Waterproofing Your Deck With the 5 Layer Deck Coating System

Who wants a leaky Deck repair saint louis\deck builder st louis? Who wants to be strolling around their garage looking for an umbrella during a rainstorm and get an unwanted shower? Not me. Not you. What we need is a waterproof deck coating that stands up against even the heaviest of downpours. The first step in eliminating leakage and insuring a watertight deck begins with the corners.

What that means is securing the perimeter. Like in war or sports, when you secure the perimeter, nothing can get out, it is trapped. The same is true for waterproofing your deck. By securing the perimeter of your deck with proper flashing installation, water on your deck has only one place to go: in the drain. To execute this vital goal, only custom fitted and situational specific metal flashing should be used. Both on the deck surface and high up the walls, cut the 90 degree waterproof flashing and fabricate to adhere to your deck in a seamless fashion. Next, fasten the flashing tight to the floorboards and wall studs with industry grade power staples and galvanized deck nails. Waterproofing the corners is the primary step in securing your perimeter.

The next key to the successful deck waterproofing is the foundation. Houses built on sand are unlikely to last long. But, a foundation serves no function if nothing is built on top of it. Who wants to take a stroll on their new waterproof deck and find that they are only walking on reinforced plywood? Plywood is not waterproof, and plywood is not aesthetically pleasing either. So, after laying an expert foundation of reinforced, industry grade, custom cut plywood and anchoring a 2.5 lb. diamond shaped lathe system, the 5-layer deck coating process begins.

CEMENT BASE-Layer 1. Proper installation begins with a hearty cement base coat mixture, which slow dries to eliminate unwanted cracks. This layer is for strength of deck and bonding to the plywood/lathe foundation. The strength of the bond is enhanced by the cohesion to the metal lathe level, which is in turn securely stapled to the stud anchored, plywood floorboard. Your deck coating success depends on this patient and skillful process.

FIBERGLASS-Layer 2. This is where we can take a tip from the surfboard and boat making tradition. How do they keep away from leaks, water invasion and sinking? Fiberglass. Yes, one of the keys to deck waterproofing mastery is a second layer of bonded fiberglass. Next in the process, 1/8 inch fiberglass is plastered with industry grade bonder, in order to completely seal your deck from water intrusion. Time tested methods combined with pertinent technology, a winning team!

SKIM COAT-Layer 3. Once the fiberglass layer has slow dried for maximum impenetrability, it is time to apply layer three: the cement skim coat. Only half the material is used in this layer, as its main purpose is to produce an even and flat surface and to protect the fiberglass layer.

TEXTURE-Layer 4. Before the paint, another cement coat is applied. This layer produces both an attractive pattern and doubles as a slip deterrent.

PAINT-Layer 5. The most important step in this process is the finished product. Functionally, this layer gives the deck coating a final watertight seal. The choice of custom color adds a personal touch of flair to the deck.

From the double-reinforced foundation, to the 5-layer deck coating system, you can expect a superior product and service from Prestige Deck Coating, Inc., Orange County’s premier choice for all your deck building and waterproofing needs!