As the spring finally makes its long-awaited emergence, we find ourselves irresistibly drawn to emerge ourselves! The freshness of the air and the stirring of nature give us new energy and hope. As we come out of our homes this spring, we may start to wonder what maintenance our decks need so that we can enjoy them fully this year. A common question is, “Should I waterproof my deck this spring?”
In order to help you determine what your deck needs, here are a few considerations:
What Type of Deck Coating Is Already On It?
If your deck has been painted, you will not apply a waterproof coating. Instead, you should see if the paint is still in good shape. If it is, then no new coating is needed. If it is looking worn or deteriorated anywhere, it should be touched up this spring, or maybe even receive a full repaint.
Solid color stains are similar to paints, as they form a coating on the surface (rather than soaking into the wood like typical stains). As with deck paint, you do not need to put a waterproof coating over solid color stains, but rather apply a new coating when the prior one shows signs of beginning to wear out.
For decks where you can see the wood grain with some added color, this is a semi-transparent stain which adds color but no waterproofing. Alternatively, if your deck just looks like bare wood with no coloration, it probably only has a water-resistant treatment.
A deck with semi-transparent stain or a transparent water-resistant coating will need new treatment somewhat often. Most professional painting companies recommend recoating your deck every year or two, in order to keep it looking great and lasting a long time. If you let the wood soak in too much moisture, it begins to split, crack, twist, and cup, and these types of damage are not reparable without replacing the wood.
How to Apply Waterproofing to a Deck
Before any house painting or deck coating project, the first step is to clean it thoroughly. This can be done using a scrub brush and a garden hose, with a mild deck-cleaning solution. Another option is to use a pressure-washer, though this must be done with great caution, as this type of tool can cause personal injury and property damage.
Once the deck is clean, it must be allowed to dry thoroughly. In warm weather, this can take 2-3 days.
Now it is time to apply your waterproofing product. It can be applied with a garden sprayer or with typical painting tools. Apply enough that it soaks into the wood thoroughly, but not so much that it puddles. Follow all instructions on the packaging.
Deck Maintenance Services for New Jersey
Why spend those precious, beautiful hours of outdoor time scrubbing and spraying your deck? Instead, consider hiring a professional exterior painting company to do the work. That way, you can maximize your time enjoying the deck, rather than working on it.
For homeowners in New Jersey and Philadelphia, Cherry Hill Painting is the company you can trust for excellence in deck maintenance. We provide pressure washing, deck painting, wood staining, and waterproofing services. Additionally, we offer carpentry services, so that if your deck needs repair or renovation, it can all be arranged with one phone call!
Besides our deck maintenance services, Cherry Hill Painting also provides interior and exterior painting, remodeling, cabinet refinishing, wallpaper removal, and more! Call our office or use our online contact tool to arrange a free estimate today!