This infographic provides all of the necessary steps you will want to take when you’re trying to waterproof an outdoor deck. Before you get started, make sure that you have all of the tools in place that you’ll need. This includes things like pullovers, paint roller or sprayer, ventilator, primer, liquid rubber coating, tarp, tape, paint brushes, goggles and others.
By using the right tools, you can streamline your efforts in waterproofing your deck and protecting the wood from mold, rot, mildew and UV or weather damage. What’s more, waterproofing your deck also helps to winterize it (if you are living in regions where the winters are colder).
Before you get started, make sure that you remove all furniture from the deck. Next, you’re going to want to thoroughly clean the deck using a scrubber and deck cleaning solution. Check to make sure that the cleaning solution won’t damage the wood (they make a variety of different solutions for cleaning different mediums). Cleaning the decking will remove dirt, debris, oil, mold and other elements, helping the waterproofing liquid rubber layer, allowing for a better bond and permanent seal.
After you’ve cleaned the decking, the next step is to prime it, so the waterproof coating will bind properly and create a permanent rubber membrane that lasts for years to come. Using your roller, and making sure you have your ventilator on and are wearing goggles, you can spray the liquid rubber on or roll it. Using even strokes and motions, add a thick coat to the decking. Allow 4-8 hours in between coats for optimal bonding.
Allow at least 24 hours post application for full curation, after which you can move the outdoor furnishing back into place.
