonalized Bible Scripture Lessons Delivered Directly To Your Inbox Every Day For A Year! Click Here To Get Bible Studies With Your Name In The Scriptures Wood is made up of small, microscopical cells. When exposed to water and sunlight, the wood loses its natural beauty and strength. If over exposed to water, wet and dry cycles lead to expansion and contraction of the wood, resulting warping, swelling and checking of the wood decks. This can be stopped by proper wood care and maintenance, by waterproofing of the wood decks. What is waterproofing of the wood deck?
Water proofing basically involves coating the surface of the deck with a water repellant sealer to enhance the life and durability of the deck. The sealer can be painted on the deck and that prevents the water from penetrating beneath the deck surface. The water repellant can be applied with a brush, roller, or spray. How is it useful? Waterproofing protects the wood, enhances its life and prevents the effect of damage by water. Redwood can retain its color over the years when water repellant with a mildewcide is used. California Redwood Association says applying sealer to all the pieces before construction ensures complete coverage from water and moisture. The wood can rot, stain and decay if not water proofed and need to be replaced earlier, waterproofing solves all these problems. A water repellant coating with a preservative can be used to prevent the fungi growth including mildew, mold and other decay organisms for the deck always under shade. Guidelines / Tips of Waterproofing the wood deck - These are the general guidelines of water proofing the wood deck. 1. Clean the deck thoroughly of all debris and residue. 2. Cover the area of the deck to be waterproofed with a drop cloth. 3. Use a sprayer or a roller and apply the sealer. 4. Using a brush even out the coatings of the sealer to remove any grains or puddles. 5. Let it set for about 15-30 minutes. 6. Clean the equipment. 7. Dispose the containers as per the instructions on their packages. 8. Allow the deck to dry for 2 days before using it. Tips on Waterproofing and Deck Care -
It is not advisable to use a water repellant sealer on a surface already stained or painted, because water repellant has to penetrate deeply into the wood for its effective performance. With an existing coating, it would not penetrate. Do not allow water puddles to remain on the deck for more than two days. It causes mildew growth on the deck surface.
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